Job Description
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.
We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.
DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.
Working Title: Employee and Labor Relations Consultant Job Class: Human Resources Consultant 1 Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development - Job ID : 89801
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted : 10/25/2025
- Closing Date : 11/03/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Employment and Economic Development/Confidential
- Division/Unit : Employee/Labor Relations
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, work hours will be finalized upon hire
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : No
- Salary Range: $34.18 - $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 - $105,840 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 217 - Confidential/Unrepresented
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Human Resources (HR) has an exciting opportunity to join the Employee and Labor Relations team. Bring your talent to the highly collaborative HR team where you can have an agency-wide impact providing skilled HR services to DEED's valued and talented employees, supervisors, and managers.
The Employee and Labor Relations team provides professional consulting in all aspects of human resources including, but not limited to employee and labor relations, performance management, leadership development, strategic workforce planning, change management, compensation, labor contract interpretation, job classification, and recruitment/selection.
This position requires strong research and analytical skills to interpret and apply agency and statewide policies, collective bargaining agreements, statutes, and applicable state and federal employment laws. The successful candidate will exercise sound judgment and discretion while independently addressing complex issues, supported by a collaborative HR team that values shared problem-solving.
The person in this role will ideally be an expert in communicating with diverse partners, navigating complex employment situations, developing strong, collaborative partnerships with all clientele, and proactively seeking opportunities to stay informed of division needs.
This position requires a solutions and relationship-driven approach by actively partnering with leaders, employees, HR team members, and other stakeholders dedicated to fulfilling DEED's mission to empower the growth of the MN economy for everyone.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment. Three (3) years* of Human Resources experience consulting, advising, and influencing management and employees on complex issues, demonstrating skill in employee and/or labor relations. At least two (2) years of experience of which must be within any of the following categories:
- Management consultation, performance management, conducting employment investigations, and/or discipline/discharge.
- Strategic planning, workforce planning and/or organizational development.
- Developing/presenting training for employees, supervisors and/or managers on a variety of HR topics.
- Policy development/revision, and/or contract/pay plan interpretation.
- Job analysis, classification, and/or compensation analysis.
*Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Organizational Management, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
- Ability to adapt to change, lead change and be resilient while effectively handling complex, ambiguous situations.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to independently analyze and evaluate complex information, research, and alternatives, independently make sound decisions, resolve conflicts, and provide guidance on a variety of HR issues.
- Communication and relationship building skills sufficient to explain sensitive, controversial, and confidential information/decisions to employees and management in a clear and concise manner, maintaining trust and adhering to data privacy regulations.
- Writing skills sufficient to write investigation reports, document employment decisions, and develop concise, well-organized, business materials, memos, and information for employees at all levels.
- Research skills sufficient to gather, analyze, and evaluate information from multiple sources to make sound decisions and recommendations.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience providing lead work direction and guidance to other professional and technical Human Resources Management (HRM) staff.
- Thorough knowledge of federal and state employment laws and related statutes, policies and procedures such as: Minnesota Public Employment Labor Relations Act, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disability Act (ADA), the Minnesota Data Practices Act, State labor agreements and plans, State and Agency policies, Public Employment Labor Relations Law, labor relations processes per Minnesota Management and Budget and the Bureau of Mediation Services, Personnel Rules, MN 43.08, or Administrative Procedures.
- Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
- Criminal Background Check
- Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
- Employment Reference Check
- Conflict of Interest Review
- Driver's License and Records Check
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us .
Veterans To be considered with Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.
Recently Separated Veterans (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.
Certain Disabled Veterans : Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.
See the above links for criteria and eligibility.
Current State Employees - Please apply via Self Service.
- If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means.
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Amber Yang at amber.yang@state.mn.us .
Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have imailto:amber.yang@state.mn.usn common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
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Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Day shift,