HR Manager - Fire Department

This is a full-time, FLSA Exempt (overtime ineligible), non-represented position within the City of Bend’s Fire Department. The City may use this posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes.

About the Role

The Fire Department HR Manager provides full-service HR functions within Bend Fire & Rescue, serving as the department-level lead for human resources. This role includes employee and labor relations, performance management, strategic planning, and recruitment. The position ensures compliance and coordination with the Human Resources Department while maximizing employee engagement and workforce management at the operational level. This hybrid HR service model integrates best practices, equity, cost containment, and consistent policy application citywide.

Responsibilities

• Develop strong, trusting relationships with chiefs, supervisors, and employees within the Fire Department
• Directly supervise a small team of scheduling and HR logistics staff
• Implement equity-focused practices throughout all assigned HR functions
• Develop recruitment plans and processes to ensure fair and equitable hiring practices
• Partner with command staff to analyze departmental staffing needs and develop creative strategies to fill needs
• Guide managers through expectation setting and performance improvement efforts
• Investigate complaints of policy violations, conduct, harassment, and discrimination
• Coordinate the employee disciplinary process, including advising managers and working with labor associations
• Assist employees and managers with protected leaves and the ADA accommodation process
• Manage tasks related to new employee onboarding, HRIS entry, timekeeping, and record keeping
• Collaborate with the HR Department on training, development, labor relations, policy, benefits, classification, compensation, and systems

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field
• 4 years of progressively responsible human resources experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks
• 1 year of managerial experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job may substitute for the above
• Current and valid Driver's license per City policies

Skills

• Working knowledge of laws related to the public sector and human resources in the State of Oregon, including City, Federal policies, rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances
• Understanding of human resources practices and procedures, principles of equity and inclusion, hiring practices, investigatory and report-writing practices, and performance management
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction while collaborating effectively with others
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills to manage a high volume of tasks
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with coworkers, supervisors, and the public
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain strict confidentiality in HR matters
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate HR information and develop recommendations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and other HR-related software applications
• Skill in oral presentation, written communications, and use of technology for document processing, spreadsheets, databases, and publishing

Ideal Candidate

Highly qualified candidates will be experienced HR professionals with strong collaboration, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills. We seek an innovative thinker who can recommend creative solutions to people-related challenges while understanding the organization-wide impact of department-level decisions. A solid grasp of local government, first responder norms, and equity principles is beneficial.

Desired Attributes

• PHR/SPHR, SHRM CP/SCP, or other HR Professional Certification
• Progressively responsible experience supporting HR functions in a public safety, unionized environment with 24-hour operations
• Experience administering HRIS, payroll, timekeeping management systems
• Experience working for a public agency

Working Conditions

• Primarily performed in a professional office environment with regular use of computers and standard office equipment
• Work generally involves extended periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer station
• May occasionally require travel between City facilities or other locations

Benefits

The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for employees and dependents, including:

• Health and dental coverage
• Retirement benefits
• A robust paid leave program

Pay

Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Applicants should include all relevant information on their application.