Job description
Winona County is accepting applications for this position until 4:00 p.m. November 30, 2026. Please attach a cover letter and resume to your online application. This position starts at $4,388.78/bi-weekly (DOQ) with advancement up to $5,804.88/bi-weekly.
Characteristics of Class:
Under administrative direction of the County Administrator, an employee in this class is responsible for administering the county’s human resources/personnel administration system. The duties of the Human Resources Director are as outlined in Minnesota Statute 375.60 and includes recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, labor relations, benefit administration, staff development, equal opportunity, and other human resource management activities. Performs related work as required. Provides advice to the County Administrator, County Board, management, and employees in personnel related matters. The Human Resources Director is a member of the county management team and is part of the internal operations of the organization. An employee in this class interprets policies, statutes, and contracts. The nature of the work performed is complex due to the managerial and administrative skills required to oversee diverse activities and make frequent decisions. Coordinates special projects that may span multiple departments and directs department heads on behalf of the County Administrator as needed. Work is usually performed in an office setting.
Examples of Duties:
Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples listed in their relative order of importance include all the duties that may be found in positions in this class.
- Oversees all Human Resources functions and operations, including strategic planning, staffing, employee relations, compensation and benefits, labor relations, payroll, training, compliance, HRIS and records management, and risk management; provides leadership and development for HR staff; and performs related duties and special projects as assigned.
- Serves as the County’s chief advisor on human resources matters, ensuring compliance with employment laws, labor agreements, personnel policies, payroll regulations, data privacy laws, HIPAA, records retention standards, and administrative procedures.
- Develops and administers personnel policies, compensation strategies, and workforce initiatives that support organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and long-term goals.
- Directs employee and retiree benefits programs, including insurance, wellness, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and Section 125 plans; oversees compliance, vendor negotiations, claims management, and plan evaluations.
- Leads labor relations activities, including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance resolution, mediation, and interpretation of labor agreements and compensation policies.
- Oversees county-wide recruitment, onboarding, training, leadership development, compliance, workplace safety, and employee development initiatives; collaborates with departments on workforce planning and retention strategies.
- Oversees HRIS administration, personnel data integrity, payroll maintenance, compensation studies, and market analyses; may provide leadership for additional departments or functions as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Any combination of training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.
For Full Performance:
- Ability to solve problems under stressful circumstances.
- Ability to conduct labor negotiations including grievance, mediation, and arbitration.
- Ability to promote and maintain harmony in the workplace.
- Knowledge of County programs, operations, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of insurance plans, pay and compensation, and benefits administration.
- Knowledge of State and federal statutes governing public sector employment.
- Knowledge of the Integrated Financial System software and associated programs.
- Knowledge of budget preparation and control procedures.
- Managing a comprehensive human resource program.
For Pre-Employment:
- Four-year degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources Management, Business/Public Administration, or related field, with three-years of progressively responsible work experience directly in Human Resources Management; or five years related experience.
- Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
- Experience in labor relations.
- Skills in interpersonal communication including speaking, presenting and interacting with composure, professionalism and discretion. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and public officials and public and private agencies.
- Essential for incumbent to have strong interpersonal and communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to collect and analyze data and effectively draw conclusions and make sound decisions.
- Demonstrate effective supervisory and leadership skills.
- Negotiation techniques; experience in managing and negotiating contracts is highly preferred.
- Human resource program management principles.
- Proficient use of computer software such as Microsoft applications, Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
- Preparing and administering budgets.
- Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, rules and regulations.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License
- Must pass the required background check.
Benefits
The County provides an attractive benefit package including health, dental, and life insurance; flexible benefits plan; optional long-term disability, and accident and health insurances; vacation and sick time; professional development; and retirement contributions through the Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA).