Human Resources Generalist

Salary: $33.67 Hourly
Location : 900 Concourse Dr., Rapid City, SD 57703, SD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01796
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Position Description

Position Objective:
The Human Resources Generalist performs a broad range of professional human resources functions and programs in support of County operations. The position provides comprehensive HR services, including recruitment and selection, employee relations, classification and compensation, benefits administration, training and development, risk and safety coordination, and compliance. This position also provides information and assistance to County employees regarding human resource activities, processes, policies and procedures; and performs a variety of tasks requiring specialized knowledge related to human resource functions.

Position Functions

Essential Functions:

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, County policies, and personnel administration procedures, including ACA, HIPAA, and ADA requirements.
• Manage EEO processes and support department heads, elected officials, and managers to ensure compliance with EEO goals, policies, and regulations.
• Provide support and procedural guidance to department heads, elected officials, and employees on personnel policies, procedures, and industry best practices.
• Administer employee benefits and leave programs, coordinate and manage enrollments, COBRA administration, retirement, and leave processes. This position ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and serves as a resource for employee benefit and leave-related inquiries.
• Administer and support recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes, including job postings, applicant screening, interview coordination and processes, background checks, hiring recommendations, and onboarding activities.
• Develop recruitment strategies, improve candidate pipelines, support employer branding initiatives, and monitor recruitment metrics to enhance hiring outcomes.
• Support positive employee relations by advising supervisors and employees on workplace concerns, assisting with investigations, supporting performance review administration and tracking to ensure consistent policy application, and recommending proactive solutions in accordance with County policy and established procedures.
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records, information systems, reports, and related documentation; compile and assist with analysis of workforce and employment data when assigned by HR management.
• Support HR operations through County-wide initiatives, to include employee training and leadership development, wellness and engagement programs, orientations, policy implementation, and workforce data analysis to ensure effective and consistent HR services.
• Prepare agenda items, reports, presentations, employee communications, policy updates, training materials, surveys, and other related documents and projects as needed.
• Support workplace safety and risk management initiatives by processing workers' compensation claims, assisting with safety programs and training, identifying risk mitigation strategies, participating in safety committees, and monitoring claims and reporting data.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor
• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related
  field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of human resources experience (local government experience preferred).
  A documented combination of relevant training, education and work experience that provides the
  required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
• Professional certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred or obtained within first 12
  months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of human resources management.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA,
  and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative
  productivity standards.
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and occasionally needs to move about the
  office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted, and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively.

Additional Information

Working Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur.
• Some travel may be required for training and meetings.
• Working outside normal business hours may be required to meet project deadlines.

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full-time and part-time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

Health - Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co-pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out-of-pocket maximums.
Dental - Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.
Prescription - The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90-day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co-pay. Co-pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co-insurance limit.
Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.
Life Insurance
Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
Employee Assistance Program
Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.
Retirement Plan
Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age.
Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.
Supplemental Insurance
AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.
Paid Time Off
Vacation - Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply.
Sick Leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment.
Holidays - Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year.
All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.


This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.
01


Which best describes your level of education and HR certification?Note: You may indicate completion of a degree if you are enrolled in the last semester of the degree program.

• I have taken college courses but have not attained a degree
• Attained Associates Degree in non-related field.
• Attained Associates Degree in Human Resources or related field
• Attained Bachelors Degree in Human Resources or related field - No certifications
• Attained Bachelors Degree in Human Resources or related field - Hold SHRM or HRCI certification
• Attained Graduate Degree in Human Resources or related field - No certifications
• Attained Graduate Degree in Human Resources or related field - Hold SHRM or HRCI certification

02


This position requires at least three years of work experience in the field of human resources. Do you meet this requirement?Note: A documented combination of relevant training, education and work experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

• Yes, I do have at least three years of work experience in the human resources field.
• No, I do not have at least three years of work experience in the human resources field.

03


In the space below provide a summary of your work experience and training you believe qualifies you for this role.
Required Question