Human Resources Officer I (Generalist)

$71,987 - $105,243/Yr

City Of Ames - Ames, IA

Full-time - Entry Level

Ames, IA

Utilities

About the position

The City of Ames is seeking a Human Resources Officer I to join its team. This position is essential in performing professional work in various human resources functions, including job analysis, recruitment and selection, classification, compensation, employee benefits, equal employment opportunity/diversity, employee development, employee relations, and labor relations. The Human Resources Officer I will work under general direction and will be responsible for conducting recruitments for positions at all levels, coordinating activities with hiring departments and other Human Resources staff. This role will also involve screening applicants, developing and administering selection examinations, and referring qualified candidates to the appointing authority. In addition to recruitment, the Human Resources Officer I will assist with analyzing proposed or existing positions to determine appropriate classification and pay grade, preparing class specifications, and conducting compensation surveys. The officer will also engage in labor relations activities, including collective bargaining, and will assist in preparing cost analyses of bargaining proposals. The role requires the completion of special projects, planning and conducting surveys, and performing both quantitative and non-quantitative analyses to develop recommendations and prepare reports for management. The Human Resources Officer I will also provide guidance to supervisors on routine employee relations issues, audit performance appraisals, and coordinate Employee Development Center programs. This position requires a commitment to the City of Ames' values, which include continuous improvement, creativity, customer service, data-driven decision-making, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and teamwork. The ideal candidate will be able to maintain a positive work culture and deliver exceptional services to the public.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts recruitments for positions at all levels, coordinating activities with hiring department and other Human Resources staff.
• Identifies appropriate recruitment areas and advertising media.
• Screens applicants; develops and administers selection examinations including written tests, performance tests, and interviews; identifies, orients, and oversees subject matter experts; refers qualified candidates to the appointing authority.
• Assists with analyzing proposed or existing positions to determine appropriate classification and/or pay grade and preparing class specifications; conducts compensation surveys and analyzes results; makes recommendations to management.
• Assists with labor relations activities such as collective bargaining; surveys and analyzes compensation and other practices of comparable employers; prepares cost analyses of bargaining proposals; assists in preparation for impasse proceedings.
• Completes special projects as assigned; plans and conducts surveys; performs quantitative and non-quantitative analyses; draws conclusions; develops recommendations; prepares and presents reports to management.
• Assists supervisors and employees with routine policy information and interpretation; provides guidance to supervisors on routine employee relations issues.
• Audits performance appraisals.
• Plans and coordinates Employee Development Center programs, including curriculum development, marketing/publicity, selection and retention of instructors, evaluation of programs, and/or facilitation of classes.
• Administers or coordinates other specific human resource programs or activities, such as Family and Medical Leave Act, and other activities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least three (3) years of professional level HR generalist experience.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of the human resources profession including job analysis, recruitment, selection, testing, classification, wage and salary, benefits, labor relations, employee relations, organizational development, performance management, equal employment opportunity, and affirmative action.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of adult education as applied to employee development.
• Knowledge of laws and legislative trends related to human resources management.
• Skill in navigating tough conversations with personnel across the organization and articulating challenges followed with proposed solutions.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with employees, management, outside individuals and groups, and applicants.

Nice-to-haves

• Public sector Human Resources experience is preferred, but not required.
• Candidates holding any of the following certifications is preferred, but not required: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or CLRP.

Benefits

• Loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.