Brief Job Description (essential functions of the job):

Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Labor Relations, Human Resources, and Legal Affairs, the Boston Fire Department’s Director of Human Resources is responsible for the daily operations of the Human Resources Department and all HR functions within the Department, covering approximately 1,600 employees governed by three (3) collective bargaining agreements. The HR Director will directly manage an HR Department staff and have overall general supervision of all civilian staff with the Boston Fire Department (BFD).  

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Directs a human resource program, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, retention, processing of personnel transactions, compensation administration, employee relations and disputes, collective bargaining, civil service, benefits administration, attendance management, implementing personnel policies and procedures, and worker’s compensation.
• Supports all levels of management by providing human resources advice, counsel, and decisions on issues concerning the ADA, FMLA, harassment policy, discipline, training, etc.
• Mediates and/or assists in conflict resolution on departmental personnel matters.
• Responsible for all personnel transactions department-wide.
• Works closely with the Department’s Deputy Commissioner for Labor Relations, Human Resources, and Legal Affairs in the creation, modification and enforcement of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Responsible for oversight of the recruitment, processing, screening, and hiring for firefighters in accordance with MGL c. 31 and responsible for the hiring of all civilian staff.
• Enforces compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Oversees and enforces various policies, such as the Department’s harassment policy and the City’s residency policy.
• Oversees and manages various leaves, including FMLA, Small Necessities Leave Act, and medical and personal leaves.
• Testifies in forums including, but not limited to, the Civil Service Commission, MCAD, union grievances/arbitrations, and other litigation as necessary.
• Responsible for the BFD Human Resources Department’s annual budget.
• Responsible for developing, implementing, and updating human resources policies and procedures and/or training programs in accordance with applicable city, state, and federal laws, collective bargaining agreements, and/or departmental rules and regulations.
• Responsible for administration of the Department’s personnel/wage administrative system, including processing of all personnel forms, documents, and programs using the HR component of PeopleSoft.
• Responsible for the care and custody of all personnel files.
• Assists in the orientation of all new employees.
• Consults with the Deputy Commissioner for Labor Relations, HR, and Legal Affairs on disciplinary and other employee-related matters, including but not limited to workplace investigations.
• Acts as the Hearing Officer for the Department in the administration of discipline and in the grievance process for civilian employee matters, as may be delegated by the appointing authority or his/her designee.
• Acts as internal liaison to the City’s Office of Human Resources, Office of Labor Relations, the Law Department, and other city departments as required.
• Serves as the Department liaison with the Civil Service Commission and the Human Resources Division; ensures department compliance with Civil Service laws. Acts as external liaison to other governmental agencies or private entities as required.
• Performs special projects and other related work as required.
• Performs related work as required.

Required to work any emergency as directed by the Commissioner or his/her designee.

• At least ten (10) years of paid professional experience in Human Resources Management in an administrative or management capacity, of which five (5) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, or business administration is required. Master’s degree or other advanced degree in public administration, human resources or related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience handling employee relations matters and conducting workplace investigations is strongly preferred.
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification is preferred.
• Knowledge of human resources administration, labor and employment laws, policies, and procedures required.
• Knowledge of municipal administration and Civil Service rules and regulations is preferred.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills are required.
• Knowledge of budget preparations and procedures.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, PeopleSoft, or similar human resources information systems, and time and attendance HR systems such as Kronos or Tel-staff preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic work environment.
• Ability to set and manage priorities in a changing work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to mediate personnel matters within a heavily unionized environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop Human Resource staff members.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

CORI Check Required

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST REQUIRED

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-12

Hours per week: 35