HR Director

Salary: $52.95 Hourly
Location : 900 Concourse Dr., Rapid City, SD 57703, SD
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01731
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 04/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Position Description

Position Objective :
Under general direction of the Pennington County Board of Commissioners, the Human Resources Director plans, develops, leads, and coordinates the County's Human Resources policies, programs, activities and procedures ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and/or regulations. The Human Resources Director works with the Board of Commissioners, advising them whenever employment actions or new regulations warrant, and when policies are implemented or updated. Additionally, the Human Resources Director works with all other Elected Officials and Department Heads to provide support in the areas of staff development, employment law and employee relations. This position's duties are directly related to the management and general operations of the Pennington County Human Resources Department.

Position Functions

Essential Functions:

• Plan, develop, lead, and coordinate the County's Human Resources policies, programs, activities and procedures ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and/or regulations. Provides direction through strategic short and long-term goal setting and planning.
• Collaborate with Elected Officials and Department Heads to understand organizational and/or departmental goals and strategies related to staffing, recruiting, and retention.
• Oversee and support the recruitment, applicant tracking, selection process, interviewing, background and reference checking, hiring, orientation and records management of County employees.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of the Human Resources Department staff; hires, trains, provides work direction and oversight, and evaluates job performance.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Direct the County in a manner that ensures compliance with applicable ordinances and laws through research and application of applicable state and federal human resource, employment, and benefits related legislation.
• Advise Elected Officials and Department Heads and employees regarding employment-related matters such as compensation, hiring, orientation, motivation, performance reviews, training and disciplinary processes. Serve as a mediator to resolve inter and intra-department conflicts.
• Develop and administer training programs for Elected Officials and Department Heads and employees including harassment prevention, non-discrimination, customer service, wellness, performance review processes, recruitment and selection, reference checking, management and leadership.
• Oversee the Risk Management and Insurance programs of the County.
• Oversee and support the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) administration process.
• Oversee the design, administration, compliance, and ongoing evaluation of all County employee benefit programs, including health, dental, life, SDRS-Retirement, deferred compensation, Retirement Health Savings, paid leave, and employee assistance programs. Analyze financial data, ensure compliance with federal legislation, negotiate contracts, manage RFPs, and communicate benefits effectively to County employees. Recommend revisions to benefit plans or related policies for approval by the Board of Commissioners.
• Direct and manage the County's compensation and classification programs, including collecting and analyzing market data, developing pay structures, recommending adjustments, and ensuring internal pay equity. Provide leadership in implementing fair and competitive compensation and classification practices that support the County's strategic goals. Recommend revisions to compensation and classification plans or related policies for approval by the Board of Commissioners.
• Develop and manage the Human Resources Department budget by forecasting needs, developing annual budget and monitoring expenditures.
• Oversee ADA accommodations for the County, ensuring compliance with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including grievance resolution.
• Maintains compliance with all County policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in human resources management, public or business administration or related field is required.
• Ten years of progressively-responsible work experience in the human resources management field with experience managing other employees and other managers is preferred.
• A documented combination of relevant training, education and work experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

• Professional certification, i.e. PHR/SPHR and/or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, is required. If not currently certified, must attain within twelve (12) months of placement in position.

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
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted, and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in English, including over the telephone, in person, and in writing.

Additional Information

Working Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur.
• Occasional nights and weekend hours may be required to meet project deadlines and attend after-hour meetings.
• Some travel may be required for training and meetings.

Pennington County Benefit Summary

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

Heath Care Program


Health - Pennington County has a self-funded health care program for employees and their dependents. The County pays 75% of the employee's premium, and 50% of the dependent premium. There is a $500 single and $1000 family deductible per calendar year. The plan generally pays 80% of covered charges to the first $5,000 or $10,000, then 100% to the end of the year, provided you use a medical care provider within the Wellmark Network. Out-of-network services are covered at 70%. A list of Wellmark Network Providers can be accessed on the web at There is a $25 co-pay on in-network doctor visits and an annual $150 Wellness Benefit.

Dental - 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered. After a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family, general and major restorative procedures are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $750 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan. This plan is included in health plan and cannot be segregated.

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 immediately or within 30 days of employment. The program is available for employees as well as dependents.

Life Insurance

Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefitted 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 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, spouse, and optional expanded spouse benefits.
Flexible Benefit Plan (Tax Savings Plan)

Flexible Spending Account - Employees may enroll in a plan that allows payment of uncovered medical, dental, or vision expenses or dependent care with pre-tax dollars.

Pre-Tax Premium Payments - Employees may elect to have insurance premium payments deducted before taxes.

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 monthly at the rate of 6.67 hours (years 0-4), 10 hours (years 4-15), and 13.34 hours (years 15 and above). Maximum hours of accumulation apply.

Sick Leave - Sick leave accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 3 years of employment.

Holidays - Employees receive 10 paid holidays per year.

All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated accordingly for part-time benefitted employees.