Job Title

Human Resources Specialist III - Employee Relations

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Administrative Services Staff

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

We are seeking a Human Resources Specialist III – Employee Relations, who under general supervision, performs specialized human resources duties related to Employee Relations and related activities in support of Texas A&M AgriLife entities.  This role ensures compliance with labor laws, internal policies, and organizational values, and addresses workplace issues to enhance employee engagement, morale, and productivity.

Responsibilities:

80% - Employee Relations Functions.

• Assists Employee Relations Manager with implementing and administering Employee Relations functions, in support of HR management and other subject-matter experts.

• Serve as a trusted resource to employees and supervisors by addressing inquiries, conflicts, and complaints in a timely, confidential, and respectful manner.

• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in advising management and supervisors on performance improvement, reprimands and disciplinary matters, terminations, suspensions, and other separations such as loss of funding and reductions in force.

• Meets with employees seeking consultation on human resources issues and knowledge about conflict resolution and complaint processes. Provides resources and referrals. Develops formal and informal messages as appropriate for intended audiences.

• Provide training and guidance to managers and supervisors on employee relations topics such as documentation, communication, equity, and policy compliance.

• Conducts thorough, impartial investigations and recommends resolutions for informal and formal complaint processes.

• Analyzes employee relations trends and recommends proactive solutions to policies and workplace practices.

• Processes documentation for personnel actions, providing review, editing, and guidance as well as ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. 

• Maintains accurate confidential documentation and records related to employee relations issues.

• Provides guidance to departments regarding HR practices, compliance, laws, regulations, and ethics. Effectively communicates HR programs, practices, and policies to employees. Ensures compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

• Assists with incident investigations or implementation of informal resolutions.

• Serves as a liaison to other offices (e.g., CR/T9, AgriLife Ethics & Compliance, OGC) when appropriate.

15% - Reporting.

• Compiles and prepares metrics and reports and documents related to human resources activities. 
• Supports federal and state reporting.
• Assists with data collection and reporting for audits and other data requests. Researches and completes various moderately complex projects, as requested by HR Management or Ethics & Compliance office.
• May complete human resources-related surveys and questionnaires.
• May conduct audits of human resources activities to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

5% - Other Duties.  

Attends human resources trainings and/or informational meetings. Other duties as required.

 

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience plus an additional three (3) years of experience in Human Resources (HR) or closely related work.

Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to assess and apply technical knowledge of HR and to deliver HR solutions, tools and resources in a consultative manner.
• Ability to build relationships.
• Ability to respond appropriately to complex employee relations issues such as conflict resolution.
• Ability to facilitate group interactions.
• Ability to deal with sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

Preferred Education:

Master's degree.

Preferred Experience:

Experience in problem solving, conflict resolution, compliance, investigation, employee relations or policy administration/enforcement issues.

 

Preferred Licenses and Certifications:
HR-related certifications.

 

Preferred Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Training and presentation skills.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work schedules and remote work options may be available for this position, depending on the nature of the role and employee eligibility, in accordance with AgriLife Alternate Work Location Procedures.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.