At North American Rail Solutions (NARS), the HR Generalist plays a key role in supporting employees across the entire organization. Based in the corporate office, this position serves as a primary point of contact for both employees and managers – offering guidance on HR-related matters and contributing to a positive, compliant workplace culture. With responsibilities spanning employee relations, recruiting, onboarding, benefits, training, leave administration, compliance, and engagement initiatives, the HR Generalist I supports both daily operations and long-term HR initiatives.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the first point of contact for employee questions, concerns, or workplace complaints.
- Conduct or assist in internal investigations and collaborate with management on resolution strategies.
- Coordinate recruiting and onboarding activities, including job postings, background check reviews, and rehire approvals.
- Support benefit administration and open enrollment.
- Assist with workers’ compensation claims and injury / incident documentation.
- Address basic payroll-related questions and route as necessary.
- Administer leave of absence processes, including FMLA and applicable state programs.
- Maintain accurate employee records and ensure HRIS data integrity.
- Facilitate and monitor the performance review cycle.
- Schedule and track employee training sessions and compliance records.
- Compile and generate reports to support management and other departments in workforce planning, compliance, and HR initiatives.
- Lead employee engagement efforts, including surveys, events, and recognition.
- Oversee onboarding logistics such as ordering laptops, PPE, and coordinating company vehicle assignments.
- Participate in unemployment hearings and represent the company as needed.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Education Required :
High School Diploma or GED required.Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or other related field preferred.HR certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or a comparable credential preferred.Work Experience Required :
3-5 years of experience in human resources required.Experience supporting railroad maintenance, construction, or another blue-collar workforce is strongly preferred.Skills & Knowledge Required :
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.Proven ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.Analytical thinking and sound problem-solving capabilities.Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks when appropriate.Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential matters.Thorough knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including FMLA and other federal state requirements.Solid understanding of HR best practices, workplace investigations, and compliance procedures.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.Familiarity with HRIS and applicant tracking system, ability to quickly learn new platforms, Dayforce experience strongly preferred.Ability to adapt in a fast-paced and interact effectively at all organizational levels.Occasional travel to field locations or company events, with flexibility to travel as needed.