New

Human Resources Benefits Technician

Dakota County
$58,606.00 - $91,571.00 Annually
visit our benefits site for more information.
United States, Minnesota, Hastings
1590 Highway 55 (Show on map)
Jan 28, 2026
General Description POSTING TYPE: Open-Competitive DEPARTMENT: Human Resources HOURS: Full-Time PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $58,606-$65,932 /year (106 Salary Grade) FULL SALARY RANGE: $58,606-$91,571 /year LOCATION: Hastings Administration Center UNION: None CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 2/11/2026 Who we are Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Incumbent of this position performs human resources administration services for Dakota County. Provide administration and record keeping for benefits, payroll, and leaves of absence. Incumbents provide support to HR management, HR subject matter experts (SME) and HR Generalists. Minimum Qualifications Associate degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or related field AND Two years' experience in relevant human resources area of assigned responsibility OR an equivalent combination of education and experience to equal 4 years. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIRED: * Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration or related field * One or more years of human resource experience in area of assigned responsibility. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.. Benefits Administration Coordinate, administer and provide general customer service support for all benefits plans. Review biweekly payroll to ensure the accuracy of benefit entries and benefit deductions. Traces errors and makes appropriate corrections. Communicate appropriate benefit information with other divisions including payroll. Responsible for entering all new benefits, benefit changes, and updates in the HRIS/payroll system. Auditing for accuracy and makes appropriate corrections. Provides Benefit summary reports out of the HR/payroll system as needed. Work closely with the finance department and benefit carrier regarding benefit deductions and coordination to ensure accuracy of monthly billings. Administer County COBRA/Retiree program to include transmitting timely notices, establishing payment collection from member, payment to vendor, tracking, and cancellations. Benefit carrier contact on day-to-day transactions for enrollment, disenrollment, employee resolution. Ensure compliance with applicable HIPPA, state, and federal laws, as well as County policy and procedures. Work closely with HR leaves team to maintain appropriate benefit premium arrears for those on leave of absence. Process employment benefit verifications timely. Involved with the planning and administration of new benefits. Provide accurate reporting for audit and compliance purposes when required. Adhere to confidentiality, sensitive information, protected information and high priority documents. Assist with the County annual benefit and enrollment process. Common duties for all HR Technician positions Ability to interact daily with employees by addressing questions in various HR areas. Effectively troubleshoot questions or problems with outside vendors, HR appropriate staff, supervisors, employee or employee family members if necessary. Provide accurate reporting for audit and compliance purposes when required. Adhere to confidentiality, sensitive information, protected information and high priority documents Provide back-up coverage for HR reception services. Provide general administrative support as assigned. Working knowledge of applicable HR plans and services with various vendors. Accurately communicate plans and services to new and existing employees. Manage confidential and personal data professionally and maintains compliance with the Data Practices Act Attend trainings/meeting as needed to perform required job duties. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Demonstrated knowledge and experience in human resource administration. Ability to analyze and interpret benefit salaries, deductions owed and payroll reports Ability to accurately record and proof timecard payroll information Skill and ability to continuously upgrade usage of technology Understanding and ability to effectively communicate all County benefit policies and practices. Comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs and other HR software systems. Clear knowledge and practical experience in administering human resource plans and services. Clear understanding of County policy, state and federal laws as well as knowledge of County structure and environment. Ability to interpret, explain and apply laws, policies, procedures and requirements as applicable to the circumstance. Ability to demonstrate good judgment and work well with a wide range of individuals throughout the organization. Ability to maintain work in complex database systems including confidentiality of sensitive HR materials. Ability to work efficiently and effectively and work on a variety of tasks and projects at one-time. Ability to establish and maintain a positive and cooperative working relationships with County and department staff. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to deliver messages and communications professionally and positively. Demonstrated ability to work independent. Ability to always present a professional and positive image. Ability to organize work tasks and use time effectively. Work Environment Work is primarily stationary; it is usually accomplished while incumbent is comfortably seated at a desk or table. Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. There is some travel to meetings and conferences away from the regular place of work. Items transported typically include light objects such as briefcases, notebooks, work papers, and data printouts. Qualified candidates must pass a criminal history background check and may be required to pass a pre-employment drug test. Benefits Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits Excellent work-life balance Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year) Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year Pension with a generous employer contribution Ability to work from home some of the time Selection Process You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions We assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer We extend an offer and conduct background checks Dakota County Human Resources Administration Center 1590 Highway 55 Hastings, Minnesota, 55033-2372 www.co.dakota.mn.us Main Number 651.438.4435 (contact 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday)