Human Resources Specialist (Liaison), IS-0343-11

Smithsonian Institution•Edgewater, MD

4d•$85,447 - $111,087•Onsite

About The Position

SERC is a unit of the Smithsonian Institution that is dedicated to environmental research, education and public engagement. The 2,650-acre campus includes forests, farmlands and wetlands, 15 miles of shoreline, and 10+ miles of walking trails. Located in Edgewater, Maryland, SERC is only 25 miles from Washington, D.C., and only 5 miles from Annapolis. The SERC campus is a showcase of sustainability including including 7 LEED Platinum buildings and renewable energy systems. Staff includes 150 employees. There are over 40 resident interns throughout the year and over 500 volunteers and citizen scientists who support diverse programs. A 40-person, centrally managed maintenance and security staff are on site. SERC receives over 22,000 visitors annually, including 6,000 school children on field trips. For more details about SERC visit our website at https://serc.si.edu/. The position will serve as the SERC Human Resources officer and chief HR liaison with the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources by performing human resources administration functions and analyses, serving as head timekeeper, conducting orientation for new employees, helping to train supervisors, and assisting SERC leadership with personnel matters. This position is responsible for overseeing both Federal and non-federal (Trust) hiring processes, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and compliance across categories of employment.

Requirements

Candidates must possess specialized experience in similar positions, such as demonstrated skill in implementing HR policies and procedures across multiple areas, such as recruitment, position classification, and employee relations
Knowledge of HR principles, concepts, and regulations across classification, recruitment, employee relations, compensation, performance management, training, and HR systems.
Understanding of or ability to learn about scientific research operations, with the ability to align HR policies and practices to support SERC research goals.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain, advocate, and implement new practices or policies
Ability to establish and sustain collegial relationships and trust with all employees.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Responsibilities

Advise SERC leadership on workforce planning, personnel matters, and organizational initiatives
Provide regular reporting to SERC leadership on HR processes, and metrics
Attend and participate in trainings and meetings with Smithsonian central Officer of Human Resources
Represent SERC on Smithsonian wide efforts to improve HR policies and practices.
Make improvements in efficiency, communications, and support for all HR processes across SERC
Help to ensure compliance with federal law, Smithsonian policy, and SERC's research mission
Ensure HR systems accuracy, consistent policy application, and functional database integrity across the unit
Manage recruitment activities, development of position descriptions, and onboarding for both Federal and non-Federal (Trust) positions
Submit requests for personnel actions, recruitments, promotions, awards, change in appointment, etc... to central Smithsonian Office of Human Resources
Partner with hiring managers to provide smooth and efficient hiring, providing technical advice on staffing strategies for scientific and technical positions
Deliver training, briefings, and communications on HR policies for staff and supervisors.
Monitor employee training compliance and performance appraisals by supervisors, updating SERC leadership on metrics
Serve as liaison with the Smithsonian’s Office of Global Affairs for visa related issues for international personnel
Advise managers and employees on visa eligibility, restrictions, and compliance requirements.
Oversee HR recordkeeping and ensure confidentiality, data security, and regulatory compliance.
Use workforce data and HR analytics to inform decision-making on staffing, retention, compensation, and organizational effectiveness.
Engage with colleagues in the Smithsonian’s Office of General Counsel, Office of Human Resources to help ensure SERC maintains compliance and engagement with Federal Laws, Smithsonian Directives, and other related policies and procedures.
Maintains accurate records of time worked by employees
Other duties as assigned.