HR Generalist

Summary:

This position coordinates the administration of policies and personnel systems relating to all phases of human resources activities, in accordance with federal and state regulations. Under the general supervision of the Director of Employee Benefits & Wellness, this position coordinates human resources activities including employment, compensation, payroll, benefits, training, record keeping, safety and employee services.

Responsibilities:

·        Answers frequently asked questions from applicants and employees relative to standard policies, benefits, hiring processes, etc.; refers more complex questions to appropriate senior-level HR staff or management while also keeping a positive and welcoming attitude to make sure our employees feel comfortable.

·        Coordinates full-cycle recruitment. Administers job posting and drives the interview process to recruit the best possible candidate. Plans and conducts new employee orientation and training to foster clear understanding of policies and garner positive attitude towards the company. 

·        Supports contract labor onboarding in coordination with Department Managers.

·        Supports the annual incentive programs for all employees, sales staff and breeders including administration, training and disbursement.

·        Assists in the administration of the benefit program. Maintains records and knowledge of insurance coverage plan to assist employees. Coordinates open enrollments and administers monthly benefit reconciliations.

·        Coordinates or conducts training to instruct organization managers, supervisors and workers in legal issues and/or human relations skills such as supervisory skills, conflict resolution skills, interpersonal communication skills, harassment laws and guidelines, and effective group interaction skills.

·        Stays up to date on labor laws impacting the company and relating to human resources.

·        Prepares employee separation notices and related documentation. Conducts exit interviews to determine reasons behind separations. Communicates personnel changes to related parties.

·        Ensures legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable human resource federal and state requirements.

·        Maintains computerized time management system, including entering timesheets and time off requests. Enters all payroll changes such as salary, exemptions, garnishments, direct deposit and insurance coverage for each employee into the HRIS/Payroll system. Oversees maintenance of all employee payroll records both manual and computer.

·        Assists employees with requests for time off as needed. Conducts administration of employee PTO benefits including tracking of sick/vacation, and holidays. Processes payroll changes such as salary, exemptions, garnishments, direct deposit and premium deductions. Processes employee new hire and terminations through the payroll/HRIS system.

·        Processes bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll. Reviews payroll preview reports for accuracy. Maintains accurate and complete records of all payroll processing. Keeps up to date on Federal and State wage and hour laws.

·        Processes manual checks, advance checks, termination checks for employees through AP after obtaining appropriate management approvals. Creates payroll journals, vacation and sick accrual reports, and 401k contribution reports for submission to and approval from the controller. Creates and maintains payroll/accounting system GL interface.

·        Coordinates safety activities across the Hollister, Bakersfield and Central Valley sites.

·        In coordination with the Director of Employee Benefits & Wellness, implements, and updates written occupational safety and health programs in accordance with federal and state agencies (California Labor Law, Cal/OSHA, and External Auditors) and regulations, including but not limited to Occupational Safety and Health Plan, Contractor control and supporting programs.

·        Conducts employee safety and health and inspections with safety teams, internal and external auditors, and management groups. 

·        Coordinates with workers’ compensation carriers regarding claim management to assist in reducing claim exposure, facilitate and supervise the Transitional Work program.

·        Compiles, analyze sand reports information regarding occupational safety and health issues such as accident investigation, blood borne pathogen exposure, Confined space Entry, Emergency action, Ergonomics, HAZCOM, Hearing conservation, Workplace violence, Fall protection, Fire prevention, Heat stress, Industrial lift trucks, Injury and Illness Prevention, Lock out-Tag out, Medical services and first aid, and Personal protective equipment.

·        Provides and coordinates training in all aspects of health and safety for employees, contractors and management.  Includes specialized safety trainings with plant personnel including new employees, CPR/first aid, and regular training as specified in Injury, Illness Prevention Programs (SB 198).

·        Maintains accurate and up-to-date human resource files, records, and documentation. Organizes and files employee personnel records following record retention guidelines. Maintains current office filing system and archived files. Maintains up-to-date job descriptions for all positions/employees.

·        Assists with company event planning, which includes ordering meals, ordering rental equipment and grocery store runs.

Qualifications:

Years and Type of Related Experience Required: Minimum 2 years of related human resources, payroll, and benefit administration experience.

Interpersonal and Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy. Completes duties with minimal supervision, ability to work under pressure, communicate with all levels of personnel, good listening skills, team player, and patience in explaining sometimes technical information.

Technical and Analytical: Understand laws and procedures relative to personnel, accurate, strong organization, and prioritizations skills.  Math, reading and writing skills, computer skills. Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn human resource information system (HRIS), and similar computer applications. 

Administrative and Operations: Ability to perform multiple tasks, work under deadlines, prioritize and manage time, using good judgment.

Physical Demands: Heavy use of computer, sitting for long periods, occasional lifting up to 30 lbs. Ability to travel up to 15% time.

Work Environment: Office environment with many distractions and moderate to high noise levels. Occasional exposure to plant environment with forklift and pedestrian traffic.  Occasional visit to farm and field operations.

Special Equipment Used: Using computers and computer systems (software) to set up functions, enter data, track or process information.