Human Resources Investigations and Employee Relations Specialist

POSTING TYPE:
Open competitive
DEPARTMENT:
Human Resources

HOURS:

Full-time, Monday-Friday
HIRING RANGE: $73,515- $82,705 /year (Grade Level 108)
SALARY RANGE: $73,515- $114,868 /year

LOCATION:

Hastings ADC
UNION:
None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 1/30/2026

This position performs investigative and employee relations duties for Dakota County under the direction of the Human Resource Director and Deputy Director.

Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values:
Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field
• One year of experience in negotiating, interpreting and/or administering labor agreements
• One year of experience in conducting workplace investigations
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which must include at least one year of experience in conducting workplace investigations AND one year of experience in negotiation, interpreting, and/or administering labor agreements.

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Labor/Management Relations, Industrial Relations, or a closely related field
• PHR/SHRM Certifications or similar
• Previous public sector experience is strongly preferred

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in negotiating, interpreting and/or administering labor agreements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of investigations and examinations in labor/management relations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Ability and skill to develop, design, implement and monitor comprehensive programs, systems, policies and procedures in the labor relations examination areas.
• Comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs and HRIS.
• Knowledge of wage and hour laws and regulations, management/labor relations trends, human resource practices and principles.
• Knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting county government.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively while working on multi projects at one time.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, cooperative and meaningful working relationships with County staff, representatives of government and private sector, policy-makers, the general public, and elected officials.
• Ability to understand and apply rules, ordinances, standards and guidelines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to deliver messages and communications professionally and positively.
• Ability to organize work tasks and use time effectively.

Work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. May require occasional travel.

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring