Human Resources Generalist

HR Generalist

Under the general supervision of the Human Resources Director, the HR Generalist provides a full range of human resources services and administrative support. This role focuses on recruitment, onboarding / offboarding, employee relations, benefits support, compliance, records management, safety / wellness, and general administrative functions. The HR Generalist serves as a resource for employees, supervisors, and the public regarding HR policies and procedures.

Essential Functions of the Job / Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Recruitment & Staffing

Maintain and update job descriptions.

Coordinate recruitment, including application review, corresponding with candidates, and scheduling interviews.

Ensure compliance with Veterans Preference Act during recruitment.

Assist hiring managers with interviewing and selection of candidates.

Conduct new employee orientation and onboarding, ensuring completion of all forms, training, and benefits enrollment.

Manage the offboarding process for departing employees.

Prepare interview questions, supplemental questions, rating sheets, interview packets, and screening instruments.

Coordinate pre-employment processes : physicals, drug / alcohol testing, background checks, and reference verification.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

Respond to employee inquiries regarding policies, payroll, benefits, and labor relations.

Support supervisors with performance management, coaching, and disciplinary processes.

Assist in developing performance improvement plans and completing performance evaluations.

Coordinate and facilitate training programs, including internal and external learning opportunities, as needed.

Assist with internal investigations and follow-up on employee issues.

Conduct exit interviews and provide feedback to management to support retention strategies.

Assist with labor negotiations, grievance procedures, and union contract administration under the guidance of the HR Director.

Benefits Support

Assist with employee benefit programs, including open enrollment and mid-year changes.

Support workers' compensation administration, claims follow-up, and related correspondence.

Prepare and maintain records related to employee benefits and PERA deductions.

Audit and review timecards and other payroll-related information.

Work closely with payroll to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies.

Support employee benefit questions and processes.

Safety & Wellness Programs

Lead and / or attend safety meetings and reporting (OSHA, FROI).

Coordinate wellness programs, including step challenge, weight-loss challenge, biometric screenings, flu shots, and seminars.

Assist with facilitating safety training with MMUA representatives and maintain safety policies.

Follow-up on workplace investigations and worker's compensation claims.

Assists with overseeing random drug and alcohol testing programs for DOT employees in compliance with federal and state regulations.

Support internal safety programs, OSHA compliance, and Worker's Compensation reporting.

Policy, Compliance & Records Management

Maintain personnel and medical files in compliance with organizational, state, and federal regulations.

Assist in developing and updating HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.

Ensure compliance with labor laws and city regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Pay Equity, PELRA, PFML).

Completes mandated reports including OSHA 300, ACA, EEO-4, PERA, and Pay Equity.

Respond to data requests in accordance with Minnesota Data Practices Act.

Administrative Functions

Prepare, type, and format reports, correspondence, memoranda, forms, charts, notices, and bulletins.

Answer and screen incoming calls; greet visitors and respond to general public inquiries.

Maintain financial records, compute statistical data, and assist with routine accounting functions.

Scan and maintain files / documents in electronic imaging systems.

Submit salary and benefits data for municipal compensation and classification studies.

Assist with committee administration (Safety Committee, Wellness Committee, Insurance Review Committee).

Support special programs and other departmental projects.

Serve as backup to other administrative staff as needed.

Ensure timely submission of reports and administrative deadlines are met.

Other Duties

Conduct research and prepare reports on a variety of topics.

Assist with special projects as assigned by the Human Resources Director or City Manager.

The aforementioned functions are normal for this position. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's)

Knowledge of organizational and personnel policy development.

Knowledge of compensation and benefit programs.

Knowledge of State and Federal public employee law, collective bargaining, and arbitration.

Knowledge of, or ability to gain knowledge of, all phases of public sector human resources.

Ability to make clear, concise, and effective oral and written presentations.

Ability to deal with conflict professionally and effectively.

Strong organizational skills; ability to organize records, files, and multi-dimensional projects.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex data.

Proficient in HRIS systems, electronic personnel records, recruitment software, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Ability to run HR reports, analyze HR metrics, and provide recommendations based on data.

Ability to operate modern office machines with proficiency (e.g., personal computers, printers, copiers, fax machines).

Ability to prepare, format, and maintain administrative reports, correspondence, forms, charts, notices, and bulletins.

Ability to manage administrative tasks including scheduling, document scanning, file management, and basic accounting functions.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.

Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing work demands.

Ability to track and report HR metrics and program outcomes.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business, or related field.

Minimum of 3 years of HR experience, preferably in recruitment, onboarding / offboarding, benefits support, or public sector HR.

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS systems, and standard office equipment.

Knowledge of HR laws, regulations, and public sector HR policies.

Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications :

SHRM-CP, PHR, or related certification.

Experience with city / county government HR.

Knowledge of collective bargaining, labor relations, and public sector compliance requirements.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and / or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).