Salary: $41.42 Hourly
Location : Government Center, 100 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026 11:59 PM Central

Description

Reporting to the General Government Director, The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading and managing key human resources programs and services that support the organization's workforce and strategic priorities. This position serves as a trusted advisor to managers and organizational leaders and provides leadership in employee relations, performance management, recruitment, employee development, HR compliance, benefits, HR operations, and other assigned HR programs.

The HR Manager works independently; exercises sound judgment, manages complex and sensitive employee matters, and translates organizational needs into effective HR practices. The position supervises HR staff and is responsible for establishing priorities, ensuring consistent application of HR policies and practices, and continuously improving HR services.
Duties and Responsiblities

HR Leadership & Management

• Manage assigned areas of the Human Resources function.
• Supervise, coach, and develop HR staff.
• Ensure HR services are delivered consistently, efficiently, and with a high level of customer service.
• Partner with the General Government Director and organizational leadership to establish HR priorities and initiatives.
• Manage the HR budget under the direction of the General Government Director.
• Represent Human Resources on organizational committees, projects, and initiatives as assigned.

Qualified candidates will have demonstrated knowledge and experience in at least three of the seven areas listed below.
Performance Management

• Advise and coach managers regarding effective performance expectations, feedback, documentation, and accountability.
• Monitor completion and effectiveness of performance management activities.
• Identify organizational trends and recommend improvements to the performance management approach.

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Ensure recruitment processes are fair, consistent, efficient, and compliant with applicable requirements.
• Monitor recruitment activity, staffing trends, and key metrics.
• Support workforce planning and organizational staffing initiatives.

Employee Onboarding & Engagement

• Oversee recruitment, selection, onboarding, orientation, and retention initiatives to attract and retain qualified employees.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and organizational culture efforts.
• Support retention initiatives and identify opportunities to improve the employee experience.

Training & Employee Development

• Identify organizational and leadership development needs.
• Oversee employee and manager training programs.
• Develop or facilitate training related to HR policies, performance management, workplace conduct, leadership, and other organizational priorities.

HR Policy & Compliance

• Interpret and apply HR policies and procedures and provide guidance to managers and employees.
• Develop, revise, and implement HR policies and procedures in partnership with the General Government Director and organizational leadership.
• Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

• Administer the County's classification and compensation program.
• Conduct market analyses and recommend compensation adjustments.
• Oversee employee benefits programs in coordination with vendors and brokers.
• Evaluate benefit plan performance and recommend improvements.
• Partner with the General Government Director on compensation strategy and significant compensation issues.

HR Data, Reporting and Analytics

• Monitor trends in turnover, recruitment, absenteeism, employee relations, performance, and other workforce measures.
• Translate HR data into meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for HR leadership and organizational leaders.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, individuals should be able to meet all essential requirements:
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or closely related field
• Five (5) years' work experience in a directly related professional capacity
• Demonstrated knowledge of human resources best practices and principles

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Management, Business Administration, or closely related field
• Demonstrated knowledge of public sector human resources practices and principles
• SHRM, HCRI, or PSHRA certification

Additional Information

Work EnvironmentEssential functions of this job are typically carried out in work environments with the following characteristics:

• Takes place in standard office setting with a moderate noise level
• Utilizes office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.
• Position may require occasional travel to other County facilities, training sites, or community locations.
• Duties may require occasional evening or weekend hours to meet business needs.

Physical RequirementsMust be able to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

2026 Polk County - Exempt Fringe Benefits
Personal Time Off (PTO)

Annual Front Load Hours

Start

152

3 years

168

6-year anniversary

208

10-year anniversary

216

13-year anniversary

256

15-year anniversary

264

20-year anniversary

272
**Personal Time Off (PTO) is frontloaded and prorated upon hire and a maximum of 380 hours

can carry over to the new accrual year.
Extended Leave

Accrual at the rate of 46.25 hours annually, capped at 185
Holidays

Ten (10) paid holidays per year
Short-term Disability

66 2/3% weekly wages from days 30-89, at cost to employee
Term Life Insurance

One (1) times annual salary at no cost to employee

Supplemental Life available for employee, spouse, & children
Wisconsin Retirement System - WRS

Employee portion: 7.20%

Employer portion: 7.20%
Deferred Compensation

Wisconsin Deferred Compensation - three (3) options for additional retirement savings (pre-tax)
Health Insurance

Begins on the 1st of the month following date of hire

Health Partners - three (3) plan options to choose from
Other Insurances

Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, Accident and Hospital
Flexible Spending Account

Administered through WEX (pre-tax dollars for medical expenses and daycare costs)
Employee Assistance Program

Health Partners confidential counseling services
Wellness Program

Employees may select to participate in various wellness programs and activities throughout the year. A Fitness Center & 1/3-mile wooded walking trail located at the Government Center available for staff enjoyment.
Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $1,500 reimbursement for approved expenses per class; and a maximum benefit of $3,000 annually