HR Director

Water Resources Group; Deerwood (MN); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Water Resources Group in Deerwood, MN seeks an HR Director to lead the day-to-day HR function, partner with leadership, strengthen HR processes, ensure compliance, and support growth across WRG's multiple locations.

You will build and guide the HR team, oversee recruitment, benefits, payroll collaboration, HRIS/ATS, and ensure employment law compliance. SHRM certification and construction industry background are preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Experience with HR compliance, employee relations, and HR process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop HR team (Recruiter, HR Specialist, Employee Coordinator).
• Partner with leadership on employee relations, performance, staffing, and organizational needs.
• Oversee recruiting and talent acquisition across WRG.
• Develop, improve, and maintain HR policies and processes.
• Oversee HR systems and technology (HRIS, ATS).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Support benefits administration and employee programs.
• Coordinate payroll processes with Finance and other departments.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Discretion

HR policy interpretation

Employee relations

Talent acquisition

Payroll knowledge

Union and non-union labor practices

HR systems & technology

Performance management

Workforce planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business/psychology

Associate degree with relevant experience

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred

Tools

Cloud-based HRIS & ATS

Microsoft Office Suite

BambooHR experience a plus

Job description

HR Director

Location: Deerwood, MN

Primary Function

The HR Director is responsible for leading and coordinating the day-to-day HR function across WRG. This role partners with company leadership to support employees, strengthen HR processes and systems, maintain compliance, and develop practices that support WRG’s continued growth.

This is a hands-on leadership role within a self-performing civil construction organization operating across multiple entities and locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the HR team, including the Recruiter, HR Specialist, and Employee Coordinator.
• Partner with leadership and managers on employee relations, performance management, staffing, and organizational needs.
• Oversee recruiting and talent acquisition processes across WRG.
• Develop, improve, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and processes.
• Oversee HR systems and technology, including the HRIS and ATS.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Support benefits administration and employee programs.
• Partner with Finance and other departments on payroll processes and labor-related matters.
• Support both union and non-union labor practices, as applicable to WRG operations.
• Develop and maintain HR reporting and compliance documentation.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Develop and manage the HR department budget.
• Identify opportunities to improve employee experience and HR operations.
• Provide guidance and support to leaders and managers on HR-related matters.
• Build strong working relationships with employees and leaders across WRG’s office and field operations.

Accountability

• Leadership and development of the HR team
• HR systems and technology
• HR processes, policies, and procedures
• Employee relations and HR support
• Legal and employment compliance
• Talent acquisition and workforce planning
• Benefits and HR administration
• HR department budget
• Succession planning and organizational development

Education and Licensing

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field preferred. An associate degree in a related field may be considered based on relevant experience.

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification is preferred.

Practical Knowledge

• Human Resources Management
• Employee Relations
• Employment Law and HR Compliance
• Talent Acquisition and Recruiting
• Administration Benefits
• Payroll Processes and Labor Practices
• Union and Non-Union Labor Practices
• HR Systems and Technology
• Performance Management
• Workforce and Succession Planning
• Business Administration
• Team Leadership and Development

Work Experience

5+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership or direct people-management responsibilities.

Experience should include demonstrated responsibility for HR compliance, employee relations, employment practices, and the development or improvement of HR processes.

Experience leading or developing a small HR team across multiple functional areas is preferred.

Experience in construction, skilled trades, field services, or a similar operational industry is preferred.

Experience working within a structured management system such as EOS is a plus.

Software and Applications

• Cloud-based HRIS and ATS platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite
• BambooHR experience is a plus

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive employee matters
• Ability to interpret and apply HR policies and employment requirements
• Solutions-oriented approach to complex HR issues
• Ability to work effectively with both office and field employees
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees and leaders at all levels
• Adaptability and willingness to improve processes and systems
• Strong judgment, discretion, and follow-through

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Range: $125,000 - $135,000

About WRG

WRG is a family-owned, second-generation civil construction organization with more than 40 years in business. WRG specializes in water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, along with heavy civil and commercial/industrial construction.

WRG operates under the EOS framework and serves the Upper Midwest and Mountain West regions with approximately 420 employees.

As WRG continues to grow, this role provides an opportunity to help build and strengthen the company’s HR function, systems, processes, and team.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Water Resources Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Recruiting Agency Notice

Water Resources Group does not accept unsolicited resumes or phone calls from staffing or recruiting agencies for this position.