Human Resources Generalist

Job Description

The Human Resources (HR) Generalist provides consultation to City management personnel on matters related to compensation, performance management, training and development, workforce planning, and employee relations. This position also manages HRIS operations and handles HR administrative responsibilities such as payroll processing, accounts payable, budget tracking, personnel file maintenance, unemployment claims, and processing records requests.

This role assists with the resolution of employee relations issues, will assist with or lead internal investigations as needed, and manages multiple complex projects simultaneously, including research, policy development, and the implementation of best practices. The incumbent must demonstrate sound judgment, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organization.

Work involves accurately diagnosing organizational issues and implementing action plans. The HR Generalist leads in resolving employee relations issues and conducts internal investigations when required. This role effectively manages multiple projects and overlapping tasks, such as research, policy development, best practices implementation, and time-sensitive special projects.

Additional responsibilities include planning, analyzing, developing, and maintaining classification and compensation programs, completing and tracking compensation surveys, interpreting and implementing applicable laws and regulations, planning and executing succession and performance management programs. The position also develops, implements, and administers training and development programs and works extensively with hiring and employee retention efforts.

This professional position reports to the Human Resource Director. The incumbent must be capable of analyzing, evaluating, and devising solutions to complex challenges and issues, recommending appropriate resolutions, and presenting facts and recommendations verbally and in writing. Strict confidentiality, sound independent judgment, and functional knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to human resource administration are essential.

The role requires independent work with wide latitude to exercise professional judgment. The HR Generalist must demonstrate excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills, a cooperative attitude, and the ability to work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public, and other organizations.

Work is conducted in a general office environment with stable temperatures and a moderate level of noise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employee Relations and Consultation
  • Provides advice and counsel to supervisors on employee issues. Responds to management and employee inquiries regarding federal and state employment laws as well as City policies, procedures, and programs.
  • Prepares employee discipline notices, conducts personnel investigations, attends or facilitates discipline meetings, and prepares discipline decision letters.
  • Assists with the resolution of employee relations issues, and may assist with or lead internal investigations as needed.
• Training, Onboarding, and Community Relations
  • Develops and delivers city-wide training and management development programs, including topics such as harassment and discrimination, employment law, performance reviews, discipline, terminations, and personnel policies. Coordinates and arranges for online or in-person training as needed.
  • Conducts onboarding and orientation programs for new staff; collaborates with managers to ensure logistical readiness for new hires, including access, equipment, and documentation.
  • Oversee offboarding processes, including conducting benefits reviews and exit interviews for separating or retiring employees.
  • Serves as City liaison to assigned community groups or organizations, which may involve evening meetings.
• Recruitment and Civil Service Coordination
  • Coordinates civil service testing and ensures appointments comply with applicable policies, procedures, and civil service rules. Participates in the administration of civil service exams.
  • Manages recruiting activities and applicant tracking systems, overseeing the full hiring process for both internal and external candidates.
  • Advises managers on recruitment strategies and policies; supports difficult searches through sourcing strategies including databases, networking, internet resources, media, recruiting firms, and employee referrals. Assists departments in extending job and salary offers.
  • Coordinates onboarding for new hires and supports internal promotional processes to ensure transparency, equity, and compliance with City policies.
• Compensation and Classification
  • Assists in the management of the City’s classification and compensation programs.
  • Conducts internal and external studies to ensure pay equity and market competitiveness.
  • Monitors employee pay progression and recommend program or policy enhancements.
  • Evaluates and determines appropriate salary grades by conducting job evaluations using established methodologies.
  • Updates or develops classification specifications as needed based on departmental needs.
• Employee Wellness Program
  • Coordinates the City’s employee wellness program efforts.
  • Implements, promotes, and oversees all applicable programs and platforms that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
  • Works collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to enhance employee health initiatives.
  • Assists with wellness program budget tracking and reporting.
  • Educates and orients new employees on available wellness programs and resources.
• HRIS Operations
  • Manages HRIS operations, including adding and activating employees, entering timesheet information, processing payroll changes, and maintaining personnel files and records such as applications, certifications, criminal history screenings, I-9s, and W-4s.
  • Reviews and analyzes HRIS reports to ensure data accuracy and conformity with union contracts and City policies.
  • Generates, receives, and processes all personnel actions; assists department directors to ensure timely consideration for pay increases, promotions, re-classifications, or other status issues; reviews submitted action documentation for accuracy and enters data into HRIS.
• Recordkeeping and Compliance
  • Creates and maintains human resource records in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including personnel files, unemployment claims, insurance documentation, and records requests.
  • Assists in preparing and completing various surveys and reports required by City and State agencies.
  • Processes employment verifications and assists with police and fire recruit lists per civil service rules.
  • Maintains compliance with regulations related to FMLA, benefits administration, education reimbursement programs, and ADA requirements.
  • Supports coordination, tracking, and documentation of employee leaves and benefits changes.
• Policy Development and Management
  • Research, draft, review, and update human resources policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws as well as alignment with best practices and organizational goals.
  • Collaborate with Human Resource Director to analyze policy implications and recommend changes.
  • Communicate new and revised policies to employees and management through training sessions, written communications, and ongoing support.
  • Monitor policy effectiveness and adjust as necessary to respond to evolving legal requirements and organizational needs.
• Administrative Support
  • Assists new employees with completion of orientation paperwork; reviews for completeness and accuracy; responds to eligibility and participation questions.
  • Overseeing the Work Study program including advertising, monitoring funds and student hours, coordinating with supervisors, and supervising HR Work Study students.
  • Assists the public and employees on a day-to-day basis in person and by telephone; provides information on personnel practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Performs various office maintenance functions, including supply monitoring, ordering, and restocking.
  • Backup in resolving insurance issues and questions from employees and providers.
• Other Duties
  • May assist with or lead ADA interactive process for employees internal ADA needs.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, Public or Business Administration, or related field or related field is required; OR 4 years of related full-time work or military experience (8 years if part-time), related to degree.
• At least three (3) years’ experience in professional level human resources, including experience with HRIS, payroll, or benefits administration preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.

Knowledge of:

• Human resource management theory, methods, and practices;
• The legal environment related to human resource management including federal and state laws, codes and regulations;
• Compensation and classification laws and guidelines, pay structures and reward programs;
• Employee motivation and performance management methods and techniques;
• Adult learning principles and related training program planning and presentation;
• Interpersonal communication (verbal and written);
• The art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving;
• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications, including HRIS and payroll systems;
• Principles and practices of records management and data confidentiality;
• Employee wellness program management and relevant health-related regulations.

Skill and Ability to:

• Plan, analyze, evaluate and propose classification, compensation and performance management programs and policies;
• Develop and implement recruitment strategies for a diverse workforce;
• Develop, implement, and analyze personnel selection methods;
• Plan, develop and present, or arrange for presentation of effective training programs to support the City’s mission and goals;
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions;
• Interpret and apply complex Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations;
• Work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision;
• Demonstrate strong customer service principles including issue resolution;
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing;
• Prepare and analyze comprehensive reports;
• Maintain quality work production while dealing with deadline pressures from multiple sources;
• Make prudent decisions where established procedures do not always apply;
• Maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, and the public;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public;
• Utilize HRIS and other technology tools to support HR operations and reporting;
• Manage confidential records and sensitive employee information with discretion and accuracy;
• Assist with employee wellness program coordination and budget tracking.

Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard or type, reach with hands and arms. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  
  • Medical
  • Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.