Public Works Human Resources Manager

Your Mission

As the human resources manager for Public Works, you will provide expert guidance and recommendations to Public Works management staff on employee relations, recruitment and retention services. You will have an opportunity to build strong partnerships and develop a robust understanding of public works infrastructure programs as you provide technical expertise to leaders across the department. Coordinating your program with the City’s Employee Resource Center team will be a critical collaboration for your team.  

Key responsibilities will include:  

• Guiding PW managers on employee relations issues, including assisting with investigations and resolutions of employee conduct complaints that foster and support a collaborative and effective management-labor relationship; 
• Managing recruitment and selection activities for Public Works teams to attract top talent and continue building a diverse and creative workforce;
• Consulting with other City HR professionals on training and mentor programs that encourage professional development and build a culture of innovation, collaboration and increases employee engagement; 
• Providing professional administrative staff assistance to division managers and the Executive Director. 

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who has: 

• A proven track record of handling workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and policy development;
• Demonstrated strong emotional intelligence and relationship-building capabilities; 
• The skill in exercising diplomacy, discretion and tact in dealing with sensitive, complex and highly confidential issues and situations.
• Committed to promoting a respectful and healthy workplace;
• Strong analytical skills in using metrics to identify trends and underlying issues in disputes or grievances;
• A proven ability to manage multiple employee relations and engagement projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while ensuring accurate outputs; 
• Ability to clearly present proposals and recommendations to Public Works leaders and mentor supervisors on best practices.

A Day in the Life of a PW Human Resources Manager

As a member of the Public Works Administration human resource team, your day will involve a blend of mentoring your team, addressing time-sensitive employee concerns or policy clarifications, collaboration with various program managers, summarizing analyses you’ve completed, and working towards your professional development goals. A typical week could look like: 

• Providing professional guidance to a supervisor working through an employee performance concern; 
• Providing reviews and recommendations to the Public Works Executive Director on City policies and highlighting how the change will impact Public Works operations; 
• Partner with your team of three in PW HR and your ERC partners in refining employee engagement strategies across the department, or with a specific work team;  
• Assist your recruitment specialist, on your team, in hiring efforts or onboarding new employees;
• Respond to questions from AFSCME union leadership on an employee concerns and/or grievances;  
• Attend team meetings, work independently on projects and grow your career with the City through 1:1 development time. 

Public Works

Public Works is dedicated to building a diverse and healthy workplace, one where employees feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. We strive for Public Works to have a personality that celebrates our accomplishments, encourages learning and growth, and promotes the wellbeing of all our employees. 

This position is eligible for flexible work hours and we offer family-friendly benefits to all our employees: 

• Retirement Plans
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Paid Time Off
• Opportunities to work on City-wide initiatives
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible spending accounts for transportation, childcare and healthcare

Classification:  Senior Management Analyst
Salary Range:   $43.65 - $58.93 / hourly; $90,792.00 - $122,574.40 / annually
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA). 
Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as benefits packages. 
Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

Employee Relations: 

You will be responsible for managing, planning, organizing, and directing a comprehensive departmental employee relations and human resource program in coordination with the City’s Employee Resource Center. This will include developing policies, procedures, processes and methods consistent with stated objectives, organizational policies and Federal and State laws. 

You’ll be a critical partner with supervisors who experience an employee performance concern on their team. PW supervisors will rely on your consultation and guidance on issues of employee relations including counseling management, grievance process oversight and direction; monitoring and guiding staff through work situation or environment complaints; managing and guiding investigatory processes; composing and/or editing disciplinary and coaching documents; guiding and/or delivering necessary discipline

Some employee relation cases may involve your participation in arbitration preparation and presentations and you may need to testify at hearings and court proceedings.

Ensuring compliance along with fair and consistent application of policies across the six divisions within the department and the organization in coordination with the Employee Resource Center is a critical responsibility. This can entail analysis for individual cases or analysis of trends and processes across the department. You will act as a consultant and resource to managers on issues of policy, law and best practice.

You will deliver critical information and guidance to department management and other internal staff on the interpretation and administration of labor contracts, employment law, personnel policies, and procedures. And you will also serve as a resource on ADA compliance and employee benefits including protected leave issues such as FMLA/OFLA/PFMLA.

Recruitment, Selection and Retention:  

You will be responsible for managing and coordinating the activities and operations of the department’s recruitment & selection program. This will include implementing ongoing improvements to the department's recruitment processes and ensuring that activities meet professional human resources standards and are efficient and legally defensible hiring practices.

Providing technical expertise and oversight in the areas of classification and compensation, as well as training, coaching and facilitation to Public Works or in partnership with Employee Resource Center. The City encourages professional development in five competencies for all employees, and additional competencies for supervisors. You and your team will assist in researching, developing and implementing trainings, in coordination with the Employee Resource Center, for PW employees. You may also assist supervisors in developing individual training plans for their team(s).  

Public Works Administration Team:

Everyone needs a team and as part of Public Works Administration, you will be a member of the division’s management team. You will participate in the development of division’s goals, objectives, policies and procedures. This includes assisting in the development of the division work plan and budget, and monitoring expenditures. 

You will supervise and lead a team of two to three professional and administrative staff.  This includes the full range of supervisory duties such as hiring, coaching, terminating, planning, prioritizing, coordinating, and reviewing the work of your team.  You will be an important representative on a variety of City committees and task teams.  Your program’s services will align with and support the advancement of a work environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all employees.

Partnering with PW management teams across the department to achieve business outcomes and goals is an important advisory role you may be asked to fulfill.  This will entail contributing to strategic problem solving and consulting to work towards current and future organizational needs.

Maintaining professional knowledge by participating in professional associations, attending relevant conferences, reviewing professional publications, and participating in other professional development opportunities will be necessary to continually improve your craft.

This posting wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging you may participate in other related duties as assigned. 

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.  

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position. 

A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience

Four and a half years of related professional experience in human resource management. At least one year of supervisory or program management experience is required.

Public sector Human Resources generalist experience in all functional areas, with an emphasis in employee relations, including program development and professional level human resource management, is preferred.

Experience working in a multi-union environment is preferred.

Training

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resource management, public or business administration, or closely related field.

Master’s degree is desirable.

License and Certificates 

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is preferred. 

A valid Oregon driver's license or, the ability to obtain by date of hire is desirable but not required. If in possession of a valid Oregon driver's license, must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355). 

The Ideal Candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of human resources, employee and labor relations, conflict resolution, grievance and arbitration processes, performance management with a strengths-based approach, supervisor best practices, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, diversity, equity and inclusion, team building and facilitation methods, learning and development, and related systems and records management. 
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, polices and regulations.
• Impact of culture's role in working relationships.
• Public administration concepts, theories, principles and procedures.
• Budget administration principle.
• Project management principles and methods.

Skill in:

• Exercising diplomacy, discretion and tact in dealing with sensitive, complex and highly confidential issues and situations.
• Relationship-building, consulting, and collaborative team building.
• Researching and analyzing a variety of information and data; making recommendations based on research findings; writing reports and creating spreadsheets; and presenting information.
• Demonstrating the ability to work independently; prioritizing and resolving issues; and completing tasks and duties while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Representing management effectively in dealing with employees and employee organizations’ representatives on various management issues.
• Selecting, supervising, training and evaluating staff; effectively delegating work; and developing and maintaining a diverse workforce and a harassment-free environment.
• Coordinating and executing multiple tasks and/or projects to meet deadlines and address potential delays and problems in a professional and timely manner.
• Providing courteous customer service and effectively working with the general public, supervisors, co-workers, employees, union representatives, and employee organizations representing various diverse backgrounds.
• Effectively communicating both orally and in writing to convey information and to receive work assignments.

Non-Represented Retirement Program

Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061. 
 
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.

Salary : $90,792 - $122,574