Compensation Analyst

Compensation Analyst A key contributor to the Human Resources team, the Compensation Analyst participates in the design, implementation, and administration of compensation programs that are competitive, equitable, and aligned with Casella Waste Systems, Inc.'s strategic and workforce objectives. This position provides expert, data-driven guidance to core and field-based HR partners and leaders by evaluating roles, analyzing market data, and supporting consistent, compliant pay decisions that enhance Casella's ability to attract, retain, and motivate a diverse, high-performing workforce. Through disciplined governance and system integrity, the position ensures compensation practices effectively support enterprise performance in a complex, multi-state operating environment. Hiring Range - $75,000 to $105,000 annually based on experience, education, and skills. This position requires a daily in-person presence at our Home Office in Rutland, VT. Key Responsibilities Administers compensation programs, policies, and structures to ensure alignment with Casella's compensation philosophy, workforce strategy, and regulatory requirements. Evaluates and analyzes jobs through structured job analysis and job evaluation methodologies to support internal equity and role clarity across the organization. Conducts market pricing and salary benchmarking by participating in external compensation surveys and analyzing relevant labor markets. Provides consultative guidance to regional HR managers and managers on salary recommendations, job classifications, pay changes, and pay equity considerations. Analyzes compensation and workforce data to identify trends, discrepancies, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Administers annual compensation cycles, including merit increases, market adjustments, and equity reviews, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and governance adherence. Develops and delivers reports, dashboards, and presentations that translate data into actionable insights for leadership decision-making. Maintains compensation databases and documentation, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and audit readiness in partnership with HRIS and Payroll. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local compensation-related laws and internal policies, supporting transparency and fairness. Contributes to cross-functional initiatives and projects that enhance compensation program effectiveness, scalability, and continuous improvement. Nature & Scope The Compensation Analyst reports to the Director of Human Resources Operations, along with the Benefits Manager, Leave Administration Manager, and HR Analyst. The role collaborates extensively with Talent Acquisition, Regional HR Managers, HR Business Partners, Payroll, HRIS, Finance, and operational leaders across Casella's multi-state footprint, supporting both corporate and field-based employee populations. The scope of accountability includes the ongoing administration, analysis, and refinement of base pay programs that support a geographically dispersed and operationally diverse workforce. The role is accountable for conducting job evaluations, market pricing, and compensation analyses that ensure internal equity, external competitiveness, and compliance with applicable wage and pay equity regulations. The Compensation Analyst applies independent judgment within established frameworks, exercising discretion when evaluating roles, interpreting market data, and recommending salary actions that balance workforce needs with financial discipline. The position has a direct enterprise impact on Casella's talent attraction, retention, engagement, and cost management by ensuring compensation practices are applied consistently and equitably across locations and job families. At the senior level, the role expands to leading components of enterprise-wide compensation initiatives, identifying systemic risks or gaps through advanced analytics, influencing policy and program enhancements, mentoring other analysts, and, where assigned, providing indirect or direct supervision. Recommendations and outcomes associated with this role materially affect workforce trust, regulatory compliance, and Casella's ability to deploy compensation as a strategic lever in support of long-term operational and financial objectives. Career Progression Compensation Analyst (Professional Level) Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of compensation principles and practices. Works under minimal supervision on varied and sometimes complex assignments, applying established frameworks and procedures to analyze jobs, market data, and pay actions. May lead components of projects, research new approaches, and mentor others on complex analyses. Senior Compensation Analyst (Senior Level) Demonstrates advanced expertise and operates independently on moderately complex and strategic assignments. Leads compensation initiatives, develops new tools or approaches, reviews the work of others for accuracy and consistency, and coaches leaders and HR partners on compensation strategy execution. Plays a key role in shaping enterprise practices and monitoring outcomes aligned with organizational objectives. Education, Experience & Qualifications The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field, with 3-5 years of progressive compensation or total rewards experience. Professional certification in total rewards or a specialty credential is preferred (e.g., CCP, CSRP, GRP, CECP, CSCP). Experience leading job evaluations, conducting market pricing, and participating in external compensation surveys, with a demonstrated ability to partner effectively with HR, HRIS, and Payroll professionals, is required. Candidates should possess strong knowledge of compensation principles, job evaluation methodologies, market analysis, and applicable regulatory requirements, as well as advanced analytical skills and a commitment to data integrity. A demonstrated ability to influence and advise leaders through clear, data-driven insights while effectively communicating complex information is essential. The flexibility to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment, maintain confidentiality, and embrace change is vital. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US. Attributes Highly analytical and detail-oriented with a strong sense of integrity and a consultative mindset, this professional must be comfortable working with complex data, sensitive information, and multiple stakeholders, and be able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and pragmatically. The role requires intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to balance consistency with flexibility in a dynamic, operationally driven environment.