Personnel Associate II, Human Resource Services

The Human Resources Department at the University of Montana invites applications for a Personnel Associate II to join their team. The person assigned to this position will provide direct assistance to the Human Resource Services (HRS) Compensation Manager, working in a collaborative, professional relationship to maintain compliance with the Montana University System (MUS) Staff Compensation Plan for the University of Montana (UM), including the institution’s affiliate campuses.

Essential duties and responsibilities assigned to this position in order to achieve these overarching goals are as follows:

• Conducting classification and compensation reviews and related activities
• Collaborate with managers implementing various Staff Compensation components, and work proactively with these individuals to resolve basic compensation and classification issues
• Conducting survey analysis and applying appropriate methodologies
• Providing accurate and timely information in a variety of forms for all four campuses on topics including, but not limited to, Staff Compensation, and creating effective Role Descriptions
• Provides input in the design, development, and implementation of process and procedural changes for staff compensation
• Conduct research on a variety of compensation/performance review/HR topics and best practices
• Prepare a multitude of documents and reports for a wide variety of managers and other professional groups and individuals as necessary
• Provide detailed guidance to HRS Clients regarding compensation compliance, performance reviews, and job analysis
• Accurate and timely completion of necessary documentation and reports, while ensuring data integrity and file maintenance
• Works closely with UM classified staff members to thoroughly address compensation and classification related inquires, as well as to develop pathways for potential career advancement
• Perform position audit functions when necessary to determine accurate job classification
• Providing content updates for applicable portions of the HRS website
• Maintain responsibility for administrative functions related to the HRS Compensation Office

Additionally, the person assigned to this position will proactively engage in HRS team-related activities as assigned, and provide department support in other HRS areas as necessary. This position may hold functional supervision responsibility for student employees as necessary.

This position requires incumbent to develop a working knowledge of University, Board of Regents, state and federal regulations, policies, and procedures as well as a multitude of collective bargaining agreements regarding compensation and performance. It is also expected you develop an understanding of UM payroll and recruitment processes and procedures, and methods of calculation for compensation, as well as the ability to ensure accurate and equitable comparisons and evaluations while applying required standards to appropriately administer compensation. Intermediate knowledge of Banner and a high level of conflict resolution and negotiation skills is also expected to be developed while in the role.

Required Skills

• Intermediate to advanced experience in the operation of personal computers and a variety of software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to learn new software
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including copier, fax, computer, and printers
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to effectively write professional memos, letters, emails, documents, and reports; the ability to establish and maintain working relationships; and the ability to exercise highly developed interpersonal communication skills in either one-on-one or group settings
• Ability to explain relevant policies and rules with diplomacy, and deliver negative information with tact
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service, while explaining complex information in a logical and clear way
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality while working with high volumes of proprietary information
• Organizational, multi-tasking, decision-making and time management skills to prioritize workloads
• Detail-oriented to achieve the highest level of accuracy possible at all times
• Ability to create intermediate spreadsheets and basic databases to use information for tracking and analysis
• Must be able to address ambiguous situations and information in a positive, open, and thoughtful way
• Ability to write a wide variety of documents and correspondence, and to format and generate reports
• Expert analytical, problem-solving, and reasoning skills
• Ability to perform math calculations, intermediate analysis, and comparison duties
• Must be willing and able to be flexible and creative when consulting with campus partners

Minimum Required Experience

• The person assigned to this position should possess, at a minimum, a high school diploma (or equivalency), as well as at least two (2) years of professional experience in a related position requiring labor market analysis or other closely related human resource services; or any combination of experience and education that would provide the competencies required to successfully discharge the essential duties assigned to this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in higher education classification/compensation
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

About the Human Resources department and UM

The Human Resource Services team partners with the University of Montana (UM) community and affiliated campuses by providing solutions and services to support the success of the UM mission.

Nestled in at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, UM campus is described as one of the most beautiful in the US. The region boasts unparalleled year-round recreational opportunities and a vibrant arts and culture community. UM offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a magnificent environment. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

UM provides a culture that values hard work, intellectual curiosity, diversity, collegiality, innovative thinking, and teamwork, making it a great place to grow and develop professionally. Located in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, UM attracts first-rate teachers, researchers, and students from around the world. A city within a city – with its eateries, stores, medical facilities, banking, and postal services, and zip code – UM has an increasingly diverse population and rich culture.

The University of Montana is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity as a core value. We support equal access and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. This position is eligible for veterans' and disability preference in accordance with Montana State Law.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights

Position Details

Position Title: Personnel Associate II

Position Number: 013360

Department: Human Resources

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.

Salary: $15.16/hr – 17.40/hr –Current employee’s rate of pay for this position will be determined by the staff compensation plan and will minimally be this posted salary. For questions and details regarding the staff compensation plan, email the Compensation Department .

Union Affiliation: None

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Monday, September 14, 2020 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular