Human Resources Generalist

City of Blaine; Blaine (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Blaine seeks a senior HR Generalist to lead complex HR initiatives, coordinate department projects, and provide advanced support across all HR functions. This on-site role emphasizes project leadership and policy development in a public sector setting.

You will guide labor relations activities, assist with negotiations, and mentor HR staff while ensuring consistent application of HR practices. Public sector experience is a plus, with collaboration across departments to improve

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, Office Administration, or related field.
• Experience leading HR projects or initiatives.
• Experience in employee relations and policy administration.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HRIS systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex HR initiatives and department projects.
• Coordinate and oversee HR programs including classification, compensation, and job descriptions.
• Assist with unemployment, benefits, and labor relations processes.
• Support policy development and implementation across the organization.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to HR staff and ensure consistent HR practices.
• Coordinate performance management and employee development programs.

Skills

HR project leadership

Employee relations

Policy administration

Data analysis

Communication skills

HRIS proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The HR Generalist serves as the senior-level HR professional responsible for leading complex HR initiative, coordinating department projects, and providing advanced support across all functional areas of HR. This position acts as the manager's lead resource for project implementation, labor relations preparation, policy development, and operational coordination while providing guidance and mentoring the HR staff.

The HR generalist assists the HR manager during collective bargaining negotiations by conducting research, preparing data analyses, coordinating proposals, documenting negotiations, and implementing negotiated contract changes, this position also leads department-wide projects, serves as the manager in the manager's absence when assigned and helps ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures. These examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed and are not necessarily all inclusive. The job description is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and oversee department projects, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and project objectives are met.
• Assist with the City's classification system, including job analysis and compensation. Coordinates, and develops position descriptions, incorporating ADA requirements, for all City departments.
• Processes unemployment claims, including representing the City before the administrative Judge at Unemployment Hearings.
• Assists with benefit administration for the City's benefit program for all employees, including open enrollment.
• Coordinate cross-functional HR initiatives involving recruitment, classification and compensation, employee engagement, HR technology, and organizational development
• Provide guidance and technical support to HR staff on procedures
• Assist with prioritizing departmental workloads and coordinating assignments.
• Serve as a lead resource for complex HR issues and special projects
• Act on behalf of the HR manager during assigned meetings or projects
• Performs labor/employee relations activities including contract negotiations, mediation and arbitration; working with outside professionals as needed; and conducting research and preparation for labor relations processes.
• Research labor market trends, contract language, compensation data, and comparable agency practices
• Prepare cost analyses, financial models, and supporting documentation for negotiation proposals.
• Coordinate bargaining logistics, agendas, proposal tracking, and meeting materials.
• Maintain negotiation records and prepare bargaining summaries
• Assist with drafting MOU's, letters and contract language
• Coordinate implementation of negotiated contract provisions, including policy updates, payroll changes, benefit modifications and employee communications.
• Monitor labor agreement compliance and assist with contract interpretation
• Administer advanced employee relations matters and assist with investigation
• Participate in recruitment and selection activities for key positions
• Assist with classification, compensation and organizational structure reviews
• Develop and update HR policies, procedures, and administrative guidelines
• Coordinate performance management employee development programs
• Assist with compliance initiative and employment law implementation
• Lead implementation of HR technology improvements and process enhancements
• Coordinate annual HR initiative such as performance evaluations, compensation programs, benefit enrollment and training
• Develop project plans, timelines, communication strategies, and status reports
• Identify opportunities for operations efficiencies and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with department leaders on organizational initiative.
• Analyze workforce data to support strategic decision-making
• Prepare reports related to staffing, turnover, compensation, labor costs, and organizational trends.
• Develop executive-level presentations and reports
• Monitor project metrics and evaluate outcome
• Other duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of HR principles and employment laws.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining principles, labor agreements, and public sector labor relations
• Strong project management and organization skills
• Ability to coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with leadership, supervisor's employees and union representatives
• Skill in preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, HRIS systems, and excel

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, Office Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience leading HR projects or initiatives
• Experience in employee relations and policy administration
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HRIS systems

Desirable Requirements

• Public sector HR experience
• Experience supporting collective bargaining negotiations
• HR certification such as SHRM-or IPMA
• Experience with classification and compensation studies
• Experience implementing HR technology or process improvement initiatives

Supervision of Others

• No supervisory responsibilities

Physical Requirements

• Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
• Sedentary Work:Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally.