Human Resources- Employee Relations Specialist

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
HOURS: M-F, Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $73,515- $91,894/yr
FULL SALARY RANGE: $73,515- $114,868/yr
LOCATION: Hastings ADC
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30pm on 4/16/2026

What You’ll Do

Join a team that makes a meaningful impact in the lives of Dakota County residents.

The HR – Employee Relations Specialist is a high-level individual contributor who works closely with HR management to deliver HR services, with a strong focus on workplace investigations, employee relations, management consultation and performance management, and leading HR initiatives. In collaboration with the HR Deputy Director, this position will assist in coordinating the work within the department necessary to meet the goals of Human Resources. While this position does not supervise staff, it provides guidance and consultation across the department.

The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, highly organized, experienced in handling complex HR matters, demonstrates exceptional judgment and manages sensitive and confidential information with discretion. The HR – Employee Relations Specialist is expected to carry out independent work and keep their manager informed of issues.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third-largest county, with more than 400,000 residents. Guided by our values—Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation—we work to provide excellent public service and foster a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We promote an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves.

MUST HAVE: 
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a closely related field
AND
  • Two years of experience providing HR generalist services, including conducting employment investigations.
OR
  •  A combination of education and experience totaling six years, with at least two years of direct HR generalist experience, including conducting employment investigations.
 

NICE TO HAVE: 

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Labor/Management Relations, Industrial Relations, or a closely related field
• Professional HR Certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PHR) 
• Previous public sector HR experience

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Conduct workplace investigations of employee complaints alleging violation of County policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable workplace laws and regulations.
2. Participate in labor relations negotiations and committees, maintain and assist with the implementation of labor relations policies and procedures, and ensure that collective bargaining agreements are accurate and timely processed.
3. Review and interpret contract language, investigate alleged unfair labor practices, and assist with managing grievances and arbitrations. 
4. Field and respond to employee relations inquiries from staff in consultation with appropriate internal stakeholders.
5. Partner with HR Deputy Director to lead complex HR projects that support strategic goals and organizational improvements.
6. Interpret, administer, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, HR policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
7. Provide training, education, and instruction to customers/stakeholders on a variety of topics.
8. Serve as a subject matter expert to internal stakeholders and, when appropriate, external agencies.
9. Provide guidance on best practices for recruitment and hiring, performance management, progressive discipline, employee relations, and personnel related issues.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases, projects, and competing deadlines efficiently.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion. 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and HRIS systems.
• Knowledge of management/labor relations trends, human resource practices and principles.
• Knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting county government.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to interpret policies, labor contracts, rules, ordinances, standards, and guidelines.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to deliver messages and communications professionally and positively.
• Expertise in employee relations, investigations, recruitment and selection, and HR policy interpretation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex situations and develop effective, actionable solutions.

Work Environment 
Work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. Equipment used may include a laptop, printer, telephone, copier, fax, and calculator.
 
Location & Schedule
This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Administration Center in Hastings, MN. Work is primarily performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Benefits
   Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.

• Excellent work-life balance.
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year).
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday.
• Pension with a generous employer contribution.
• Ability to work from home some of the time.

Selection Process
   You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions.

• We assign you a score based on your qualifications.
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration.
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer.
• We extend a conditional offer and conduct background checks.