Human Resources Director - Hardin, MT

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Human Resources Director serves as a strategic and operational leader overseeing all Human Resource functions across Big Horn County. Responsible for aligning human capital strategies with county policies and state/federal employment laws, this role manages full-lifecycle recruitment, labor relations, employee performance, compliance, and benefits administration.

The ideal candidate blends strong technical knowledge of public-sector employment regulations with exceptional empathy and interpersonal skills to foster a healthy, supportive, and compliant workplace culture.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & FUNCTIONAL DOMAINS
1. Strategic HR Leadership & Employee Relations (High Priority - Soft Skills)

• Serve as a trusted advisor to County Commissioners, Department Heads, and Elected Officials on personnel matters.
• Promote a supportive, inclusive, and cohesive workplace culture across all county departments.
• Review, investigate, and resolve employee grievances, workplace complaints, and Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) claims.
• Provide guidance and oversight on disciplinary proceedings, Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), and terminations.
• Participate in collective bargaining and labor contract negotiations.

2. Compliance, Policy & Records Management

• Ensure strict compliance with state and federal labor regulations, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Workers' Compensation, and prevailing wage standards.
• Maintain and update the County Employee Handbook, job descriptions, and salary structures in alignment with changing labor laws.
• Oversee accurate personnel record-keeping within the HRIS and manage confidential drug and alcohol testing files.
• Ensure mandatory federal, state, and county employment posters and notices are properly displayed and maintained.

3. Recruitment, Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment and hiring processes in collaboration with department leads.
• Conduct pre-employment vetting, including background checks, drug screenings, and eligibility verifications.
• Direct new hire orientations and coordinate retention programs.

4. Benefits, Payroll Support & Operations

• Oversee benefits administration, employee open enrollment, and offboarding from benefit systems.
• Collaborate closely with the Payroll department to ensure seamless wage and benefit processing.
• Prepare annual salary and benefit expense projections for the Board of Commissioners.
• Manage safety, injury prevention, and workers' compensation follow-up programs.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT PROFILE
Minimum & Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Experience: 2 years of progressive HR management experience preferred (open to public or private sector backgrounds).
• Certifications: HRCI (PHR/SPHR) or SHRM (SHRM-CP/SCP) certification strongly preferred.
• Driver's License: Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record required.
• Background Vetting: Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check and drug screening.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Technical HR Knowledge: In-depth understanding of FMLA, ADA, FLSA, HRIS platforms, and labor negotiations.
• Interpersonal & Soft Skills: High emotional intelligence, conflict resolution capability, diplomacy, and tact.
• Software Proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and public sector database management.