Human Resources Assistant

HR Assistant The City of Oakdale's mission is to provide high-quality, reliable services and foster a safe, clean, and welcoming community. Our Human Resources team is hiring an HR Assistant! We are looking for a self-starter who has the ability to create a positive experience for both employees and applicants, and who wants to be part of a professional and innovative team serving a great staff and community. This position serves as the first point of contact of our HR team for employees and applicants, ensuring an excellent experience. Additionally, this role provides primary support related to recruiting and onboarding, is the main contact between HR and payroll functions, assists employees with benefits questions, and coordinates file organization and team organization. This position is an early career-level human resources role, with the opportunity to grow and expand with exceptional performance and commitment to ongoing learning and development. The Oakdale organization is supportive, hard-working, and a lot of fun. We like our work and each other and know that what we do makes a difference. Anticipated hiring timeline: Application review begins - September 16 First round interviews (video) - September 21-22 Second round interviews (in person) - September 28-29 Anticipated start - on or after October 19, 2026 Come work with us! Note: This position is in-person (non-remote) and is temporarily based at the new Public Works Facility at 3200 Granada Avenue North while City Hall is being renovated into a state-of-the-art facility. When renovations are completed, the Human Resources team will relocate back to Oakdale City Hall (1584 Hadley Avenue North). Expectations The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to the following: Work collaboratively with other staff to provide excellent and responsive public service Provide initial support for staff, applicants, and the public on inquiries related to Oakdale hiring and employment Assist with onboarding and offboarding employees, ensuring that the experience is thorough, timely, and professional Assist with the development, tracking, and maintenance of training records and continuing education needs Coordinate quarterly random CDL drug testing and reporting Assist with filing First Reports of Injury, maintaining work related injury records and preparing OSHA reports. Knowledge of laws and/or policies pertaining to work related injuries or other leave programs; assist with tracking leave time and communicating to employees and payroll to ensure accurate records Assist with processing payroll and deduction changes each pay period, ensuring appropriate backup documentation is provided Working knowledge of personnel policies and procedures, knowledge of City's labor contracts, and relevant state and federal regulations related to Minnesota public sector employment Maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) as they are created, updated or changed; recommend updates as needs evolve Familiarity with Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and how to apply the standards to personnel data and personnel files Proactively suggest changes or modification to department processes or procedures to enhance their effectiveness Attention to detail and ability to differentiate among various employee groups and applicable benefits or policy application Working knowledge of City's HRIS and payroll technology; ability to assist end users, update content as needed, and verify accuracy of content Support the annual open enrollment process, including employee support, verification of requested changes and accurate deductions, and clear communication materials Participate in employee appreciation events and activities, providing department support and expertise May assist with employee committees (Benefits, Safety & Wellness, others) and content preparation, record management, and meeting facilitation Able to draft and modify professional memos and letters; able to prepare internal promotional and event materials Provide updates to Human Resources Director on department matters. Ability to work with data and ensure accuracy Strong organization and communication skills for working with staff, the public, and other stakeholders Maintain prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance Ability to take direction and work well with others; ability to follow written and verbal instructions Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally Demonstrate ability to work independently and collaboratively; meet job expectations and comply with City policies and procedures Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and other related software Make recommendations to improve service delivery and the employee experience Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned While performing the normal duties of this job, there are related steps, processes, and methods that require this position to recognize clear differences in a variety of situations. Supervision General supervision is provided while performing the normal duties of this job. This position exhibits no formal supervisory responsibilities but may coordinate work with other individuals as a team member. Impact While performing the normal duties of this job, this position's work product or services affect the accuracy, reliability, or acceptability of further processes or services. The physical demands and work conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Hazards Nonstrenuous – Occasionally climbs a few steps, balance, bend/stoop kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, reach above shoulder level, sit, stand, walk, finger/enter data/keystroke, feel, talk, or hear, and/or exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. While performing the duties of this job, this position will use: close vision, far vision, depth perception, visual acuteness, color vision, and peripheral vision. While performing the duties of this job, this position will use their right hand for simple, firm, and fine handling or manipulation and will use their left hand for simple, firm, and fine handling or manipulation. While performing the duties of this job, this position will not use their right foot and/or left foot for repetitive movements. Surroundings Low Risk – Exposure to inside environmental conditions where it is adequately lighted, ventilated and heated, and normal precaution must be observed. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals employed in this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and qualifications required of personnel in this job. The employer may and reserves its right to change the job description and establish, modify or eliminate job duties and responsibilities and jobs at its discretion with or without notice. Minimum Qualifications To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the formal education, experience and training required: Associate's degree in human resources or related field A minimum of two (2) years' direct experience in human resources, employee development, or employee training Desired Qualifications The requirements listed below are representative of the formal education, experience and training preferred in order to exceptionally perform all of the functions of this position: Bachelor's degree in human resources, public administration, or related field More than two years' experience in public sector human resources Public Sector HR Association PSHRA-CP or PSHRA-SCP certification, CLRP (Certified Labor Relations Professional) Certification, SHRM-CP certification Benefits The City of Oakdale understands that its employees are its greatest assets. Accordingly, we seek to offer a comprehensive benefits package that meets employee needs throughout their working life. Our plan includes medical care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, and paid time off. The city also supports employees through wellness options, employee assistance availability, and department specific initiatives. Part-time employees who are employed on a schedule of more than twenty hours per week receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. The benefit options below are applicable for regular, full or part-time employees and may vary based on labor agreement or specific position. Medical : Medica (three plan options) - City contribution for both single and family premiums, as well as HSA contributions in accordance with City policy. Employees may make additional HSA contributions if enrolled in the City's medical plan Dental : Mutual of Omaha - Four tiers of coverage are available. City of Oakdale, Minnesota