Junior Human Resource Business Partner

The City of Salem is committed to attracting and developing talented professionals who are passionate about public service. We foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace where employees are encouraged to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful impact on the community.

About the role

The City of Salem seeks a customer-focused Jr. Human Resources (HR) Business Partner to fill a Limited Duration position (LD) anticipated to last twelve (12) months from the date of hire. This recruitment will also establish a pool of qualified candidates for additional LD vacancies of the same position type over the next six months.

The Jr. Human Resources Business Partner provides consultative and technical HR assistance to all City departments and employees, administering elements of the City's human resources program including recruitment, classification and compensation, performance management, employee and labor relations, and training. This role is distinguished from the Sr. HR Business Partner by the complexity and volume of work assignments.

Responsibilities

• Coach, advise, and support leaders and employees on HR issues including employee relations, performance management, compensation, talent planning, ADA accommodations, protected leaves, organizational structure, policy development, and employment law.
• Address employee concerns in partnership with Legal, unions, and managers.
• Partner with department leaders to understand business objectives and provide strategic HR support.
• Manage the accommodation process for employees and managers, serving as a strategic partner and operations consultant.
• Support leaders and managers with organizational design, succession planning, talent development, employee engagement, and change management.
• Advise and coach managers on employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Conduct and lead workplace investigations, gathering and analyzing facts to reach effective resolutions.
• Design and deliver HR trainings on a variety of relevant topics.
• Assist in creating a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, communication, and organizational values.
• Support cross-functional project teams and handle administrative functions such as records management and public records requests.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a related field, and five years of professional HR experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Ability to foster partnerships with City departments to resolve issues, conduct research, and formulate recommendations.
• Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience ensuring compliance with organizational policies, federal, and state laws.
• Experience coordinating and preparing administrative or management studies and reports.
• Ability to evaluate employee performance and bridge communications between management, employees, and union partners.
• Demonstrated experience administering disciplinary actions.
• Knowledge of employment laws, EEO compliance, employee protected leaves, and ADA compliance.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• May require an Oregon Driver license and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.

Preferences

• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP or IPMA-CP designations.
• Experience in public sector human resources.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Hybrid work structure: onsite with the ability to work remote 1-2 days per week (subject to change based on business needs; full-time remote work is not eligible).

Designated work location: 295 Church St. SE, Salem, OR 97301.

About Us

The City of Salem is the second-largest city in Oregon and the state capital, with a population of over 170,000. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Salem is centrally positioned 47 miles south of Portland, an hour from the Cascade Mountains, and an hour from the ocean beaches. The City employs roughly 1,350 staff across eight primary departments and works with six labor unions.