Job Information
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Employee Relations Trainee (Administration and Management Trainee) in Pennsylvania
Employee Relations Trainee (Administration and Management Trainee)
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Employee Relations Trainee (Administration and Management Trainee)
Salary
$45,907.00 - $69,203.00 Annually
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-47259-08010
Department
Executive Offices
Division
EX OA HROO CN/AG/MB ERWS
Opening Date
04/17/2026
Closing Date
4/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
08010
Position Number
50694950
Union
Non-Union
Bargaining Unit
A3
Pay Group
ST05
Bureau / Division Code
00813207
Bureau / Division
DCNR, PDA & MB Human Resources Office
Worksite Address
Please refer to the work schedule and additional information section.
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Contact Name
OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email
RA-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Are you eager to explore a career in human resources (HR)? If so, we invite you to bring your ambition to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and Milk Board Human Resources Office. We are searching for a highly attentive Employee Relations Trainee who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to strengthening the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s employee relations program. In this position, you will actively participate in a comprehensive training program designed to develop administrative and technical competence while giving you an understanding of state government organizations and operations. Apply now to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from HR professionals and build upon your career!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As an Employee Relations Trainee, you will actively participate in a 12-month training program, assisting employee relations experts with reviewing, investigating, analyzing, and responding to grievances in both the Standard Grievance Procedure (SGP) and Accelerated Grievance Procedure (AGP). You will learn how to determine methods by which all required information is gathered to support the Commonwealth. Work involves conducting investigations; collecting pertinent information; and assisting agency attorneys in responding to and resolving Civil Service appeals, Human Relations Commission complaints, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints, as well as union grievances that have gone to Arbitration. You will learn about the proper application and administration of the provisions of all contracts and memoranda of understanding that cover represented employees, associated side letters, and any local agreements that may exist.
Precision and accuracy are essential for this position. You will work closely with higher-level human resource professionals to grow your knowledge base and expand your skills to prepare you for promotion to higher-level human resource positions. Upon successful completion of this training program, you will be promoted to a permanent Human Resource Analyst.
Kickstart your career in human resources with the Employee Relations & Workforce Support Division!
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch, may be negotiable.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
Note: This position will report to the following locations:
Rachel Carson State Office building (400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105)
Department of Agriculture building (2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110)
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
A bachelor's degree, including 15 credits in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 15 credits in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency Guidelines.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/hrmoa/resources/generative-ai-hiring-guidance) for additional information.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
your score may be lower than deserved.
you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you have a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree or higher? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org (”www.naces.org/”target=_blank”) and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
02
If you do not have a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.
03
Have you successfully completed 15 semester credits of college coursework in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org (”www.naces.org/”target=_blank”) and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
04
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
05
COLLEGE COURSEWORK OR FIELD
Bachelor's degree with coursework in the following fields: Accounting, Administration (Business, Public), Business Organization, Business Relations, Business Strategy, Economics, Employee Relations, Finance, Government Budgeting, Human Resource Development, Industrial Management, Industrial Psychology, Industrial Relations, Labor Relations, Management (Business, Human Resources, Government), Marketing, Mathematics, Municipal and Administrative Law, Organizational Behavior, Organizational Management, Planning, Public Policy, Quantitative Business Analysis, or Research and Statistics.
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org (”www.naces.org”target=_blank”) and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
A. I have a bachelor's degree or higher-level degree with at least 15 credits in the fields listed above.
B. I do not have a bachelor's degree or higher-level degree with at least 15 credits in the fields listed above.
06
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – INTERVIEWING
Conducts individual or group interviews to discover and obtain information to be used to make determinations and recommend appropriate actions.
Select the level that best describes your experience.
A. I have experience conducting individual or group interviews in order to gather information. I was responsible for making decisions or determinations based on information I gathered during the interviews.
B. I have experience conducting individual or group interviews in order to gather information, but someone else was responsible for making recommendations based on information I gathered during the interviews.
C. I have experience conducting interviews to gather information only.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to interviewing, data analysis or research
E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
07
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed conducting individual or group interviews.
Your experience making decisions or determinations.
08
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – PREPARING REPORTS
Preparing detailed and comprehensive reports for information-sharing purposes and use in higher-level decision-making. Duties include:
Gathering/researching information
Organizing/analyzing information
Comparing/contrasting information against standards
Composing technical written reports
Proofreading/reviewing reports
Select the level that best describes your experience.
A. I have experience performing 4 or more of the report duties listed above where I was responsible for the final completed report.
B. I have experience performing 3 or less of the report duties listed above.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related data collection or report writing.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
10
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to preparing reports.
11
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
12
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – DEVELOPING RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROJECTS
Developing recommendations on projects that are in process or completed. Duties can include:
Consideration of gathered information
Evaluation of options
Forming recommendations on next steps
Justifying and defending the recommendations
Select the level that best describes your experience.
A. I have experience performing 3 or more of the duties listed above.
B. I have experience performing 2 or less of the duties listed above.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to organizational communication or project planning.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
13
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to developing recommendations.
14
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – PRESENTATIONS
Presenting the findings/results of a study or project orally to an individual or group and explaining the rationale/judgment used in arriving at that conclusion.
Select the level that best describes your experience.
A. I have experience developing AND presenting the findings/results of a study or project orally to an individual or group and explaining the rationale/judgment used in arriving at that conclusion.
B. I have experience presenting information on the findings/results of a study or project orally to an individual or group.
C. I have successfully completed at least two college-level courses that involved presenting the findings/results of a study or project orally to an individual or group.
D. I have NO experience or college coursework related to this work behavior.
16
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience developing the findings/results of a study or project.
Your experience orally presenting the findings/results of a study or project.
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov