Human Resources Generalist - Employee, Labor Relations and Special Projects

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : 1820 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-1449
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 03/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt


Description
The City of Fort Myers strives to be an employer of choice and most of our employees turn jobs into long term careers. The salary shown in the job description is the full range for this position from entry to later career.


NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.

FLSA Status: Exempt Safety Sensitive : NO Level II Screening : NO
This is a professional, exempt position responsible for administering the City's employee and labor relations programs. Under the general direction of the Human Resources Director, the Employee and Labor Relations HR Generalist performs complex professional work with a primary focus on employee relations and labor relations in a unionized public-sector environment.
The position provides advice and consultation to supervisors, managers, and employees regarding employee conduct, workplace disputes, progressive discipline, grievances, EEO matters, and collective bargaining agreement interpretation. The incumbent assists with labor relations activities, participates in workplace investigations, and supports the development and implementation of human resources policies and procedures to ensure consistent and legally compliant practices.
This role also provides support for compensation and classification activities, special human resources projects, and administrative functions within the Human Resources Department. The position requires the exercise of independent judgment, discretion, and analytical skill in handling sensitive employee relations matters, managing human resources data systems, and ensuring compliance with applicable labor agreements, employment laws, and City policies, while delivering a high level of internal customer service. No supervisory responsibilities.
Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation :

Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

Non Essential Employees will not be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee's Department Head will determine when the employee will be required to work.
Perks and Benefits

• Free city-paid employee health coverage, additional for spouse or family
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off (sick & vacation)
• 13 paid holidays
• Pension plan & optional Deferred Compensation
• City-paid life insurance
• Optional Vision, Dental, and Disability Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-site Gym facility
• And much more!

Duties/Responsibilities
Employee Relations

• Serves as a primary management resource for employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary actions, attendance issues, workplace conduct, harassment and discrimination complaints, grievances, and conflict resolution.
• Provides guidance and consultation to supervisors and managers to ensure employee relations matters are handled consistently, fairly, and in compliance with applicable laws, City policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Conducts or assists with workplace investigations, including interviewing involved parties, collecting and analyzing information, preparing documentation, and making findings and recommendations.
• Counsels' supervisors and employees on workplace conduct, progressive discipline, and compliance with personnel policies and procedures.
• Provides advisement and training to supervisors related to discipline, discharge, and documentation practices.
• Represents the City in unemployment compensation hearings and assists with preparation for grievance proceedings, mediations, arbitrations, and other employee relations matters, as assigned.
• Manages risk and ensures legal compliance related to employee relations matters, including compliance with FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, and related employment laws; responds to charges and inquiries from agencies such as the EEOC.
• Coordinates with the HR Director on employee relations matters with legal implications, including investigations, disciplinary actions, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Promotes positive employee relations and supports early resolution of workplace concerns to minimize grievances, disputes, and litigation.

Labor Relations

• Serves as a subject matter resource on labor relations by assisting with the interpretation, administration, and application of collective bargaining agreements in accordance with Chapter 447, Florida Statutes.
• Assists the Human Resources Director with labor relations activities in a unionized environment, including collective bargaining preparation and contract administration.
• Conducts research and analysis related to collective bargaining agreements, labor laws, PERC decisions, comparable public-sector practices, and bargaining proposals.
• Assists in preparing negotiation materials, costing analyses, briefing documents, and management proposals.
• Participates in the collective bargaining process as directed, including data analysis and proposal development.
• Supports contract administration by assisting with preparation of grievance responses, documentation, and related correspondence.
• Assists with preparation for grievance hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other labor relations proceedings.
• Meets with management to identify and narrow contentious labor issues, conducts research, and recommends solutions consistent with City objectives and legal requirements.
• Coordinates with the Human Resources Director regarding personnel policies and procedures and participates in the development, revision, and administration of labor-related programs.

Administrative and Departmental Support

• Provides administrative and professional support to the Human Resources Director related to employee relations, labor relations, compensation, and departmental operations.
• Assists with administration of the City's classification and compensation system, including wage and salary surveys, market analysis, internal equity review, pay range updates, and program recommendations.
• Reviews and processes position reclassification requests and assists with maintenance of organizational charts, position control, and personnel records.
• Assists with performance evaluation programs and provides guidance on compensation, classification, and contract compliance.
• Prepares and submits required regulatory and compliance reports, including EEO-4, EEOP, utilization, and related reports.
• Prepares, reviews, and maintains correspondence, reports, memoranda, policies, procedures, and guidance documents in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and City policies.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and confidential employee relations, labor relations, and investigation files in compliance with federal and state laws, collective bargaining agreements, and public records retention requirements.
• Tracks employee relations matters, investigations, grievances, disciplinary actions, and timelines to ensure proper documentation and timely resolution.
• Assists with coordination and documentation of grievance meetings, disciplinary hearings, labor-management meetings, and other employee relations proceedings.
• Prepares summaries, timelines, briefing materials, and documentation for management, the City Attorney's Office, or external agencies, as required.
• Assists with responses to public records requests, audits, and compliance reviews related to employee relations, labor relations, and compensation matters.
• Coordinates training activities related to employee relations, supervisory practices, workplace conduct, and policy updates.
• Maintains HRIS records, databases, spreadsheets, and tracking tools related to employee relations cases, labor agreements, compensation data, and departmental initiatives.
• Provides high-quality internal customer service to City departments, employees, and the public.
• Provides backup support for other human resources functions as assigned to ensure continuity of operations.

Special Projects

• Participates in and leads special human resources projects as assigned by the Human Resources Director.
• Conducts research, data analysis, and benchmarking to support management decision-making, policy development, and strategic planning.
• Analyzes trends and identifies areas of risk or improvement related to employee relations, labor relations, and compliance; develops recommendations consistent with City objectives and legal requirements.
• Coordinates cross-departmental efforts on assigned projects to ensure timelines, deliverables, and objectives are met.
• Assists with preparation of reports, presentations, and briefing materials for the Human Resources Director and executive management, as directed.
• Monitors legislative, regulatory, and best-practice developments affecting public-sector human resources and provides summaries or recommendations as requested.
• Performs other related duties in support of departmental goals and strategic initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of modern Human Resources management, including employee relations, labor relations, classification, compensation, and risk management.
• Federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, and collective bargaining laws, and their application in a municipal workforce setting.
• Investigative techniques and best practices for workplace and risk-related investigations.
• Public personnel administration, local government organization and procedures, and applicable employment policies.
• Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), reporting techniques, data analysis, and information technology concepts relevant to HR operations.
• Principles of organizational analysis, statistics, and cost/benefit analysis.

Skills in:

• Conducting investigations, researching claims, and negotiating settlements.
• Leadership, team building, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• Preparing and analyzing detailed HR reports and metrics to support data-driven decision-making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and HR-related systems/software.
• Effective oral and written communication, with the ability to present information clearly and persuasively in both positive and challenging situations.
• Prioritization, organization, and time management in handling multiple projects and deadlines.
• Policy interpretation, development, and enforcement.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and confidentiality in analyzing issues and making decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and implement creative and effective solutions, policies, and action plans.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, union representatives, government officials, and the public.
• Adapt to changing priorities, perform effectively under pressure, and maintain composure during emergencies or stressful situations.
• Coordinate and complete multiple assignments accurately and within established timeframes.
• Operate standard office equipment and technology, including computers, printers, copiers, calculators, and other electronic devices/software.

Minimum Requirements

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resource Management, Business/Public Administration, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including employee and labor relations, HRIS administration, and general HR functions.
  • Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
  • Experience in a unionized/public sector environment with collective bargaining, grievance/arbitration, and employment law compliance is highly desirable.
  • Possess a valid Florida Driver's License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification preferred.
• Public sector or unionized environment experience strongly preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
This work typically requires the following physical activities to be performed.

• Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
• Climbing - ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.
• Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
• Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
• Standing - for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
• Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word
• Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
• Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
• Fingering - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
• Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
• Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
• Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
• Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
• Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
• Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
• Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
• Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
• Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.
• Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
• Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

Work performed is primarily:

• Sedentary work: Exerting 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, including the human body.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works in an office environment and sits for long periods of time.
• Contact with internal and external customers.

May be required to work hours other than the regular schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
Full-time regular City employee benefits:

• Health Insurance ()
  • City paid employee coverage. HMO or PPO plans are available. Dependents can be added, Employee pays 30% of premium. Premium deductions are taken pre-tax.
• Basic Life Insurance ()
  • City paid. The benefit is equal to 1x the annual base pay, rounded to the nearest $1000.00.
• Optional Vision Insurance ()
  • Employee-paid insurance is available at group rates, and family plans are available to employees. Premium deductions are taken pre-tax.
• Optional Dental Insurance ()
  • Employee-paid insurance is available at group rates, and family plans are available to employees. Premium deductions are taken pre-tax.
• Supplemental Insurance
  • Employees may purchase various types of supplemental insurance (life, AFLAC) at group rates through payroll deduction.
• Pension Plan (General) Administered by
• Pension Plan (Police and Fire) administered by
• 401(a) ()
  • Certain management positions can opt out of the General Pension into a 401(a).
• Roth IRA ()
  • Offered through payroll deduction.
• Disability ()
  • Employee paid short & long-term disability insurance.
• Leave Time (Sick, Vacation)
• Paid Holidays
  • City recognizes 13 holidays which include: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Birthday Holiday and Floating Holiday.**Birthday and Float after 1-year of service.
• Deferred Compensation Programs () OR ()
  • Tax-deferred savings plan available for retirement purposes. Employee-only contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employees can elect to use pre-tax dollars to cover un-reimbursed medical or dependent daycare expenses.
• Payroll Direct Deposit
  • Available to any banking institution or credit union. Suncoast Federal Schools Credit Union membership is available to City employees.
• Employee Assistance Program ()
  • City-paid availability to licensed professional counselors for non-work related personal issues with 100% confidentiality.

Please note: Benefits do not apply to On-Call, Temporary, or Seasonal positions. Insurance Benefits only apply to regular Full-time positions.

01


Do you currently meet one of the following requirements: * A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field AND a minimum of four years of progressively responsible human resources experience including employment and labor relations, HRIS administration, and general HR functions, OR* An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Yes
• No

02


If the answer is Yes to question #1, please explain. If you answered "No" please enter "n/a".
03


Do you currently possess a valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

04


This position requires direct experience working with employee relations, in a unionized/public sector government, including collective bargaining and grievance/arbitration administration. Do you currently meet that requirement?

• Yes
• No

05


If the answer is Yes to question #4, please explain. If you answered "No" please enter "n/a".
06


PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:Do you currently possess a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question