Human Resource Manager

Salary: $36.05 - $58.36 Hourly
Location : City Hall, AK
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 24-00013
Department: Admin/City Manager
Opening Date: 03/29/2024
Closing Date: 4/15/2024 5:00 PM Alaska
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.
Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Leaving sections of the application blank, noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
At time of application, applicants are requested to submit:

• Copy of academic transcripts (unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcript) if using education to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Three (3) professional references, two of which must be from a current or former supervisor.
• Reference requests are automatically sent upon submission of your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be sure to read each question carefully, answers cannot be changed once your application is submitted. Supplemental questions regarding certification, licenses or experience will be verified against information in your application and/or resume, failing to list required experience may cause your application to be denied.
EDUCATION
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.
EEO STATEMENT
The City of Palmer complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-907-761-1302. The City of Palmer is an equal opportunity employer.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 the City of Palmer prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use by an employee of a controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 812), and as further defined by policy at 21 CFR 1308.11 - 1308.15 is prohibited in any workplace of the city.
Any individual who conducts business for the city, applies for a position or conducts business on the city's property is covered by the drug-free workplace policy. The policy includes, but is not limited to, all employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and applicants.
NOTICE
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at
General Functions/Distinguishing Characteristics
In order to be considered for the position, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job description, candidates must submit:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
• Typed Resume

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for performing HR-related duties on a professional level and works closely with senior management in supporting all employees. This position carries out responsibilities in the following functional areas: benefits administration, employee relations, training, performance management, onboard/offboarding, policy development and implementation, recruitment/employment, and employment law compliance. The person in this position shall be the Personnel Director for the City of Palmer.
The Human Resources Manager must have exceptional organizational skills to meet the increased scope and complexity of city requirements and documentation. The Human Resources Manager must have the ability to prioritize, work independently and to meet important deadlines. Work is characterized by the broad scope and extent of the responsibility, the requirement to interpret regulations, state, and Federal laws, develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with governing civil rights.
Work is performed with considerable independence within prescribed guidelines and procedures and involves considerable judgement and discretion in carrying out assignments. Work involves the handling of confidential files and requires the employee to maintain the confidentiality of employer/employee communications/issues.
Essential Functions & Duties

• Serve as an advisor to the City Manager and Department Directors on handling performance or disciplinary issues, complaints and grievances, inappropriate behavior, and other aspects of employee issues that may arise. Manages complex employee relations issues from coaching up to termination. Interpret regulations, polices, and procedures to ensure consistent application, ensuring precedence and past practice are taken into consideration.
  
• Responsible for creating, updating, and implementing current and new city policies and regulations concerning employment and benefits, taking into account both Federal and state regulations/laws regarding employment, benefits and other related areas.
  
• Leads city compliance with all existing governmental and labor legal and reporting requirements including any related to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Alaska Family Leave Act (AFLA), Department of Labor, workers' compensation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Federal Motor Carriers Association (FMSCA), and so forth.
  
• Implements employee benefit programs and informs employees of benefits by studying and assessing benefit needs and trends; recommending benefit programs to management; processing enrollments and changes, obtaining and evaluating benefit contract bids.
  
• Ensures planning, monitoring, and appraisal of employee work results by training managers to coach and discipline employees; scheduling management conferences with employees; hearing and resolving employee grievances; counseling employees and supervisors. Perform internal investigations with confidentiality and in a time sensitive manner.
  
• Prepares employees for assignments by establishing and conducting orientation and training programs.
  
• Oversee, monitor, and manage employment leave programs such as FMLA, AFLA, unpaid leave, ADA (including managing the interactive process on behalf of the city). Provide technical guidance to managers and employees on complex leave and accommodation scenarios.
  
• Serve as Risk Management for the City of Palmer. File, manage, monitor all workers' compensation injuries, auto and property damage claims. Work with outside agencies regarding claims, return to work, payments and policy renewals. Develop and implement procedures to ensure city employees work in a safe manner adhering to standard safety practices.
  
• Establish and maintain files, records, and other Human Resources information both via hard copy and various electronic systems. Maintain employee files and records in compliance with various laws and regulations.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Personal Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business or Public Administration or a related field.
  
• Five or more years of professional related experience in Human Resources in a generalist capacity with demonstrated experience and expertise in employee relations, performance management, workplace investigations, leave management, benefits administration, workplace planning and staffing.
  
• Relevant education credentials including HR certifications (IPMA-HR, HRCI, or SHRM) or the ability to obtain credentials within 12 months of hire.
  
• Valid Alaska driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  Considerable knowledge of employment law and the ability to apply federal, state, and local laws and internal policies and procedures to all HR matters communications, and services.
  
• Knowledge of how to assess, coach, investigate and write employee relations reports, conduct investigations, and prepare written findings; document performance issues and prepare responses to grievances, etc.
  
• Ability to understand and maintain the highly sensitive and confidential nature of information in employer/employee relationships and records.
  
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite - Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, must be comfortable and efficient with HRIS systems.
  
• Demonstrated ability to apply organizational development principles and practices to work performed.
  
• Ability to investigate, problem solve and reach conclusions using objective, unbiased approaches, and methods.
  Ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, policies and convey information to customers to assist them in accomplishing their strategic and operational goals and objectives.
  
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaborative skills. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trust-based relationships, both individually and collectively over time with colleagues and customers.
  
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to listen and assess the needs of the customer. Proven skills in listening to customers' needs and communicating accurate information concerning processes, policies, regulations and procedures.
  
• Ability to maintain and prepare records, reports, and forms accurately and effectively.
  
• Skilled in organizing work/assignments efficiently and consistently producing quality work and accuracy of information/data provided.
  
• Skilled in planning and delivering products and services efficiently and effectively.

Supplemental Information
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
The benefits outlined below are for eligble full-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week.
Health, dental and vision insurance is available thru Premera BCBS. The City provides a life insurance policy thru MetLife as well as a short-term disability (STD) policy and an employee assistance program is available to all City employees (regardless of the number of hours worked) in addition to thier eligible dependents.
All employees in this category are enrolled in the State of Alaska Division of Retirement PERs program.
Supplemental benefits are available from Colonial Life, AFLAC, Allstate and MetLife as well as several 457 plans. These supplemental benefits are employee paid.
Information regarding leave benefits can be viewed in Palmer Municipal Code, Title 4 at https://palmer.municipal.codes/ or by contacting Human Resources at humanresources@palmerak.org
01
Do you have a valid Alaska driver's license with an acceptable driving record or are you able to obtain a valid Alaska driver's license within thirty (30) days of hire?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have knowledge of and experience with the complete Microsoft Office Suite, including, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

04
APPLICANT'S SWORN STATEMENT AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE I hereby affirm all the information I provided or will provide to the City of Palmer relating to my application for employment, whether by written application form, resume, oral statement or otherwise, is true and complete to be the best of my knowledge. In addition, I agree that any intentional misrepresentation or omission and any material negligent or innocent misrepresentation or omission in or from said information may disqualify me from further consideration for employment any may be considered justification for immediate discharge from employment if discovered at a later date. I hereby authorize any person, organization, or governmental entity, including any current or former employer, to release to the City of Palmer or any authorized person acting on behalf of the City, any and all information, in any manner requested, which may be relevant to my character or qualifications for the City position for which I applied. I authorize current and former employers to give to the City of Palmer any and all employment records in their possession dealing with me, including, but not limited to, job descriptions, wage information, employment records, performance appraisals, disciplinary records, layoff slips, attendance records, reports, or other documents relevant to my application for work or actual employment with the employer, including records relevant to drug and alcohol tests conducted by or on behalf of the employer or in the possession of the employer. I also authorize the release of information and written records concerning my educational history, driving records, and criminal or civil actions. I request that all persons and organizations cooperate fully in providing information to the City, including allowing the interviewing of supervisors, co-workers, educators, or other references. I hereby release all persons, employers, organizations, governme...