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County updates HR structure, approves HR job descriptions and authorizes recruitment
Summary
The board approved updated HR job descriptions, made the HR generalist an exempt (salaried) position, approved an HR manager job with supervisory authority, and authorized immediate recruitment for HR generalists while a search for an HR director proceeds.
Pennington County commissioners on June 3 advanced a series of personnel actions to consolidate and staff a newly centralized human resources office.
Background and proposals: county staff sought approval for two updated job descriptions — an HR manager and HR generalist — to support an HR director position the board is advertising. The commission discussed whether the HR manager should have direct supervisory authority over HR generalists and whether the HR generalist classification should be exempt (salaried) or non‑exempt (hourly).
Staff perspective: HR staff who currently perform the functions (Ivana and Sage) told the board the HR manager should have direct supervision to coordinate workload, assign priorities and ensure continuity during the transition. They also said the current workload and the off‑hours demands make exempt classification appropriate for the generalist role in this interim period. "When I transitioned into this role, I was informed that I would be the operational lead within HR," Ivana said, arguing that supervisory authority should align with responsibility.
Board decision: after debate, the board approved the updated HR generalist job description and retained it as an exempt (salaried) position for now; it also approved the HR manager job description with direct supervisory authority. The board authorized immediate advertisement of two HR generalist positions, directing that final hiring authority and classification adjustments be coordinated with the incoming HR director. Commissioners emphasized the need for the new director to reassess classifications, workloads and exemption status once on board.
Other HR items: the board also approved a single‑step raise for a staff appraiser transitioning to commercial appraisals and appointed Trevor Abernathy as director of equalization (P51, step 2, annual $106,392) effective June 7.
Next steps: the commission directed staff to proceed with recruitment, include the positions in the upcoming budget and have the HR director review and, if necessary, recommend reclassification or policy changes related to exempt/non‑exempt status after hire.
