Human Resources Intern

City of Red Wing; Red Wing (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Red Wing is seeking an entry-level HR assistant to support day-to-day activities, focusing on staffing, onboarding, benefits, and compliance. You will enter data, maintain confidential personnel records, answer questions, and assist with license checks and pre-employment testing.

The role requires strong organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a dynamic city environment.

Qualifications

• Currently or recently enrolled in a post-secondary education program in human resources management, public administration or related field.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel) and HRIS systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with staffing/recruitment, onboarding, benefits, employee relations and compliance.
• Enter data and documents; maintain confidential personnel materials.
• Scan records and maintain centralized personnel records for all employees.
• Provide customer service via email, phone and in person on HR issues.
• Support administrative projects and assist HR staff as needed.

Skills

Communications

Public speaking

Microsoft Office

Laserfiche

Payroll/HRIS

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Education

HR education

Tools

Word processing

Web-based systems

Job description

Assist with the city's day-to-day human resources activities and special projects, focusing on staffing/recruitment, workers' compensation, and record retention. Requires a high degree of confidentiality, ensuring sensitive information is handled with the utmost discretion. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, agile in responding to changing priorities, and capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently. Additional support may be provided in other HR areas.

Interview: Mid-November 2026
Position Start Date: January 2027

• Gain exposure to core HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits, employee relations, and compliance.
• Assist with strategic HR projects, such as employee engagement initiatives, policy updates, wellness programs, and HR data analysis
• Enter data and documents into computer system regarding employees; maintain confidential and privileged personnel materials for the department.
• Scan records, maintain and organize the centralized permanent personnel records and files for all employees.
• Receive, distribute, and prepare mailings and email communications.
• Help organize the HR shared drive.
• Assist with running license checks, reference checks, applicant tracking, and scheduling pre-employment testing.
• Provide exceptional customer service via email, phone and in person to staff and the public on human resource related issues, provide outreach and answer questions.
• Assist the Human Resources Manager or other department staff with a variety of administrative support duties and projects

Experience Required: None.

Minimum Education Requirements:Must be currently or recently enrolled in a post-secondary education program in human resources management, public administration or related field.

Certification: Valid MN Class D driver's license or equivalent. Must be proficient in the use of computer equipment and software including word processing and web-based systems.

Physical

• Normal office environment.
• Lifts to 25-40 pounds.
• May be required to travel to City locations and other functions.

Knowledge

• Principles of human resources management.
• Administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Thorough understanding of City's functions, policies, and procedures.

Skills

• Good written and oral communications and relational skills.
• Follow and relay complex oral and written instructions, policies and procedures.
• Good presentation and public speaking skills.
• Familiarity with computer programs including Microsoft Office software especially Word and Excel, Laserfiche, payroll/Human Resources Information Systems.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including computer terminal, printer, calculator, fax, and copier.

Abilities

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with a diverse group of associates and employees of the City.
• Work with interruptions.
• Strong attention to detail.