HR Generalist

Job Description Job Description Position Summary
The Senior Human Resources Generalist serves as a strategic and operational partner in delivering comprehensive HR services for the City of South Fulton. This position will primarily support either the Fire Department or the Police Department and must be capable of operating effectively within a public safety environment.
This role supports city departments by administering and enhancing programs in employee relations, recruitment, performance management, compliance, management development, training, and workforce planning. The Senior HR Generalist exercises independent judgment, ensures regulatory compliance, interprets applicable laws and regulations, and promotes a positive, service-oriented workplace culture aligned with the City’s mission and values.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Employee & Labor Relations
Serve as primary HR contact for the Fire Department or Police Department.
Manage heavy employee relations caseloads, including counseling, disciplinary actions, grievances, and conflict resolution.
Conduct complex and sensitive workplace investigations and provide recommendations for resolution.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and City policies.
Partner with leadership to ensure consistent and legally compliant employment practices.
Provide guidance and risk assessment related to disciplinary actions, terminations, and policy enforcement.
Collective Bargaining Support (Preferred)
Support labor-management relations, including contract interpretation and administration.
Assist in grievance processing and participate in meetings related to collective bargaining matters.
Provide HR guidance during labor discussions and negotiations as assigned.
Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
Oversee full-cycle recruitment for assigned public safety department.
Develop job postings, screening criteria, and interview strategies.
Ensure equitable, compliant, and merit-based hiring practices.
Support onboarding initiatives specific to public safety operations.
Management & Supervisor Training
Develop, coordinate, and deliver management and supervisory training programs.
Provide training on employee relations processes, workplace investigations, performance management, documentation standards, and policy compliance.
Train management staff on interpreting and applying employment laws and regulations.
Coach command staff and supervisors on leadership effectiveness, accountability, and risk mitigation strategies.
Identify organizational development needs and recommend leadership development initiatives.
Compliance & Administration
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and public safety regulations.
Maintain accurate personnel documentation and support audit and reporting requirements.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate personnel actions and records management.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
Experience:
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a municipal or public-sector environment.
Significant experience managing complex employee relations matters required.
Experience supporting public safety (Fire or Police) operations strongly preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in collective bargaining and labor relations.
Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying employment laws and regulations.
Experience developing and delivering management and supervisor training programs.
Certifications (Preferred):
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong knowledge of employment laws, labor relations principles, and HR best practices.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
Strong investigative and documentation skills.
Ability to manage high-volume, sensitive employee relations matters.
Excellent facilitation, presentation, and training skills.
Ability to coach and influence management-level employees.
High level of discretion and confidentiality.
Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an office environment with regular interaction in Fire or Police facilities.
Exposure to public safety operational environments.
Occasional evening meetings or emergency response support may be required.