Employee Relations Specialist - OUC

OUC - The Reliable One, is presently seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to join the Employee Experience division.

At OUC, we don’t just work – we’re building a bright future of innovation and transformation for future generations. We are looking for a proactive and resilient professional to play a critical and hands-on role in building a positive, compliant, and productive work environment by supporting the employee relations function across the organization. Working closely with HR leadership, managers, and employees, you will support a wide range of employee concerns, investigations, and conflict resolutions, while conducting data analysis and helping our team maintain a culture of trust, transparency, and continuous improvement.

OUC is the second-largest municipal utility in Florida and a trusted industry leader. Our mission is to provide exceptional value to our customers and community by delivering sustainable and reliable services and solutions. Click here to learn more about what we do.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven team that values people-first thinking.
• Gain immediate impact through shadowing and strategic projects.
• Enjoy a collaborative, supportive HR environment where your expertise matters.
• Opportunities for learning, growth, and development in a dynamic organization.

What you will do:

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee complaints and concerns.
• Provide clear, empathetic, and unbiased counsel to employees and managers on HR policies, performance issues, workplace disputes, and more.
• Conduct initial investigations and escalate complex cases appropriately.
• Assist with counseling and termination meetings.
• Draft and track warnings, coaching notes, and investigative documentation.
• Monitor and report on trends related to employee engagement, retention, performance, and compliance.
• Stay current on employment laws and ensure related policies and postings are up to date.
• Partner with payroll, HRIS, and legal teams to handle unemployment claims and reporting.
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze results for actionable insights.
• Collaborate with the Employee Engagement team on survey findings and focus area development.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Human Resources with a focus on employee relations.
• Proven experience in:
• Counseling employees and managers on HR matters
• Conducting investigations and conflict resolution
• Applying employment laws and organizational policies
• Using HRIS, case management, or ERP systems
• Experience supporting technical, craft, or skilled trades employees as well as management teams.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise, and detailed guidance in writing as well as in conversations.
• Ability to remain neutral and unbiased while handling sensitive employee relations matters, always ensuring fairness and professionalism.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• SHRM or HRCI Certified Professional (SPHR/PHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP), Certificate in Employee Relations Law Seminar, or similar HR certification, (preferred).

OUC offers a very competitive compensation and benefits package. Our Total Rewards package includes to cite a few:

• Competitive compensation
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits and paid life insurance premiums with no probationary period.
• OUC’s Hybrid Retirement Program includes a fully-funded cash balance account, defined contribution with employer matching along with a health reimbursement account
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Paid parental leave
• Educational Assistance Program, to include tuition reimbursement, paid memberships in professional associations, paid conference and training opportunities
• Wellness incentives and free access to all on-site OUC fitness facilities 
• Access to family-oriented recreational areas
• Free downtown parking
• Hybrid work schedule

Click here to view our Benefits Summary.

Salary Range: $66,248.48 - $85,000.00 annually (commensurate on experience)

LOCATION: Reliable Plaza 100 W. Anderson St. Orlando, FL 32801