The U.S. Courts seeks a qualified Human Resources Administrator to oversee HR operations for the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The role coordinates administrative, technical, and professional HR programs, including benefits administration, salary budgeting, payroll, recruitment, and performance management, while ensuring compliance with Judiciary and HR guidelines. It supports a collaborative, professional workplace culture and partners with leadership across both courts. The position is onsite in Grand Rapids, with a salary range of $85,141 to $138,380 annually and requires a high school diploma or equivalent plus at least two years of related experience.
Overview
- Location: Grand Rapids, MI
- Salary: $85,141 - $138,380 per year
- Pay scale & grade: CL 29
- Work schedule: Full-time
- Travel: Occasional travel
- Appointment type: Permanent
- Occupation: 0201 Human Resources Management
- Work site options: Telework eligible; Remote job: No
- Status: Excepted service; Represented by a union
- Announcement number: 26-09
- Control number: 876898500
- Application status: Accepting applications
Responsibilities
- Anticipate, create, and administer the full range of human resources policies, procedures, and standards for both court units.
- Research, analyze, develop, and recommend HR policies for multiple court units with different needs, priorities, and cultures.
- Develop strategic budget planning recommendations to identify existing and potential staffing scenarios.
- Determine the implication of staffing decisions on existing and projected budgets.
- Manage and implement the personnel budget for each court unit, recognizing the priorities, needs and cultures of each unit.
- Consult with and make staffing recommendations to each unit's management.
- Provide advice on organizational structures and classification standards and guide management on HR related changes.
- Initiate, recommend, and assist with the development of strategies for performance management tools for each court unit that align with the court's philosophy and culture.
- Develop performance management tools for each court unit.
- Develop and classify position descriptions, evaluation tools, performance standards, and rating criteria.
- Advise judges, unit executives, and managers/supervisors on staff performance evaluations throughout the year.
- Develop tracking systems for evaluations and salary increases for both court units.
- Develop, manage, and administer all aspects of each court unit's recruitment and selection processes, including vacancy announcements, sourcing methods, candidate screening, background and reference checks, and onboarding of new hires.
- Ensure hiring and promotion practices comply with judiciary and equal employment opportunity guidelines.
- Develop and conduct new hire orientation for new employees.
- Advise on non-routine questions and provide consistent HR messaging to management and staff.
- Review the Guide to Judiciary Policy and Human Resources Manual to confirm adherence to HR, budget, and procurement practices.
- Develop and update court policies and procedures and verify compliance.
- Consult with judges, unit executives, managers, supervisors, and employees district-wide on HR issues, procedures, and practices including employee relations, disciplinary actions, performance management, staffing, payroll, and cost projections.
- Develop strategies to influence authorities and facilitate discussions on HR issues.
- Work with management to anticipate and address potential employee relations issues.
- Develop and maintain fair employment policies and practices.
- Coordinate the court's Employee Dispute Resolution (EDR) Plan.
- Identify and recommend appropriate responses to issues, disputes, and grievances.
- Maintain and compile accurate data and prepare necessary reports.
- Perform duties related to benefits administration, recruitment, orientation, classification, personnel action processing, budget, payroll, separations, workers' compensation, and records management for multiple court units and chambers with varying needs.
- Develop and maintain a local HR procedural manual.
- Identify training requirements, develop materials, and implement programs in HR areas such as retirement, HRMIS, recruitment, employee relations, workplace conduct, performance management, and Code of Conduct.
- Monitor quality of work and compliance of staff activities pertinent to HR.
- Establish procedures for maintaining local personnel files for audit purposes, including budget, payroll, and leave records.
- Administer and utilize multiple automated HR systems, including HR administration, leave tracking, budget projections, records management, and performance management; manage system access and troubleshoot locally.
- Advise on leave administration and tracking in line with judiciary and local leave policies.
- Establish relationships and maintain information sharing networks with court employees, other districts and circuit HR representatives, and the Administrative Office.
- Serve as a resource for HR information and maintain HR data on court internet and intranet sites.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
- This position is subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer (direct deposit) of payment of federal wages.
- Selected candidate must successfully complete a five-year background investigation with periodic updates every five years thereafter. Appointment is provisional and retention depends on a favorable suitability determination.
- Employees must adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
- Progressively responsible experience in at least one, and preferably two or more, HR management areas such as recruitment and staffing, classification and compensation, benefits, performance management, employee relations, fair employment practices, and training.
- Knowledge of HR policies, personnel management principles, and employee relations practices.
- Experience working in a professional environment using various technologies to accomplish work.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.
- Reliable, trustworthy, and discreet.
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to demonstrate sound ethics and good judgment.
- Experience delivering professional customer service.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments with interruptions and shifting priorities.
- Professional demeanor and ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters.
Technologies
Benefits
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (like 401k)
- Health, Life, Dental & Vision insurance
- Flexible Spending program
- 11 paid Federal holidays per year
- Paid parking
- Leave accrual program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) is available to certain full-time employees with qualifying student loans
Open To
- The public
- U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Additional Information
This position is available due to the planned retirement of the current incumbent and includes an extended transition period to ensure comprehensive training and knowledge transfer. The anticipated start date is November 2026, with potential limited telework after establishment and training. Travel within the district, and occasional travel outside the district for professional development, are required. Occasional work outside normal hours may be necessary. Judiciary employees serve under excepted appointments and are considered at will, not covered by federal civil service classifications or regulations. The court reserves the right to modify posting conditions, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position sooner than the closing date without prior notice. Travel and relocation reimbursements are not authorized. All applicant information is subject to verification, and false statements may result in non-selection or dismissal. The Federal Judiciary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
