Human Resources Manager

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Borough Manager, the Human Resource Manager oversees all aspects of human resources, including labor relations, recruitment, employee development, benefits administration, and policy implementation. Ensure compliance with employment laws and supports a positive, productive workplace aligned with Borough goals. Provide expertise in areas including, but not limited to, labor relations, budgeting, strategic planning, capital improvement programs and work and safety standards. Considerable independent judgement and initiative are required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for recruitment, onboarding and employee training initiatives.
• Administer the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement fairly through collaboration with management and labor leaders.
• Represent management in labor negotiations, contract administration, and grievance resolution.
• Administer benefit programs (medical, dental, pension, etc.) and coordinate with payroll and insurance providers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Borough retirees, maintaining accurate retiree records and assisting with inquiries related to benefits, documentation, and ongoing communications.
• Ensure compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and workers’ compensation regulations, managing related leave of absence processes, documentation, and communication with employees, providers, and applicable agencies.
• Provide guidance and support to supervisors and employees regarding workplace conflicts, discipline, and performance concerns.
• Conduct confidential investigations related to employee complaints, harassment, or policy violations, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Maintain the Borough’s wage and salary program and develop, enforce, and maintain HR policies and procedures.
• Oversee the Borough’s Safety Team providing leadership and coordination to ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations.
• Lead efforts to enhance employee morale and engagement by fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment by developing and implementing communication strategies that promote job satisfaction, teamwork, and organizational pride.
• Participate in the preparation of the department’s annual operating and capital budget requests; monitor expenditures against goals and objectives.
• Assist in the formulation and implementation of the Borough’s human resource policies and operation practices.
• Work with staff to ensure a high performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the Borough’s mission, strategic plan, objectives and values.
• Coordinate department assistance or activities with other Borough departments and relevant agencies.

Competency:

Knowledge required to be successful in this position includes:

• Demonstrated expertise in labor relations, contract negotiation, and interpretation of contracts.
• Skilled in analyzing complex situations, identifying underlying issues, and implementing effective HR solutions to support operational continuity.
• Accuracy and thoroughness in managing HR records, preparing documentation, and overseeing compliance-related tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional reports, memos, policies, and correspondence.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to balance competing demands, adapt to shifting priorities, and maintain attention to detail under pressure.
• Commitment to providing high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders, responding to inquiries and concerns with professionalism, efficiency, and respect.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative, respectful working relationships with staff, leadership, union representatives, and the public.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment, demonstrating resilience and a proactive approach to evolving responsibilities.
• Experience leading or supporting special projects, ensuring timely completion within scope and alignment with Borough policies and strategic goals.
• Working knowledge of financial and administrative processes relevant to HR, such as benefits billing, budgeting, and expense tracking.
• Computer applications related to the human resources including HRIS platforms and Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Ability to:

• Handle highly sensitive and confidential information with integrity, discretion and sound judgment.
• Manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining an organized workflow and consistently meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct as a representative of the Borough of Ephrata.
• Gain an understanding of local government operations and policies, and to navigate municipal procedures while supporting compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Motivate and evaluate staff and provide for their training and development.
• Prepare, administer, and monitor a department budget.
• Analyze complex operational and administrative problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend or implement effective courses of action.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and management controls.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines. Communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing with employees, customers, government agencies, Union leaders, Council and Board members.
• Use tact, discretion, and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned people and customers, both internal and external.
• Maintain respectful work relationships with subordinates, peers, customers, government agencies and other public officials are essential.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply local, state, and federal laws and regulations applicable to areas of responsibility.
• Clearly communicate and exchange accurate information in both verbal and written forms with employees, management, and external stakeholders.
• Skilled in interviewing candidates and selecting new hires who meet the required qualifications to successfully perform the job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, human resource, business administration, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in human resource administration, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under Ephrata Borough’s vehicle insurance policy.

Physical Demands: The duties of this position require frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, and hearing. Employees must frequently read and write in English and type using a personal computer. Occasionally, the role involves using hands to handle or operate objects, controls, or tools, as well as reaching with hands and arms, bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, or kneeling. The position involves frequent light lifting, carrying, pulling, or pushing of up to 10 pounds, and occasionally moderate lifting, carrying, pulling, or pushing of 10 to 45 pounds. Regular filing and handling of records storage are integral to the role. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: Normally works under typical office conditions.

Travel: Occasional local travel may be required.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check and substance abuse screen.

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Ephrata, PA 17522 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Ephrata, PA 17522: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $105,000