Human Resources Specialist Senior (Human Resources Department)

Job Description:

Human Resources Specialist Senior (Human Resources Department)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

The Human Resources Department is seeking a dedicated Human Resources Specialist Senior to join our team. This role involves working with HR professionals to support and administer employee relations functions. If you thrive in fast-paced settings, communicate thoughtfully, and are passionate about employee well-being, we encourage you to apply. Key responsibilities include assisting employees and managers in navigating the City of Austin's Employee Relations portal, working closely with the Employee Relations division to ensure smooth operations, serving as the backup for the Business Process Specialist, and providing support in managing the Human Resources Employee Relations database (AIM on Target), the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program, and the City of Austin Alcohol and Drug testing program. Additionally, you will collaborate with colleagues who are committed to the mission, vision, and business objectives of the Department. We are looking for a hard-working, detail-oriented professional who is passionate about creating a positive work environment and supporting our employees' needs.

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides advanced support to journey and senior level HR staff by reviewing recommendations, project plans, procedures, and workflows for accuracy and compliance with existing policies and processes.
  
• Develops, implements, administers, and evaluates moderately complex HR programs.
  
• Leads the development and implementation of systems, policies, procedures, strategies, and process workflows for use within departments.
  
• Conducts advanced research, provides information to HR staff and employee groups in assigned area(s) of responsibility, and makes appropriate recommendations based on findings.
  
• Advises and counsels HR staff, management, and other employee groups related to compliance with and the communication, interpretation, and implementation of established City policies and other relevant employment laws and regulations.
  
• Assists in resolving advanced HR problems, researches and applies best practices, reviews recommendations, and monitors implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
  
• Researches information as requested or needed; compiles data; and writes informational memos, letters, reports, forms, plans, documents, and queries using computer, spreadsheets, databases, or presentation software.
  
• Conducts analysis of metrics and morale indicators, such as surveys, turnover, and grievances; and recommends corrective action within the area of specialization.
  
• Collaborates and participates on teams with HR and other stakeholders.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of assigned HR area.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to train others.
  
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in the assigned HR areas.
  
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge and skill in the use of computerized tools, databases, and communications techniques used in HR.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with an Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus three (3) years of related HR experience.
  
• Any combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of HR functional areas, including creating professional records, plans, or reports.
  
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
  
• Experience using interpersonal and verbal communication to establish effective working relationships with employees at all levels, including multiple levels of leadership.
  
• Intermediate to advanced level experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams software applications.
  
• Ability to meet to maintain assigned deadlines, track progress, and follow up with internal business partners and external stakeholders.
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The Human Resources Department works to position the City of Austin as an employer of choice through balanced, efficient and collaborative strategic partnerships. We support and develop a high performing and diverse workforce that fosters a healthy, safe, respectful, and productive work environment for employees and their families, City departments, and the community.

Salary Range: $26.86 - $32.41

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

When completing the City of Austin employment application: A detailed, complete City of Austin application is required for the position to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each of your positions, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position, including your supervisory and/or leadership experience, if applicable. This is the criteria that will be used to select candidates for interview, and the starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience.

If you are selected to interview: If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, to include High School graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required.

Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Additional Information:

Assessment(s) may be administered as part of this recruitment.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-09-26