Employee Relations Investigator - LR Consultant 1

Minnesota IT Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) is seeking an Employee Relations Investigator to lead enterprise-level investigations, employee relations, and labor relations across the agency. You will serve as a subject matter expert, guiding on grievances, investigations, and settlements while partnering with HR leadership on high-risk matters.

The role requires strong interviewing, analytical, and communication skills, with experience in union contract administration and state/federal employment law.

Qualifications

• Position requires a minimum of three (3) years of experience conducting employee investigations, including interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and analyzing findings.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment with strong organizational skills and to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, research, and analytical skills with the ability to gather, evaluate, and interpret information, exercise sound judgement, and develop objective, well supported recommendations.
• Knowledge of investigative principles and techniques for conducting employee investigations and in assessing and recommending appropriate corrective action.
• Knowledge of personnel laws, rules, and administrative procedures, and the ability to apply them to employee-related issues and actions; working knowledge of state and federal employment laws.
• Experience with union contract administration and interpretation.
• Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach to problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Provide enterprise-level leadership in employee investigations, employee relations, and labor relations.
• Serve as the agency’s subject matter expert and mitigate risk through timely, objective investigations of misconduct, policy violations, and performance issues.
• Deliver expert guidance on grievances, arbitrations, and settlement strategies.
• Partner with HR leadership on high-risk, high-visibility matters with legal, operational and reputational implications.
• Provide strategic HR consultation to assigned accounts, driving performance management and policy compliance.
• Serve as management representative in collective bargaining as needed and contribute input to agency strike plans.

Skills

Employee investigations

Interviewing witnesses

Evidence collection

Analytical skills

Judgment & decision making

Labor relations

Communication skills

Union contract administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

LaborSoft

HRIS systems

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes -
• Education Verification

Working Title: Employee Relations Investigator

Job Class: Labor Relations Consultant 1

Agency: Minnesota IT Services

• Job ID: 97961
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes -
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/28/2026
• Closing Date: 11/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota IT Services
• Division/Unit: Human Resources/Labor Relations Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Join the 2,800+ professionals of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) who connect Minnesotans to services that will improve their lives. This position joins a dynamic and agile Human Resources Team comprised of 24 talented Labor Relations, Safety, Recruitment, Staffing, HRIS, Transactions, and Learning and Development professionals.

As a Labor Relations Investigator, you will provide enterprise-level leadership in employee investigations, employee relations, and labor relations. Serving as the agency’s subject matter expert, the position mitigates organizational risk through timely, objective investigations of misconduct, policy violations, and performance issues, and delivers expert guidance on grievances, arbitrations, and settlement strategies. The role partners closely with HR leadership on high‑risk, high‑visibility matters with significant legal, operational, and reputational implications. Additionally, it provides strategic HR consultation to assigned accounts, driving effective performance management, labor relations outcomes, and policy compliance.

This position will also serve as management representative in collective bargaining as needed, will initiate, review and have access to employer proposals for collective bargaining, and will access to the direct input towards agency strike plans.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify, candidates must clearly show all of the following qualifications in their resume. Resume tips available here:

Position requires a minimum of three (3) years of experience conducting employee investigations, including interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and analyzing findings.

• Managing multiple priorities in a fast paced environment with sense of urgency, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, research, and analytical skills with the ability to gather, evaluate, and interpret information, exercise sound judgement, and develop objective, well supported recommendations.
• Knowledge of investigative principles and techniques for conducting employee investigations and in assessing and recommending appropriate corrective action.
• Knowledge of personnel laws, rules, and administrative procedures, and the ability to apply them to employee-related issues and actions. Working knowledge of applicable state and federal employment laws, including Minnesota and federal labor and employment statutes, sufficient to interpret requirements and provide guidance to HR staff, managers, and supervisors.
• Experience with union contract administration and interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a manner that facilitates mutual understanding.
• Customer-focused approach grounded in active listening, empathy, and solution‑oriented problem solving to deliver positive user experiences.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting or leading employee investigations involving misconduct, performance concerns, harassment, discrimination, or policy violations including preparing investigative reports and recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field, with experience in public sector human resources.
• Experience leading enterprise‑employee investigations involving employee misconduct, performance, discrimination, or policy violations including preparing investigative reports and recommendations.
• Experience designing and delivering impactful training programs for employees and leadership coupled with strong project management skills to ensure effective planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Demonstrate professionalism, active listening, empathy, and neutrality especially in handling sensitive or emotionally charged situations and make sound judgement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to clearly convey information and build constructive, respectful relationships across all organizational level and produce clear, concise investigative reports.
• Ability to work independent and collaboratively while effectively using technology for documentation, analysis, tracking, and reporting. Experience with HRIS systems and case management systems such as LaborSoft.

Additional Requirements

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• Other legally required checks

Minnesota IT Services does not participate in the federal E‑Verify program. Minnesota IT Services is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F‑1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I‑9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E‑Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Connect 700 Program

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Human Resources at [e-mail].

Veterans

To be considered for any Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application.

RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS (RSV):

Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. You must:

• Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
• Meet all of the RSV criteria.
• Submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date to: [e-mail]

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS:

Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if you:

• Meet service requirements and have a verified service‑connected disability rating of at least 30%.
• Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
• Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
• You must submit all documentation by the closing date to: [e-mail]

Current State Employees

• Current State Employees: Please note that employment provisions (including but not limited to seniority and leave accrual) vary among the three branches of Minnesota State government. When considering a job with another branch of state government, you are highly encouraged to explore these differences. For assistance, please direct questions to your current or anticipated Human Resources office.

About Minnesota IT Services

Minnesota IT Services is the information technology agency for the State of Minnesota. MNIT partners with agencies, boards, councils, and commissions to deliver secure, reliable technology solutions as we set IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards statewide. Work for MNIT and be part of a nation‑leading IT organization that helps to create an innovative government that works for everyone. Our culture promotes collaboration, demands agility, and encourages us to embrace change. Be a part of something bigger than yourself, something to be inspired by; come to work for MNIT.

Working together to improve the state we love.

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.