Human Resources Manager (Contract)

Position Summary:

The Human Resource (HR) Manager is responsible for leading and managing all human resources functions for a large-scale forage production operation. This role supports a diverse workforce—including permanent staff, seasonal employees, and contract workers—ensuring compliance with labor laws, workforce efficiency, safety standards, and positive employee engagement. The HR Manager works closely with farm leadership to align HR strategies with operational goals, especially during planting and harvest seasons.

The role will be an integral part of ensuring best-in-class organization through the planning and implementation of strategies that will foster positive employee relationships while understanding and measuring bottom-line impacts of HR initiatives to the business. This person will model visible, positive leadership to all staff, as well as excel in communication and will ensure consistent implementation of processes that reflect and enhance the company’s HR policies.

Key Responsibilities:

Workforce Planning & Recruitment

• Forecast and plan workforce needs across planting, harvest, processing, and maintenance cycles.
• Lead large-scale recruitment campaigns for seasonal and migrant labor.
• Partner with labor contractors, agencies, and community organizations to secure reliable workforce supply.
• Oversee onboarding, orientations, and rapid deployment of seasonal crews.
• Updates job requirements and job descriptions for all positions.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Serve as a liaison between farm leadership and employees, fostering open communication.
• Manage conflict resolution, grievances, and disciplinary processes.
• Promote a culture of respect, teamwork, and accountability.
• Develop retention strategies to reduce turnover during peak seasons.
• Conducting and analyzing exit interviews.
• Conducting onboarding orientations and initial training programs.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to federal and state agricultural labor laws, including H-2A/H-2B programs, wage/hour laws, and OSHA requirements.
• Maintain accurate employee records, contracts, and certification files.
• Oversee audits and reporting to government agencies.
• Implement best practices for housing, transportation, and working conditions for migrant/seasonal labor (when applicable).
• Maintains management guidelines by preparing, updating, and recommending human resource policies and procedures that complement that align with regulatory requirements.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management and employment law.

Training & Development

• Lead large-group safety trainings for field and equipment operations.
• Provide ongoing leadership training for supervisors, crew leaders, and machine operators.
• Develop cross-training programs to maximize workforce flexibility during peak operations.
• Conduct regular skills assessments and consult with management to determine gaps.
• Coordinate performance review process and link them to development plans.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

• Oversee compliance with OSHA and farm-specific safety programs.
• Ensure consistent use of PPE and safe operation of heavy forage equipment.
• Conduct accident investigations and implement corrective measures.
• Promote worker wellness, hydration, and fatigue management during long harvest hours.
• Track and maintain records of employee safety training and certifications.
• Support incident reporting and investigations by gathering information and completing documentation.
• Help organize safety meetings or toolbox talks as required.

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

• Manage payroll systems for both permanent and seasonal employees.
• Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing. Maintain employee records, time off balances, and deductions.
• Administer benefits programs (healthcare, retirement, housing/meal stipends if applicable).
• Benchmark wages and recommend adjustments to remain competitive in the ag labor market.
• Address payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Implement performance evaluation systems for permanent and seasonal workers.
• Provide coaching and support for supervisors managing large crews.
• Generate workforce reports (turnover, labor costs, training hours, compliance status) for senior management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Agriculture, or related field.
• HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR, or higher) strongly preferred.
• 5+ years HR experience, with at least 2 in agriculture, manufacturing, food production, or other labor-intensive industries.
• Strong knowledge of H-2A/H-2B labor programs, wage/hour laws, and OSHA regulations.
• Proven experience managing a workforce of 50–100+ employees, including seasonal labor.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work long hours and weekends during planting/harvest seasons.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and the highest level of confidentiality.
• Optimist, self-starter and eager to learn new things and continuously improve.
• Strong organization skills with attention to detail.

Working Conditions:

• Combination of office work and field presence, especially during harvest.
• Seasonal demands may require extended hours, including nights and weekends.
• Frequent interaction with crews in outdoor environments and around heavy equipment.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $6,000.00 - $7,000.00 per month

Ability to Commute:

• Parker, AZ 85344 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person