Human Resources Manager

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Human Resource (HR) Manager oversees execution of human resources policies and programs. which may include recruitment and onboarding, training and career development, employee relations, and compensation and benefits planning. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including EEO, FMLA, and FLSA. Assists line managers in the application of HR programs to departmental operations. Answers employee/candidate questions about HR policies and offerings.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following reflects SDSTA’s definition of essential functions for this position and does not restrict other tasks that may be assigned. SDSTA retains the right to re-evaluate the duties of the position when considering a reasonable accommodation or at other appropriate times. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, directs and manages the activities and operations of the Human Resources (HR) department, including recruitment, application of employment laws, information systems/records, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, benefits administration, ADA, affirmative action, FMLA, etc.
• Collaborate with managers and directors to provide guidance on employment actions and the implementation or alteration of policies in response to new regulations.
• Oversee audits and investigations related to HR issues, ensuring legal compliance and risk management.
• Leads the design and implementation of employee training and development programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals; identify skill gaps and recommend appropriate training initiatives; and support leadership development programs.
• Manages the budget for HR-related activities, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
• Leads the department in the planning, development, coordination and implementation of the HR Department’s policies, procedures, goals and objectives. Provides direction for the department through strategic short and long-term goal setting and planning.
• Directs, plans, oversees, mentors, evaluate and motivates the HR Department staff.
• Serves as the representative of the HR department to executive leadership team, department directors, various groups, and external agencies.
• Establishes partnerships and fosters strong working relationships with other departments and leadership to ensure the delivery of exceptional customer service and to support the goals of SDSTA. Acts as a trusted advisor to management on matters related to employee relations, ensuring adherence to labor laws and company policies.
• Serves as a mediator to resolve department conflicts, address employee concerns, and promote a positive work environment by fostering a supportive team culture and advocating SDSTA initiatives.
• Leads the development and management of job analysis, compensation strategies, and salary structures; regularly conducts reviews to ensure alignment with organizational goals and market trends.

Other Essential Functions

• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in human resources or relevant field is required.

Certifications and Licenses

• PHR/SPHR certification or ability to obtain certification within 1 year of hire date.

Experience

• Minimum of at least 5-7 years of comprehensive experience in human resources.
• Minimum of at least 3-5 years of experience in a supervisory role.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills

• Communication—Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing and with a wide variety of people.
• Confidentiality—Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Influence—Ability to influence, negotiate, resolve conflicts, and effectively coach both managers and employees. To establish credibility, trust, and partnership at all levels of the organization.
• Initiative—Ability to persist despite difficult conditions and to make suggestions for improvements.
• Organization—Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, keep order, and coordinate a variety of activities.
• Problem Solving—Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
• Teamwork—Ability to work cooperatively and support others in the workgroup.

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

• Perform work in a typical office environment which includes individual workstations, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas such as a break room and kitchen.
• The noise level is generally low to moderate, typical of an office setting, with occasional background noise from office equipment and conversations.
• The office is well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial lighting to ensure a comfortable working environment.
• The office maintains a controlled temperature environment, with heating and air conditioning systems to ensure comfort throughout the year.
• Ergonomic office furniture and equipment are provided to support employee health and well-being.
• The company is committed to providing a safe working environment and adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Employees are expected to comply with SDSTA’s safety program.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols are mandatory.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.

Mental and Physical Demands

• Regular interaction with team members, supervisors, and other departments and collaborators.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
• Sitting for extended periods of time while using a computer
• Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
• Dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, and telephones.
• Perform occasional physical labor and light lifting up to 20 pounds
• Occasional standing, walking, climbing up and down flights of stairs, and otherwise moving around the office to perform tasks
• Ability to travel as needed.

Job Information

Supervisory Duties: Yes

Direct Reports: Human Resources Generalist

Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Hours: M-F; 7AM - 4PM

Travel Required: Infrequent

Mission/Vision/Core Values

Mission: We advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.

Vision: The world’s preferred location for underground science and education.

Core Values:

• Safety Focused: We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment.
• Care for Others: We embrace and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We listen knowing everyone has something to offer and to learn.
• Professional: What we do is important to our community and the world. We sweat the details to achieve big things. Our behavior and ethics exemplify our best.
• Team Players: We provide unmatched service. We are respectful and deliver for our customers and partners. We build trust not barriers.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited.