HR Business Partner II

State of Vermont • Calais, VT

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vermont Department of Human Resources is seeking a collaborative, service-minded HR Business Partner II to provide responsive, practical, and people-centered human resources support to several State agencies and departments, including the Agency of Natural Resources, Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and Agency of Commerce and Community Development. The role supports employees, supervisors, managers, and HR colleagues and helps ensure HR practices are consistent, fair, and aligned with policy. It includes interpreting and applying personnel policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.

The position covers employee relations and performance management; supervisory coaching and consultation; labor relations and contract interpretation; recruitment, hiring, and onboarding; position management and classification; reasonable accommodation requests; and HR systems, data entry, and records management in VTHR/PeopleSoft. The successful candidate will be organized, adaptable, attentive to detail, able to manage competing priorities, and interested in learning HR systems, processes, policies, and best practices.

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most work is performed using HR systems, databases, and Microsoft Office 365 applications. The Department supports a hybrid telework environment; telework requests are considered, with some in-person work required at the Montpelier office. Duties are largely performed in a standard office setting, though some travel may be required and private transportation should be available. Work outside the regular schedule may occasionally be required. The role may involve strong differences of opinion when addressing employee grievances, union representatives, or management.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience in human resources, including employee relations or labor relations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize work and respond to changing needs.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Interest in learning HR systems, processes, policies, and best practices.
• Experience using Microsoft Office 365, databases, or HR information systems.
• Availability for the standard Monday–Friday schedule, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; some work outside the regular schedule may occasionally be required.
• Private means of transportation should be available for any required travel.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience.
• Labor relations experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide HR support to State agencies and departments, employees, supervisors, and managers.
• Support employee relations and performance management.
• Coach and consult with supervisors.
• Support labor relations and interpret contracts and collective bargaining agreements.
• Support recruitment, hiring, and onboarding.
• Handle position management and classification.
• Respond to reasonable accommodation requests.
• Use HR systems for data entry and records management in VTHR/PeopleSoft.
• Interpret and apply personnel policies and procedures.
• Help ensure consistent, fair, and policy-aligned HR practices.

Benefits

• 80% State-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
• State-paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• State defined benefit pension plan and deferred compensation 457(b) plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• Low-cost group life insurance.
• Incentive-based wellness program.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed