Job description

Human Resources Director — Hardin, MT

• Position Overview: The Human Resources Director provides strategic and operational leadership for all HR functions across Big Horn County. Responsible for aligning human capital strategies with county policies and state and federal employment laws, managing full-lifecycle recruitment, labor relations, employee performance, compliance, and benefits administration. Seeks a candidate who combines public‑sector HR technical knowledge with empathy and strong interpersonal skills to foster a supportive, compliant workplace culture.

• Key Responsibilities & Functional Domains:

• Strategic HR Leadership & Employee Relations (High Priority — Soft Skills): Serve as trusted advisor to County Commissioners, Department Heads, and Elected Officials on personnel matters; promote a supportive, inclusive workplace culture; review, investigate, and resolve grievances, workplace complaints, and Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) claims; guide disciplinary actions, Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), and terminations; participate in collective bargaining and labor contract negotiations.

• Compliance, Policy & Records Management: Ensure compliance with state and federal labor regulations (including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Workers' Compensation, and prevailing wage standards); maintain and update the County Employee Handbook, job descriptions, and salary structures; oversee accurate personnel record-keeping in the HRIS and confidential drug/alcohol testing files; ensure required federal, state, and county employment posters/notices are displayed and maintained.

• Recruitment, Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Oversee end-to-end recruitment and hiring with department leads; conduct pre-employment vetting (background checks, drug screenings, eligibility verification); direct new hire orientation and retention programs.

• Benefits, Payroll Support & Operations: Oversee benefits administration and open enrollment; manage benefits offboarding; collaborate with Payroll for wage and benefit processing; prepare annual salary and benefit expense projections for the Board of Commissioners; manage safety, injury prevention, and workers' compensation follow-up programs.

• Candidate Requirement Profile:

• Minimum & Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; 2+ years of progressive HR management experience preferred (public or private sector); HRCI (PHR/SPHR) or SHRM (SHRM-CP/SCP) certification strongly preferred; valid driver's license with insurable driving record required; must pass pre-employment criminal background check and drug screening.

• Core Competencies & Skills: Technical HR knowledge (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, HRIS platforms, labor negotiations); high emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, diplomacy, and tact; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and public sector database management.

• Location: Hardin, MT

• Equal Opportunity & Compliance: Big Horn County is committed to creating an inclusive workplace in compliance with applicable laws and welcomes qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds.

#HireFinder

#LI-PROMOTED

#LI-Hybrid

View original posting on Lever

What applying to Distro usually looks like

Based on publicly available information, candidates applying through Lever for Distro can typically expect a relatively streamlined application experience, as this ATS commonly features a straightforward online form requesting resume, basic contact details, and sometimes brief responses to role-specific questions. After submission, applicants may receive an automated confirmation email, though response times vary depending on the volume of applications and internal review processes. The hiring process may include multiple stages, such as initial screening calls, skills assessments, or interviews with team members, though the exact structure can differ by role and department. Candidates should generally expect to track their application status through the Lever candidate portal or via email updates, and may be asked to provide references or additional materials later in the process.

Based on publicly available information. LandEarly does not verify interview process details.

Human Resources Director

What applying to Distro usually looks like

Land this one early - before the req fills.

Keep exploring