HR Director

Job Description

Job Description

POSTING DATE : May 27, 2026

CLOSING DATE : June 10, 2026

HOW TO APPLY : Submit application, letter of interest and current resume to:

or by email to View email address on ziprecruiter.com and View email address on ziprecruiter.com

Applications can be found at: - county.net/employment or at the Administration Office located on the 1st floor of the County Administration Building, 97 Hammond St.

Job Summary :

The Human Resources Director, under the direction of the County Administrator, will plan, lead, direct, develop, and coordinate the policies, activities, and staff of the Human Resource Department, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the County's mission and talent strategy. This is a professional position responsible for the effective operation of the administrative functions of Penobscot County government and in keeping with County policy and the laws of the State of Maine as they relate to county government.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Administers wage and salary scales for all positions within the County
• Ensures the County's compliance with federal, state and local laws and ordinances that affect personnel
• Administers health and benefit plans, including enrollments, changes and terminations
• Administers FMLA leave requests, and all other leave (Bereavement, PFML etc.) and Workers Compensation claims from the employee's initial notice of the need for leave through return-to-work
• Facilitates workplace restrictions in accordance with ADA guidelines
• Conducts audits of benefits and other HR programs and recommends corrective action
• Oversees professional development for county employees
• Processes separation of employment, including conducting exit interviews with employees, providing information on benefits upon retirement, and COBRA notices
• Assists departments with the preparation of the performance review process
• Assists departments with the recruitment and interview process
• Coordinates training events and tracking for employees; coordinates employee benefit and wellness fairs and employee outreach events
• Maintains personnel record keeping system- updates personnel files as needed and ensures that all necessary and appropriate documentation is included in all personnel files and that those files are kept in a secure, confidential manner
• Conducts new employee orientations
• Participates in and assists with coordination of committee participation of Safety Committee and Health and Wellness Committee
• Assists with policy development, training, and education opportunity planning
• Compiles HR reports to include: turnover report, attendance, performance review tracking, longevity, etc.

• Develops administrative policies and procedures for review and approval by the Board of Commissioners and implements them thereafter; ensures that County Policies are kept up to date as may be required by new laws or by case law decisions by recommending appropriate amendments to those policies when required
• Negotiates and re-negotiates union contracts and ensures that contract provisions are followed; resolves union grievances as prescribed
• Anticipates and resolves problems and issues, both internally within county departments and externally with other governmental agencies, vendors, and members of the public; conducts internal investigations on Non-Union County staff; Make recommendation on employment to the Administrator and Commissioner.
• Works with all elected officials, department heads, and employees to solve problems and concerns regarding employee relations, personnel issues, budgets, county policies, and administrative procedures
• Advocates for the best interests of the public served by Penobscot County Government

• Performs other related duties as assigned

General Expectations:

• Be committed to the mission, vision and strategic initiatives of the County
• Demonstrate initiative and forward thinking
• Work as a member of a team in the performance of duties
• Work in harmonious relationships with county staff and the public
• Perform duties in a conscientious and cooperative manner
• Understand and work within the laws of the State, and any Federal or applicable agencies governing workplace conduct (DOL, OSHA, FTC etc.)
• Understand and work within Penobscot County Government Policies & Procedures
• Work collaboratively with county staff depending on the issue(s) being addressed
• Accept shared responsibility with county staff to accomplish desired goals
• Assure quality in work performance to ensure the delivery of quality services
• Keep required information confidential

Knowledge/Skills/Experience required:

At least five years of experience is required in an HR field and a degree is desired but not required. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy is required. Ability to effectively communicate with the public is required. Ability to work in a team setting with a commitment to a high level of customer service and quality work is required. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines is required.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands/Conditions/Requirements :

While performing the duties of this position, employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard. Light to moderate lifting is required (up to 25 lbs.).

Penobscot County provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.