Human Resources Specialist

Hermiston, United States

Hermiston School District is seeking a full-time, Human Resources Specialist.

General description of the Position

Under minimal supervision, the HR Specialist supports the Human Resources Department with a primary focus on functions related to district employees. The HR Specialist handles a variety of confidential personnel records, will have excellent customer service skills, be analytical, detail oriented, and possess excellent problem-solving skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and/or Human Resources; or comparable experience and education in the human resources/business fields in lieu of the degree.
Experience and/or knowledge working on a computer. Experience/knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft Windows and the components of Microsoft Office Professional desired.
Proficient with Word and Excel
Excellent communication skills both verbally and written.
Ability to maintain integrity of confidential information.
A collaborative team member and ability to work harmoniously with others.
Previous experience with human resources, desired
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Human Resources Department may find appropriate and acceptable.

Performance Responsibilities (included but are not limited to:

Serves as the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent.
Leads aggressive recruitment efforts for various positions including posting vacancies, advertising, preparing and tracking applications, pre-employment screenings and background verifications, ensures appropriate qualifications & highly qualified status, etc.
Manages the district’s performance evaluation system for personnel.
Serves as a liaison to the assigned union groups on issues that do not require Assistant Superintendent intervention.
Accurately inputs, extracts, and maintains personnel data in the human resources information systems (Frontline, PowerSchool, eFinance plus).
Maintains accurate and secure personnel records for all employee groups, including enrollment forms, evaluations, employee status changes, etc.
Fulfills employee records requests from other districts and agencies for employees as directed.
Serves as a resource to employees for information on personnel policies, procedures, rules, and compensation.
Research, create, input, format, organize and edit relevant data as needed or requested and prepare in a usable format for the Assistant Superintendent.
Ensures that appropriate exit procedures are followed for terminating or retiring employees.
Develops employee consent agenda items for Hermiston School District Board of Directors.
Evaluates appropriate salary schedule placement consistent with the assigned employee group collective bargaining agreement.
Assists administrators in resolving staffing issues including applying appropriate processes under collective bargaining agreements for transfers and vacancies.
Independently answer routine questions and correspondence from staff not requiring the supervisor’s attention.
Completes a high volume of computer work using District computer programs with speed and accuracy, including confidential data, in an environment with constant interruptions.
Schedules conferences, programs, professional development, and new employee orientations as required.
Professionally represent the school and the District in interactions with parents, community, staff and students.
Completes special projects as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent.
Maintains appropriate certifications and training hours as required.
Complies with applicable District, State, Local and Federal laws, rules and regulations.

About the District:

The Hermiston School District is the largest district in eastern Oregon, exceeding 5,300 students in grades kindergarten through 12, with the mission of serving the needs of all students with rigorous and engaging program choices, mutual, respect, and high expectations. The school district includes a 9-12 senior high school, two 6-8 middle schools, and six K-5 elementary schools for students and families.

The school district receives strong support from the Hermiston community. In 2019 voters approved an $82.7 million building project, which included replacement of Rocky Heights Elementary (opened fall 2022); construction of an additional elementary school, Loma Vista (opened fall 2022), and a multi-classroom annex of the high school (opened fall 2023); along with various district-wide renovations. Voters also approved a $69.9 million bond in 2008.

The district employs over 630 full time staff that includes approximately 390 teachers and over 260 classified, support, and supervisory personnel, making it one of the largest employers in the city of Hermiston. A nationally recognized community that embraces its diversity, the district serves some 28,000 residents, where half of the population is Hispanic.

The school district prides itself on the academic achievement of its students, successful athletic programs, nationally recognized club and activity organizations, and its exhaustive list of academic and elective opportunities available to students. The district’s partnership with community organizations is central to its continued success, highlighted by support groups who have provided nearly a half a million dollars to assist students and programs through such venues as the Hermiston Sports Booster Club, Hermiston Education Foundation, Band Boosters, FFA Alumni, and the community sponsorship of the student homebuilding program, to name a few.

About the Community:

The city of Hermiston is a vibrant and growing community of almost 20,000 residents located at the crossroads of the Pacific Northwest, situated near the intersection of I-84 and I-82, just minutes from a Columbia River port and 30 minutes from the Tri-Cities in Washington. Hermiston and the entire Umatilla County area have excellent potential for growth in commercial, industrial, agricultural, as well as residential development. Hermiston boasts over 100 acres for community use, volleyball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, children's play areas, barbeque and picnic areas and more. Located within 10 minutes of downtown Hermiston, both Umatilla and Echo have challenging golf courses. The Columbia River offers tournament level fishing, as well as many water sports including swimming, wind surfing, and boating. Other fishing waters include the Umatilla River, Cold Springs Reservoir and many ponds. Hat Rock State Park is nearby, and the Blue Mountains are within an hour drive, affording a wide variety of fishing, hunting, and camping activities. In the winter, the mountains are home to excellent snow skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, and sledding.

Salary and Benefits: The Hermiston School District offers an extremely competitive salary and benefits package which includes Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement employer-paid pick-up and a comprehensive health and benefits package. A full year contract consists of 260 days (12 months), which includes 9 paid holidays and 20 paid vacation days. Salary and vacation allowance listed is based upon a full year contract and will be pro-rated based upon the employee's start date and the number of contract days that remain in the 2023-2024 school year. Full year salary range: $55,000 - $65,000 (dependent upon education and/or comparable work experience)

Application Procedures:

The applicant must supply the following items online through SchoolSpring (formerly called Applicant Tracking, Recruit & Hire) https://hermiston.schoolspring.com/: