Performs as a senior worker and human resources program specialist in a major department or in one of the major functional areas of human resources management in the central human resources department; regularly carries out the most difficult and complex assignments; and performs other related duties as assigned.

There is one (1) immediate permanent full-time vacancy with the Hawai`i Fire Department - Administration Division in Hilo.

(Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range advertised above at which appropriate qualified applicants can be recruited. Starting salary will be based on the qualifications of the person selected.)

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

• Serves as the human resources program specialist for a major department exercising independent judgment and performing the most difficult and responsible assignments in all areas of human resources management.
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of the department's human resources program involving position management and classification, labor relations, recruitment, administrative services, safety and workers' compensation, EEO/ADA, personnel and organizational development and training, and other related functions.
• Interprets, explains, and provides advice on laws, policies, practices, contract provisions, procedures, and benefits to managers and employees.
• Works with department head and deputy to accomplish goals related to human resources; develops, reviews, recommends, and implements new or revised policies related to human resources management and departmental procedures for the various processes in human resources, and as may be directed by the central human resources department.  
• Oversees labor relations matters and provides advice and guidance to management; researches union demands and employee complaints; recommends disciplinary actions and grievance resolutions; works closely with the staff of the central human resources department to determine the best course of action, approach, and methodology to solve complex issues; consults with Corporation Counsel as appropriate. 
• Conducts studies and reviews management proposals relating to reorganization, work assignments, and internal work methods and procedures to improve operational efficiency; makes recommendations and works with the staff of the central human resources department to implement changes.
• Oversees the department's recruitment program; supervises the internal recruitments; screens applications; advises managers on various recruitment options, and the recruitment and interview procedures; monitors selections. 
• Advises managers regarding matters of investigations, leave abuse, EEO/ADA, employee complaints, employee benefits, etc.
• Reviews reallocations, promotions, demotions, transfers, and other personnel actions for propriety and conformance to established rules, policies, laws, and contractual requirements.
• Reviews workers' compensation claims and works with the central human resources department on monitoring expenses and managing claims; represents management on safety and training committees and follows through on matters discussed.
• Oversees the department's employee development and training program; works with managers to determine training needs and coordinates training activities.
• Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of human resources staff; provides or coordinates training as needed; completes job performance reviews; recommends hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, etc.
• Plans for, budgets, and justifies personnel and equipment needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Serves as the staff specialist and resource person in one of the major functional areas of human resources management; regularly carries out the most difficult and complex assignments requiring specialized knowledge, experience, and independent judgment. 
• Conducts in-depth research, analysis, and evaluation of human resources programs and controversial issues related to functional area; reviews existing practices; confers with counterparts in other jurisdictions; compiles information; develops meaningful statistics and data in support of findings; and prepares comprehensive reports with sound recommendation(s).
• Interprets, explains, and provides advice on laws, policies, practices, contract provisions, and procedures to operating personnel and employees.
• Develops, reviews, recommends, and implements new or revised policies and procedures for functional area.
• Confers with operating officials and subject matter specialists to assist them in carrying out their human resources responsibilities and to determine the course of action, approach, and methodology in solving problems. 
• Serves as team leader in human resources projects of major scope involving more than one functional area.
• Consults with legal staff on problems to ensure adherence to laws, rules, regulations, and contracts. 
• Recommends directives concerning various aspects of human resources policies and provides administrative interpretations. 
• Testifies at commission meetings and hearings on matters related to the County's human resources management program. 
• Conducts in-service training in human resources management functional areas for staff and operating personnel.
• Develops and monitors operational timetables for assigned functional area; evaluates operational goals and makes adjustments. 
• Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of human resources staff; provides guidance and training as necessary; participates in job performance reviews and recommendations involving personnel transactions such as hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, etc.
• Sets up departmental files and oversees the processing of all human resources matters.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Training and Experience: 
A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree (scan and attach a copy of your official college transcript to your application), and
• four (4) years of responsible professional experience in human resource management work that shall have included the analysis of facts and data to resolve problems and recommend appropriate courses of action in functional areas of a human resources program, such as recruitment, classification, labor relations, employee relations, workers' compensation, etc., of which
• one (1) year shall have been in support of a human resources program in a government department or agency or shall have involved the review, interpretation, and application of government collective bargaining agreements, and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai'i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at time of filing, as applicable to position. You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire, if the position requires a driver's license. (The immediate vacancy with the Hawai`i Fire Department does not require a valid driver's license.)

Examination:   All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points.  An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully.  Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score.  It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.   

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application. 

Note:   In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency.  If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.

Knowledge of:  government organization and functions; merit system philosophy; principles and practices of public human resources administration; basic principles relating to organization and management; laws, regulations, and contractual provisions governing public employment; report and letter writing; research methods and techniques; techniques for evaluating and analyzing facts and information to make sound recommendations and resolve problems; interviewing principles and techniques; various kinds of occupational information; general principles, concepts, and processes applicable to the human resources specialty area assigned; trends and developments in public human resources management programs.

Ability to:  apply the principles, methods, and techniques of human resources management applicable to the functional area assigned; interpret and apply pertinent laws, rules, and contractual provisions; research data and prepare clear and concise reports with sound recommendations; develop and implement policies and procedures in human resources management for a departmental or for a functional area program; express ideas logically, both orally and in writing; analyze and develop solutions for unusual problems; recommend operational improvements; deal tactfully and establish effective working relationships with other employees, County officials, representatives from other governmental agencies and unions, and the public; give and follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements:  Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping:  Light

Benefits of County employment: The County of Hawai‘i offers a competitive compensation package.  Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements:  Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours.   (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)    
• Vacation:   Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave:  Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays:   The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development:  The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.   
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program:  You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.  
• Retirement Plan:  The Employees’ Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
• Deferred Compensation:  Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
• Flexible Spending Plan:  Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
• Health Benefit Plans:  The County of Hawai‘i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP):  This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance:  Free life insurance policy for active employees.  
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves:  You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining.  Please check out the benefits tab for additional information.

Please scan and attach these supporting documents to your on-line application, if required:

• an official college transcript,
• a valid driver's license,
• a temporary assignment verification, 
• professional licenses, and/or
• certificates,

Veterans applying for veteran's preference points shall also scan and attach their DD-214 form and as needed, their VA claim letter to the on-line application.

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS:
Please ensure that the email address and mobile phone number you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you.  We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails and text messages or fail to check your email box or NEOGOV account INBOX in a timely manner.  Checking your NEOGOV account INBOX daily is recommended and is the most secure method to check on notices sent to you.  This is a new feature created by our vendor, NEOGOV. 
 
Please add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.  Open your NEOGOV account using your user name and password.  In the upper right hand corner of the account is your name, and under your name, click on INBOX to view all notices sent you.   The notices will appear here in the INBOX even in the event you don't receive it on your cell phone, computer, or other electronic device.  This is the best way to check and view all notices sent to you.

You will receive a confirmation email upon successfully submitting your application. Failure to receive this confirmation email, indicates that your application was not submitted.