Employee Relations Consultant (Human Resource Analyst 3) – Two Openings

Messiah College; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is seeking an Employee Relations Consultant to provide guidance and expertise in human resources policy, employee and labor relations, and complaint investigations. This role requires strong interpersonal and analytical skills, offering a competitive benefits package in a dynamic work environment focused on protecting Oregon's natural resources.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) membership

Potential loan forgiveness under Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Qualifications

• 6 years of Human Resources experience.
• 3 years of professional-level HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Professional certification in HR is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on HR policy and labor relations.
• Conduct investigations on complaints and grievances.
• Collaborate with managers on HR strategies.

Skills

Employee and labor relations

Complaint investigations

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior or Development

Professional in Human Resource certification

Job description

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Employee Relations Consultant (Human Resource Analyst 3) – Two Openings

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to be a workplace where we share our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals, and while collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. We celebrate and appreciate diversity, champion equity, and treat each other with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical or mental disability.

Are you an experienced Human Resources professional with experience fostering leadership growth, resolving grievances, and collaborating on innovative Human Resources strategies that enhance organizational success? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) . At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, land, and water.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has 2 full-time opportunities available for an Employee Relations Consultant (Human Resources Analyst 3) in Portland, Oregon. One position is permanent, and one position is limited duration through December 31, 2025, with the potential of being extended and/or made permanent pending Budget and Legislature approvals. Limited Duration appointments are benefits eligible.

We are seeking individuals with experience in providing guidance on the application of Human Resource laws, policies, and the collective bargaining agreements. The Employee Relations Consultants’ daily work will combine technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and strategic thinking in offering consultation to help manage and mitigate risk. These positions will work independently and require team collaboration at times.

Employees who are permanently employed with the State of Oregon may choose to be considered as a job rotation candidate. To apply as a job rotation candidate, you must be currently in good standing and have written (e-mail, memo, etc.) approval from your current manager/supervisor to apply. Please attach your manager/supervisor’s written approval to your application. Limited duration, seasonal, and temporary employees are not eligible for a rotation at this time.

About DEQ!

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is the primary regulatory agency of the government of the U.S. State of Oregon responsible for protecting and enhancing the state's natural resources. Here is a video about DEQ: https://youtu.be/E-Cs6M9AAlU

The Central Services Division (CSD) assists the agency in achieving its mission by providing central management services for the agency in accounting, budgeting, information systems, human resources, health and safety, training, policy and organizational development, purchasing, and facilities management. CSD serves headquarters and 3 regional divisions, the Vehicle Inspection Program, and the Laboratory and Environmental Assessment Division. Services are provided for over 700 positions, various local and regional governments, and directly to citizens.

The Human Resources and Payroll Section of the Central Services Division (CSD) is located out of Headquarters in Portland. It provides a full range of human resource and payroll services, including, but not limited to: payroll, employee and labor relations, recruitment and selection, employee assistance and wellness, position classification and allocation, benefits and salary administration, guidance on policy and procedure, and record keeping.

Click here to view a map of all of the DEQ offices.

What you will do!

You will provide guidance and technical expertise to managers and employees in the areas of HR policy development, complaint investigations, employee and labor relations, and union contract interpretation and implementation.

You will consult and collaborate with agency managers, employees, union stewards and representatives, and other relevant parties to explore and resolve difficult workforce issues. You will consult and advise managers and employees on the interpretation and application of federal and state laws, rules, policies, and procedures, as well as the collective bargaining agreement and processes. You will coordinate and conduct investigations, gather information, and prepare written reports of findings for response to grievances, complaints, concerns, and workforce management issues related to discrimination, harassment, misconduct, policy violations, and other unlawful employment practices, all while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, policies, and procedures, and the collective bargaining agreement.

What’s in it for you!

The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! DEQ cares deeply about employee wellness and benefits. We offer a competitive benefits package that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) , and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) . If you are passionate about Oregon's environment, apply today!

This is a full-time, management service confidential position.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

• 6 years of Human Resources experience, with 4 of the 6 years at the professional level, OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior or Development, Business or Public Administration, the Applied Behavioral Sciences, Industrial Relations, or a related degree, AND 3 years of professional-level Human Resources experience, OR
• Professional in Human Resource certification awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute, AND 4 years of professional-level Human Resources experience

Substitutions:

• A master's degree in any of the above listed courses of study may substitute for 1 year of professional-level experience.
• A valid certification as a SHRM Certified Professionally awarded by the Society of Human Resources Management may substitute for 1 year of professional-level experience.
• The State Certified Human Resources Professional (SCHRP) certification awarded by the Oregon Chief Human Resource Office may substitute for 6 months of professional-level experience.

Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following desired attributes:

• Experience in employee and labor relations.
• Experience in complaint investigations, including coordinating and conducting investigations, gathering information, and preparing written reports of findings for a variety of grievances, complaints, and concerns, including misconduct, policy violations, discrimination, harassment, and other unlawful employment practices.
• Ability to investigate an issue to find the cause, document findings, and make recommendations on findings, while staying impartial and maintaining confidentiality.
• Experience in resolving workforce and workplace issues in a union environment.
• Experience explaining, interpreting, and applying Federal and State employment laws, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and Human Resource functions and best practices, and experience providing guidance to employees on all of these.
• Ability to establish a respectful and professional relationships with credibility with individuals, and provide objective coaching and guidance to employees and managers on complex and personnel issues; strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners including colleagues, managers, interested parties, and organizations.
• Highly motivated; a willingness to take initiative; ability to work creatively to find solutions; innovative; and excellent problem-solving skills involving detailed thinking for solving complex issues.
• Ability to use critical thinking and analytical skills to form independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information tailored to the needs of diverse audiences via various modes of communication, including presentations; skill in writing clear and concise reports that include qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions.

Working Conditions:

DEQ believes in a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employees are expected to contribute to a work environment that collectively values and benefits from respecting its diversity and promotes a culture of inclusiveness.

This position will be based out of DEQ’s Headquarters office in Portland and will require in-office work at least 1-2 days per month. The successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid work. The logistics of hybrid work will need to be worked out with the Hiring Manager prior to your hire and may be changed at any time given specific job duties and business needs. This position will require as needed travel to DEQ offices and sites. DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home.

Work is performed in a fast-paced professional office setting with multiple demands on time. This position involves interaction with other staff and the public, which may include interaction with hostile or upset individuals. This position requires frequent travel on official State business for meetings, trainings, investigation, and research, some of which may include overnight stays and/or overtime. Travel is approximately 10% of the time.

How to Apply: (complete the application in full)

• External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.
• Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for assistance.

Helpful Tips:

• Allow yourself plenty of time to complete and submit the application.
• Workday will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity.
• This posting closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed.
• Please save a copy of the job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job posting closes.
• Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.

Your application materials are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your amazing skills and experience. In addition to your related work experience and education, DEQ will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application materials.

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DEQ provides veterans’ preference points to all eligible veterans. For more information on veterans’ preference, please visit Veterans Resources , or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666. For privacy reasons, please do not attach veterans’ preference documents when initially applying. Instead, you will be asked to submit those at a later time as part of a future task in Workday.

Equal Pay Analysis:

As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with HB 2005, the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information. Please note: the salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95% (6% goes to PERS and .95% covers payroll taxes). Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

Work Authorization:

DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. DEQ is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

Questions/Need Help?

If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact DEQ’s Recruitment Team at [e-mail] or 503-229-5107. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.