What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Manager / Benefits Specialist position at City of Rhinelander?
Date posted: October 13, 2026
Pay: $71,468 - $80,393 Annual
Job description: Human Resources Manager / Benefits Specialist
City of Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Salary Range: K6 – K11
Department: Administration
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
The City of Rhinelander is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative Human Resources Manager / Benefits Specialist to lead the City's human resource and employee benefits programs while serving as a key liaison to payroll operations.
This position plays a critical role in recruitment, employee onboarding, benefits administration, labor relations support, leave management, compliance, and employee communication. The successful candidate will work closely with department leaders, employees, and the Finance Department to ensure efficient and accurate HR and payroll support services.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, and employee orientation.
- Administer employee benefits, retirement programs, and annual open enrollment.
- Coordinate payroll-related employee documentation and deduction changes.
- Administer FMLA, COBRA, workers' compensation, and leave programs.
- Maintain HR, payroll, and electronic personnel records.
- Ensure compliance with employment laws, City policies, and labor agreements.
- Provide employee relations support and HR guidance to supervisors and staff.
- Assist with compensation, training, and workforce planning initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
- Experience with benefits administration and payroll processes preferred.
- Municipal or public-sector experience preferred.
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification highly desirable.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
Benefits
The City of Rhinelander offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including:
- Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Life Insurance
- Income Continuation Insurance (ICI)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
- Wisconsin Deferred Compensation
Join a dedicated team committed to providing excellent public service while supporting the City's most valuable resource, its employees.
To apply, please provide a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to email: agitter@rhinelanderwi.us or mail: Rhinelander City Hall, Attn: Adam Gitter, 135 S Stevens St, Rhinelander, WI 54501. Applications will also be accepted in person at Rhinelander City Hall in a sealed envelope marked Attn: Adam Gitter Re: HR Manager / Benefits Specialist. Please direct questions to agitter@rhinelanderwi.us or 715-493-9145.
Applications are now being accepted on a rolling review basis and will be evaluated as they are received - allowing qualified candidates to be considered quickly.
Pay: $71,468.00 - $80,393.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $71,468 - $80,393