Human Resources Specialist Senior

City of Austin

2d

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. The Human Resources Specialist Senior plays an important role in supporting the Human Resources Risk Management Team. In this position, you’ll provide guidance on a variety of moderately complex HR topics and help review HR recommendations, project plans, and procedures to make sure everything is accurate and compliant. You’ll also help create and improve HR programs, systems, policies, workflows and assist in other areas of the greater HR Department as needed. This role involves researching and analyzing HR data, then offering clear recommendations based on what you find. You’ll be a go‑to resource for HR staff and managers, helping them understand City policies and employment laws, and assisting with resolving more complex HR issues by applying best practices and ensuring follow‑through. You’ll prepare reports and communications using different software tools and work closely with teams across the department to support shared goals. The position may also include providing leadership, training, and guidance to others. To succeed in this role, you’ll need strong communication and data analysis skills, solid problem‑solving abilities, and the flexibility to manage changing priorities while building effective working relationships.

Requirements

• Knowledge of assigned HR area.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in the assigned HR areas.
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge and skill in the use of computerized tools, databases, and communications techniques used in HR.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus three (3) years of related HR experience.
• Any combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting HR functions in a public sector or for a municipality
• Experience supporting Civil Service Meet & Confer Employees
• Experience in Texas Workers' Compensation Rules, Statues, and Law
• Experience assisting with Benefits including, not limited to, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Experience with Payroll and Timekeeping for employees on extended leave
• Experience working in Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Timekeeping Systems (Workday, UKG Dimensions and Telestaff a plus)
• Ability to travel to more than one location

Responsibilities

• Provides advanced support to journey and senior level HR staff by reviewing recommendations, project plans, procedures, and workflows for accuracy and compliance with existing policies and processes.
• Develops, implements, administers, and evaluates moderately complex HR programs.
• Leads the development and implementation of systems, policies, procedures, strategies, and process workflows for use within departments.
• Conducts advanced research, provides information to HR staff and employee groups in assigned area(s) of responsibility, and makes appropriate recommendations based on findings.
• Advises and counsels HR staff, management, and other employee groups related to compliance with and the communication, interpretation, and implementation of established City policies and other relevant employment laws and regulations.
• Assists in resolving advanced HR problems, researches and applies best practices, reviews recommendations, and monitors implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
• Researches information as requested or needed; compiles data; and writes informational memos, letters, reports, forms, plans, documents, and queries using computer, spreadsheets, databases, or presentation software.
• Conducts analysis of metrics and morale indicators, such as surveys, turnover, and grievances; and recommends corrective action within the area of specialization.
• Collaborates and participates on teams with HR and other stakeholders.
• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree