The Human Resources Manager for Picuris Pueblo provides strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of all Human Resources functions. The role is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable Tribal, Federal, and State employment requirements while managing recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, policy administration, training, compliance activities, and personnel records.
Role Overview
Plan, direct, and evaluate Human Resources operations; maintain HR policies and employee handbooks; and advise Tribal leadership on employment matters. The position also supports workforce planning, employee development, compensation and benefits administration, and HR reporting for Tribal Administration and Tribal Council.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate all Human Resources operations.
- Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.
- Ensure compliance with TERO, Tribal personnel policies, Indian Preference requirements (when applicable), and all applicable federal and state employment laws.
- Maintain confidentiality of personnel records and investigations.
- Serve as advisor to Tribal leadership regarding employment-related matters.
- Coordinate recruitment, interviewing, selection, and hiring of employees.
- Develop job descriptions and salary recommendations, and advertise vacancies through appropriate recruitment sources.
- Coordinate pre-employment background checks, drug screenings, and reference checks.
- Conduct new employee orientation and onboarding.
- Serve as a resource to supervisors and employees for workplace concerns.
- Investigate complaints, grievances, harassment, discrimination, and disciplinary matters.
- Recommend corrective actions and conflict resolution strategies, and promote a respectful and positive work environment.
- Coordinate employee evaluations and assist supervisors with coaching and performance improvement plans.
- Develop employee recognition and retention initiatives, and support succession planning and workforce development.
- Administer employee compensation programs, coordinate benefit enrollment and changes, and assist with annual compensation reviews and salary studies.
- Work closely with Payroll to ensure personnel actions are processed accurately.
- Maintain employee personnel files and ensure HRIS and payroll records are accurate.
- Prepare HR reports for Tribal Administration and Tribal Council.
- Monitor employee licenses, certifications, and required credentials.
- Coordinate workers’ compensation claims, assist with workplace safety initiatives, and participate in accident investigations.
- Recommend risk reduction strategies and coordinate employee training programs, including required compliance training records.
- Assist departments with professional development opportunities and develop leadership and supervisory training.
- Participate in strategic planning, assist with labor negotiations if applicable, and attend Tribal Council meetings as requested.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Location and Work Setting
- Work location: In person
- City/State: Peñasco, NM
- Schedule: Onsite
Minimum Experience
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience.
- Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
Education
A related degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
Required and Preferred Knowledge
- Knowledge of Human Resources principles and best practices.
- Knowledge of Tribal employment practices and Indian Preference.
- Understanding of federal and state employment laws.
- Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills, including the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
- Ability to interpret policies and employment regulations.
- Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with Tribal leadership, employees, and community members (Tribal HR leaders are commonly expected to demonstrate cultural awareness while advising leadership, handling confidential matters, and ensuring compliance with tribal and employment policies).
Technologies
- HRIS
- Payroll systems
- 401(k) / Tribal Retirement Program
Certifications (Preferred)
- SHRM-CP
- SHRM-SCP
- PHR
- SPHR
- Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP)
Compliance Areas
- Tribal Personnel Policies
- TERO (if applicable)
- Indian Preference requirements
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
- OSHA requirements
- HIPAA (when applicable)
- COBRA
- Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Retirement Plan (401(k) or Tribal Retirement Program)
- Paid Vacation Leave
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off
Work Schedule, Travel, and Physical Requirements
- Physical requirements: Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; lift up to 25 pounds occasionally; ability to operate standard office equipment.
- Travel: Ability to travel for meetings and training.
- Working conditions: Office environment; frequent interaction with employees and Tribal leadership; occasional evening meetings; occasional travel for training and conferences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working within a Tribal Government or Tribal Health Organization.
- Knowledge of Tribal governance and sovereignty.
- Experience administering employee benefits and payroll.
- Grant-funded employment administration experience.
- Experience with HR audits and policy development.
- Experience managing recruitment for healthcare, public safety, or governmental positions.
Indian Preference Statement
Picuris Pueblo practices Indian Preference in hiring in accordance with applicable Tribal laws, policies, and federal regulations. Qualified enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes shall receive preference in employment where applicable.
