HR Generalist

Performs as a first level Human Resources professional completing complex work providing support, guidance, and maintenance of a variety of human resources program areas. The Human Resource Generalist will play a key role in the success of the organization by offering guidance in recruitment, terminations, performance management, employee relations and HR best practices while facilitating a positive relationship between personnel and senior management.

Customer focused attitude, with a high level of professionalism and discretion. Strong organizational, communication, and technical skills are required to perform a wide variety of HR functions. This position must maintain confidentiality. The work is fast paced and diverse. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources. Requires the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, standing, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions. 

Previous candidates need not apply. Valid applications must include a Cover Letter and Resume. Hiring salary will be based on qualifications. Requisition is open until filled with weekly review of applicants starting 10/8/2025.

Essential Functions

• Represents the City as a visible, approachable, professional HR practitioner; Ensures that the confidentiality of all information and transactions regarding the City and its employees are held to the highest level of business ethics.
• Serves in a lead capacity providing human resource services to staff members and provides first level guidance for problem resolution.
• Assists with implementation and administration of employee policies ensuring compliance with policy, procedure and applicable federal and state laws and regulations, with special attention given to employment and recruitment; serves as a consultant to supervisory employees related to policies, programs, and issues.
• Performs complex transactional processes that require advanced knowledge of employee benefits and eligibility requirements.
• Administers recruitment and hiring activities for specific city departments to ensure compliance with local, state and federal recruiting policies, laws and procedures; advises managers on recruiting and retention strategies; monitors the ranking and selection process; administers pre-employment testing and serves on interview panels; sends offer of employments to new hires.
• Ensures pre-employment screenings and background checks are completed in a timely manner and in compliance with City policy.
• Maintain responsibility and first line of support for HR functions including FMLA, Worker's Compensation, employee issues, etc.
• Accurately and efficiently enters data into HRIS for specific city departments including personnel actions including promotions, transfers, performance evaluations, merit, including new employee/termination information/ timecard audits and in within required deadlines.
• Processes special payrolls including education incentive, vacation buyback, exempt compensation, bonuses, allowances, etc.
• Serves as first-line of contact for specific city departments to troubleshoot issues related to HR system such as timecards, schedules, etc. and determines if it needs to be elevated to IT Support.
• Assists with HR system related events such as Open Enrollment; ACA production; bulk increases, etc.
• Assists in job evaluation processes (classification and compensation studies/reviews) of City positions including various benefit surveys as needed; reviews and updates classifications and/or job descriptions.
• Handles confidential personnel data in accordance with statutory requirements. Conducts employee onboarding and helps organize training and development initiatives.
• Assists in implementation, administration, maintenance and communication of employee benefit programs and related documents.
• Ability to recognize potential liability, areas of concern and/or improvement, and communicate upward through HR management.
• Perform administrative and general office management functions necessary to support other positions as needed to support departmental goals including backup/coverage for other Human Resource functions as needed.
• Ensures EE0-1 report semi -annually is accurate and filed.
• Processes and tracks Leave of Absence approvals, historical edits/corrections, workers' compensation, etc. Provides support for employee programs including Service Awards, Golden Employee Club, etc.
• Performs related work as required.

Special Requirements

A driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required. 

Education & Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent required.  Four years of college or bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, public administration or related field and at least five to 7 years of experience performing human resources functions, or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred. Extensive progressively responsible experience in administration, employee benefits or other functional area of Human Resources environment.  Microsoft office applications experience (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint) required. Professional certification through SHRM and/or IPMA preferred.   

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Thorough knowledge of  general human resources principles and practices including employment and recruiting, benefits and compensation, employee relations and training, research and analysis related to Human Resources; excellent customer service skills; ability to work in a fast paced team environment; comprehensive knowledge of administrative and office procedures, excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with employees and the public; excellent organizational skills; ability to direct other support personnel as needed. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.  Visibility requires maintaining a professional appearance and providing a positive image to the public.  Must have and display a strong commitment to confidentiality. Must possess excellent organizational and time management skills, which demonstrate the ability to work under conditions of multiple deadlines and changing priorities.   Display professionalism when collaborating with co-workers and representing Human Resources on various employee committees. Demonstrate the ability to work with minimal supervision.