Employee Relations Specialist

About the Role

This highly visible, field-based HR role will partner directly with project leadership and employees to investigate workplace concerns, coach managers, resolve conflict, and strengthen consistency and accountability across the workforce in the Frederick, Maryland area.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary Employee Relations partner for active construction operations
• Build trusted relationships with Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, and field employees
• Independently conduct workplace investigations from initial complaint through resolution
• Investigate employee complaints, policy concerns, harassment allegations, conduct issues, and performance matters
• Gather facts, interview employees and leaders, document findings, and recommend appropriate next steps
• Coach supervisors and managers through performance management and corrective action
• Support progressive discipline and conflict resolution
• Provide practical HR guidance while maintaining consistency, fairness, and objectivity
• Partner with operational leadership on challenging employee situations
• Maintain a visible presence in the field and proactively connect with employees
• Support onboarding, employee engagement, and workforce communication
• Help reinforce company policies, employment practices, and workplace expectations
• Maintain accurate investigation documentation and employee records
• Escalate significant risk appropriately while remaining solution-oriented
• Serve as a trusted advisor to both employees and project leadership

Requirements

• 5+ years of Employee Relations or Human Resources experience
• Strong experience independently conducting workplace investigations
• Ability to manage investigations from complaint intake through findings and resolution
• Experience coaching managers through performance management, discipline, and employee conflict
• Strong conflict resolution and relationship-building skills
• Confidence handling difficult conversations with employees and operational leaders
• Ability to remain objective, consistent, and professional in high-pressure situations
• Strong written documentation skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to influence leaders and provide difficult guidance when necessary
• Comfortable working in a field-based or operational environment
• Willingness to work onsite in the Frederick area
• Willingness to relocate if not currently local

Preferred Qualifications

• Construction industry HR experience
• Electrical contracting experience
• Mission-critical project experience
• Manufacturing HR experience
• Industrial or utilities HR experience
• Energy sector HR experience
• Logistics or field operations HR experience
• Spanish bilingual capabilities
• Experience supporting large field workforces
• Experience working directly with Superintendents and Project Managers
• Experience with high-volume investigations
• Experience supporting onboarding and employee engagement initiatives
• Knowledge of employment law and HR compliance in multi-state or project-based environments

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Temporary housing during relocation, subject to final package details

Pay

Base salary targeting approximately $85,000-$95,000, depending on experience.