Human Resources Generalist

HR Generalist

SPEC Services is a 200+ person engineering services firm with more than 45 years supporting the energy sector. We are known for practical solutions, responsive service, and long-standing client relationships, with a culture focused on technical excellence and doing the work the right way.

Pay Range: $95,000–$115,000 annually. Actual compensation will depend on job-related factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

We are seeking an experienced HR Generalist to provide broad HR support across employee relations, compliance, performance management, recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, HR operations, and workforce reporting. This role is ideal for a well-rounded HR professional who enjoys partnering with employees, managers, and leadership while supporting both day-to-day HR needs and broader HR initiatives that strengthen compliance, processes, and employee experience.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of progressive HR experience, strong knowledge of employment practices, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to use HR data and reporting tools to support workforce insights and organizational decision-making.

This role independently manages core HR functions and partners with HR leadership on complex or sensitive matters.

Duties/Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Support and manage job postings, candidate screening, interview scheduling, background checks, hiring manager communication, and related recruiting support throughout the selection process.
• Facilitate new hire orientation, ensure required documentation is completed, and support a positive onboarding experience.
• Manage employee life cycle administration, including hires, promotions, transfers, status changes, employee transitions, and offboarding activities.

Employee Relations & Workforce Support

• Manages routine employee relations matters, including employee concerns, conflict resolution, documentation, corrective actions, and policy interpretation; partner with HR leadership on complex or sensitive matters.
• Advise supervisors and managers on performance, engagement, documentation, leave administration, employee communication, and policy application.
• Partner with managers on workforce planning, organizational changes, retention efforts, and succession planning initiatives, with support from HR leadership as needed.
• Support developing recognition programs and engagement initiatives that contribute to a positive employee experience.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Apply working knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements, including wage and hour, leave administration, pay transparency, and workplace compliance obligations.
• Administer benefits programs, enrollment, leave administration, employee inquiries, and annual open enrollment activities.
• Manage accurate, confidential employee records in HRIS and related systems; ensure data integrity through regular audits and updates.
• Assist with internal audits, regulatory reporting, document retention, policy updates, and compliance initiatives.
• Assist compensation, review administration and maintain related documentation and records.
• Research, prioritize, and resolve escalated HR inquiries in coordination with Payroll, Benefits, managers, and external providers.

Performance Management & Development

• Facilitate performance management processes by helping managers with coaching, documentation, corrective actions, performance improvement plans, and employee development discussions.
• Administer training programs, professional development opportunities, career development resources, and related administration.

Reporting, Analytics & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain HR reports, dashboards, and workforce metrics to support business and workforce decisions.
• Use HR systems, reporting tools, and Excel to analyze workforce data, identify trends, and communicate actionable insights.
• Develop reports, dashboards, presentations, and data visualizations that translate HR data into practical business insights.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, increase efficiency, and strengthen the employee experience.
• Participate in and support HR initiatives and projects, including organizational changes, policy implementation, system enhancements, compliance, workforce planning, and engagement programs.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of HR principles, employment practices, employee relations, compliance, labor laws, wage and hour requirements, leave administration, and state-specific employment regulations.
• Strong HRIS and Excel skills, including experience with HR reporting, data analysis, and workforce metrics.
• Ability to analyze workforce data, identify trends, and communicate insights through reports, dashboards, presentations, and data visualizations.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with employees, managers, and leadership.
• Strong relationship-building, critical-thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, navigate ambiguity, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Customer-service orientation with a commitment to supporting a positive employee experience.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Business Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent education, training, and/or experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience across employee relations, compliance, performance management, recruiting, onboarding, benefits, HR operations, immigration management, and advising managers and employees on policy interpretation, corrective action, and development.
• Experience using HRIS and workforce analytics tools for reporting, compliance, and business decisions.
• Experience supporting technical or professional services populations preferred.
• ADP or similar HRIS experience preferred.
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent HR certification preferred.

Work Environment:

This is a hybrid position based in Fountain Valley, California, with in-office work at SPEC's Fountain Valley office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The role is performed in a professional office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment, business systems, and communication tools.

Physical Requirements:

This role requires the ability to perform typical office duties, including sitting, standing, walking, communicating, using a computer and office equipment, and occasionally lifting or moving office materials up to twenty-five pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time, exempt position. The expected schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. under SPEC's 9/80 work schedule, which includes alternating Fridays off, subject to business needs and applicable company policy.

Travel:

Minimal travel is expected; occasional local travel may be required for business meetings, training, or company events.

FLSA Classification:

This position is classified as exempt under applicable wage and hour laws.

Rewards That Support You:

Our total rewards philosophy reflects a commitment to long‑term well‑being, financial security, and professional growth. The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; a 401(k) with profit sharing; and paid time off. Additional offerings support overall well‑being, including long‑term disability coverage, paid holidays, pet benefits, and a donation matching program. Eligible employees may also be considered for merit increases and other role‑specific rewards, subject to company policy, performance, business needs, and plan eligibility. For employees working onsite, we foster connection through a well‑supported workplace, team gatherings, and family‑friendly events. This opportunity is well suited for individuals seeking meaningful work, strong leadership support, and an environment that values quality, collaboration, and sustained contribution.

Equal Opportunity:

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace built on fairness, respect, and opportunity.

Employment Eligibility:

This is a drug‑free workplace. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable law