What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Specialist position at City of Grand Island, NE?
Salary: $34.33 - $48.31 Hourly
Location : Grand Island, NE
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 0450-0426
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 04/16/2026
Closing Date: 5/7/2026 3:00 PM Central
Description
Perform a wide variety of professional and technical human resources work providing cross-functional support in recruitment, employee relations, classification and compensation, benefits administration, and risk management. This position is designed to function as a highly adaptable Human Resources Generalist, capable of understanding, supporting, and providing backup coverage for multiple core HR functions to ensure continuity of operations and effective service delivery across the organization.
Essential Functions
This position may perform duties across multiple functional areas, including but not limited to:
General Human Resources Operations
Recruitment & Employment
Employee Relations, Classification & Compensation
Benefits Administration & Risk Management
Cross-Functional Coverage & Departmental Support
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
Supplemental Information
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible office experience, including experience in various personnel functions.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized college course work in personnel administration or a related field is desirable.
License or Certification:
Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier. Click to view our driver eligibility requirements.
Professional HR or recruitment certification is desirable but not required.
Salary:
Position will start at the entry level of the City's salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.
Working Hours:
Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; dependent upon department needs.
Other:
Candidates are subject to a background check.
Rates Effective January 1, 2026 and aresubject to change.
This is a general guide for the purpose of informing all new employees of benefits. Coverage for all benefits, with the exception of the retirement savings plan, is effective the first of the month following one full calendar month of full time employment. Payroll deduction will begin in the month prior to the effective date of coverage. The retirement savings plan is effective on the first day of employment.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage provided to the employee and dependents. There are two options: a Qualified High Deductible Plan with an HSA, or a Traditional PPO plan. If your spouse is eligible for coverage on their employer's group health plan, spousal coverage with the City is not available.
The semi-monthly premiums for the High Deductible Plan: ($3400/$5900 deductible)
DENTAL INSURANCE: Delta Dental coverage provided to employee and dependents. The employee is responsible for a portion of the premium. $5.31 for Single, $10.49 for Emp. 2/4 or $21.78 for Family semi-monthly
VISION INSURANCE: EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee/Spouse - $13.88; Employee/Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions.
LIFE INSURANCE: Securian/Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction.
RETIREMENT PLAN: Mandatory Ameritas Retirement Plan - 6.5% of gross earnings matched by the City. Effective on date of employment. Four year vesting schedule. Voluntary after-tax contributions up to 10% - not matched by City.
DEFERRED COMP: Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow pre-tax contributions up to $23,500/yr.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY: CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employee's salary should he/she becomes disabled.
CAFETERIA/125 PLAN: Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and/or dependent daycare.
VEBA PLAN (HRA): MidAmerica. Health reimbursement plan to be used for post-employment medical expenses. Contributions of $50 per pay period are made by the City.
PAID VACATION: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hours in the first year; 96 hours in years 2-4; 120 hours in years 5-6; 128 hours in years 7-8; 136 hours in years 9-10; 144 hours in years 11-12; 152 hours in year 13; 160 hours in years 14-19; 180 hours in years 20-24; 200 hours in year 25 and beyond. No vacation can be used during introductory period.
PAID HOLIDAYS: Ten paid holidays and two personal holidays.
MEDICAL LEAVE: Accrual of 9 hours for each full calendar month of service cumulative to 1,250 hours.
01
The information provided to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with the employment application to determine whether candidates' meet the qualification requirements and/or the final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in the application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.
02
Please detail any relevant education, experience or training to this position.
03
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?
04
Describe your experience working with confidential information.
05
I understand I must maintain a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier.
06
Have you had any minor or major driving violations within the last 3 years. Please review to the job posting for the list of guidelines under the license and certification section.
07
Candidates offered employment will be subject to a pre-employment/post-offer physical and drug screen. Do you understand the requirement?
Required Question
Location : Grand Island, NE
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 0450-0426
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 04/16/2026
Closing Date: 5/7/2026 3:00 PM Central
Description
Perform a wide variety of professional and technical human resources work providing cross-functional support in recruitment, employee relations, classification and compensation, benefits administration, and risk management. This position is designed to function as a highly adaptable Human Resources Generalist, capable of understanding, supporting, and providing backup coverage for multiple core HR functions to ensure continuity of operations and effective service delivery across the organization.
Essential Functions
This position may perform duties across multiple functional areas, including but not limited to:
General Human Resources Operations
- Assist in a wide variety of activities relating to the City's Human Resources programs, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential personnel records in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Provide information and assistance to City staff and the public regarding Human Resources policies, procedures, and programs.
- Prepare, compose, and distribute correspondence, reports, forms, and other HR-related documents.
- Maintain and organize departmental files, records, and documentation.
Recruitment & Employment
- Assist with the recruitment and hiring process, including job postings, applicant tracking, testing coordination, interviews, reference checks, and pre-employment requirements.
- Coordinate with departments regarding personnel requisitions and recruitment timelines.
- Provide backup support for applicant tracking systems and recruitment reporting.
- Assist with Civil Service Commission processes, documentation, and meeting preparation, as assigned.
Employee Relations, Classification & Compensation
- Assist with maintenance of employee personnel files, change-of-status processing, and compliance documentation.
- Support performance appraisal processes, salary adjustments, and classification documentation.
- Maintain a working knowledge of labor agreements, Personnel Rules, and applicable employment laws.
- Assist with contract administration tasks, salary ordinance preparation, and employee communications related to compensation or classification changes.
Benefits Administration & Risk Management
- Assist with day-to-day benefits administration, including employee enrollments, life event changes, separations, and employee inquiries.
- Coordinate benefits documentation and data with Payroll and Finance.
- Provide support related to FMLA administration, workers' compensation claims, wellness initiatives, and safety programs.
- Serve as backup support for benefits vendors, invoicing coordination, and compliance reporting.
Cross-Functional Coverage & Departmental Support
- Provide functional backup coverage for the HR Recruiter, HR Specialist, and HR Benefits & Risk Management Coordinator during absences or peak workload periods.
- Assist with HR projects, system implementations, training initiatives, audits, and special assignments.
- Display ethical, professional, and confidential conduct in all interactions.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, departments, vendors, and external agencies.
- Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- General principles and practices of human resources administration.
- Recruitment and selection processes.
- Employee relations, personnel records management, and compliance requirements.
- Employee benefits administration and basic risk management concepts.
- Applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
- Modern office procedures, recordkeeping, and business correspondence.
Ability to:
- Perform responsible and complex HR work requiring judgment, discretion, and initiative.
- Interpret and apply policies, procedures, labor agreements, and laws.
- Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Manage multiple priorities and adapt to shifting departmental needs.
- Operate HR information systems and standard office software with proficiency.
Supplemental Information
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible office experience, including experience in various personnel functions.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized college course work in personnel administration or a related field is desirable.
License or Certification:
Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier. Click to view our driver eligibility requirements.
Professional HR or recruitment certification is desirable but not required.
Salary:
Position will start at the entry level of the City's salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.
Working Hours:
Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; dependent upon department needs.
Other:
Candidates are subject to a background check.
Rates Effective January 1, 2026 and aresubject to change.
This is a general guide for the purpose of informing all new employees of benefits. Coverage for all benefits, with the exception of the retirement savings plan, is effective the first of the month following one full calendar month of full time employment. Payroll deduction will begin in the month prior to the effective date of coverage. The retirement savings plan is effective on the first day of employment.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage provided to the employee and dependents. There are two options: a Qualified High Deductible Plan with an HSA, or a Traditional PPO plan. If your spouse is eligible for coverage on their employer's group health plan, spousal coverage with the City is not available.
The semi-monthly premiums for the High Deductible Plan: ($3400/$5900 deductible)
- Employee only $ 29.78
- Employee 2/4 $ 85.22
- Employee and Family $173.97
- Employee only $121.30
- Employee 2/4 $228.04
- Employee and Family $354.94
DENTAL INSURANCE: Delta Dental coverage provided to employee and dependents. The employee is responsible for a portion of the premium. $5.31 for Single, $10.49 for Emp. 2/4 or $21.78 for Family semi-monthly
VISION INSURANCE: EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee/Spouse - $13.88; Employee/Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions.
LIFE INSURANCE: Securian/Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction.
RETIREMENT PLAN: Mandatory Ameritas Retirement Plan - 6.5% of gross earnings matched by the City. Effective on date of employment. Four year vesting schedule. Voluntary after-tax contributions up to 10% - not matched by City.
DEFERRED COMP: Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow pre-tax contributions up to $23,500/yr.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY: CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employee's salary should he/she becomes disabled.
CAFETERIA/125 PLAN: Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and/or dependent daycare.
VEBA PLAN (HRA): MidAmerica. Health reimbursement plan to be used for post-employment medical expenses. Contributions of $50 per pay period are made by the City.
PAID VACATION: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hours in the first year; 96 hours in years 2-4; 120 hours in years 5-6; 128 hours in years 7-8; 136 hours in years 9-10; 144 hours in years 11-12; 152 hours in year 13; 160 hours in years 14-19; 180 hours in years 20-24; 200 hours in year 25 and beyond. No vacation can be used during introductory period.
PAID HOLIDAYS: Ten paid holidays and two personal holidays.
MEDICAL LEAVE: Accrual of 9 hours for each full calendar month of service cumulative to 1,250 hours.
01
The information provided to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with the employment application to determine whether candidates' meet the qualification requirements and/or the final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in the application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.
- I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.
02
Please detail any relevant education, experience or training to this position.
03
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?
- Yes
- No
04
Describe your experience working with confidential information.
05
I understand I must maintain a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier.
- I understand the requirement.
06
Have you had any minor or major driving violations within the last 3 years. Please review to the job posting for the list of guidelines under the license and certification section.
- Yes
- No
07
Candidates offered employment will be subject to a pre-employment/post-offer physical and drug screen. Do you understand the requirement?
- I understand the requirement.
- I do not understand the requirement.
Required Question