Human Resource Generalist

Santa Maria Human Resources GeneralistThe Human Resources Specialist is responsible for coordinating and executing the day-to-day human resources functions of Santa Maria, with a strong emphasis on talent acquisition, recruitment, onboarding, and employee support. This position serves as a primary point of contact for employees and hiring managers and works closely with organizational leadership and Santa Maria's external human resources partners to ensure responsive, consistent, and compliant HR practices.A primary focus of this position is leading the recruitment process from position approval through successful onboarding. The Human Resources Specialist actively recruits and sources candidates, manages job postings and applicant tracking systems, develops community recruiting relationships, participates in job fairs and recruiting events, coordinates interviews and pre-employment requirements, and ensures new employees receive an organized, welcoming, and timely onboarding experience.The Human Resources Specialist also coordinates employee records, HR systems, training compliance, benefits and leave administration, performance management processes, employee changes, HR reporting, and other human resources activities.Talent Acquisition & RecruitmentLeads the day-to-day recruitment process for open positions throughout the organization, from approved position requisition through successful hire and onboarding.Partners with hiring managers to understand staffing needs, position requirements, qualifications, and recruitment priorities.Creates and maintains job postings and ensures positions are accurately and effectively marketed through appropriate recruitment channels.Manages the applicant tracking system, including monitoring applications, maintaining candidate status, and ensuring timely movement of candidates through the hiring process.Actively sources qualified candidates rather than relying solely on incoming applications.Reviews resumes and applications, conducts initial candidate screenings, and identifies qualified candidates for hiring manager consideration.Coordinates interviews and maintains regular communication with candidates and hiring managers throughout the selection process.Develops and maintains relationships with colleges, workforce development organizations, community partners, professional associations, and other potential recruitment sources.Identifies, schedules, and represents Santa Maria at job fairs, career events, community recruiting events, and other workforce recruitment opportunities.Develops strategies to maintain candidate pipelines for frequently recruited and difficult-to-fill positions.Coordinates reference checks, background screenings, drug testing, and other required pre-employment processes.Prepares and coordinates offer letters and communicates pre-employment requirements to selected candidates.Tracks recruitment activity and provides regular reports on vacancies, candidate pipelines, time-to-fill, recruiting sources, and other relevant recruitment metrics.Identifies opportunities to improve Santa Maria's recruitment practices, candidate experience, and ability to attract and retain qualified employees.New Hire OnboardingCoordinates the onboarding process for all new employees from accepted offer through completion of initial onboarding requirements.Maintains regular communication with new employees prior to their start date and ensures required paperwork and pre-employment requirements are completed.Coordinates and/or conducts new employee orientation and communicates Santa Maria policies, expectations, benefits, and available resources.Ensures new employees are appropriately entered into required HR and organizational systems.Assigns and monitors required Blue Basin and other organizational training.Coordinates with supervisors and appropriate departments to ensure employees have necessary system access, equipment, identification, and other resources needed to begin employment.Monitors completion of required onboarding activities and follows up with employees and supervisors regarding outstanding requirements.Supports new-hire check-ins and other activities designed to improve employee retention and the overall onboarding experience.Human Resources Operations & ComplianceMaintains accurate and confidential employee personnel records and HR documentation in accordance with organizational policies and applicable requirements.Processes employee status changes, compensation changes, transfers, promotions, terminations, and other personnel transactions.Maintains HR systems and ensures employee information is accurate and current.Monitors required employee training and communicates with employees and supervisors regarding incomplete or overdue training.Generates regular HR reports, including staffing, vacancies, turnover, recruiting activity, training compliance, and other workforce information.Assists with administration of the organization's performance evaluation process.Coordinates employee separation processes, including required documentation and exit interviews.Responds to unemployment claims and coordinates required documentation.Supports implementation and communication of HR policies, procedures, and organizational practices.Maintains confidentiality and appropriately safeguards sensitive employee and organizational information.Employee & Manager SupportServes as an accessible day-to-day HR resource for employees and supervisors regarding routine HR questions, policies, procedures, and processes.Provides managers with guidance regarding routine performance management and disciplinary documentation.Supports managers in maintaining appropriate and consistent employee documentation.Identifies employee relations matters requiring additional expertise and promptly escalates complex or sensitive issues to the Chief Operating Officer and/or Santa Maria's external HR partners.Coordinates information and documentation needed for employee relations matters, investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations as requested.Promotes professional, respectful, and consistent application of Santa Maria policies and workplace expectations.Builds positive working relationships with employees, supervisors, leadership, and other HR support.Benefits, Leave & Employee ProgramsServes as the internal point of coordination between employees and Santa Maria's benefits and external HR partners.Assists employees with routine benefits questions and connects employees with appropriate resources for more complex benefit matters.Coordinates leave-of-absence documentation and processes in partnership with Santa Maria's external HR provider and organizational leadership.Coordinates employee injury reporting and workers' compensation documentation as required.Supports annual benefits enrollment and employee benefits communication.Assists with compensation and wage information.Supports employee engagement, recognition, retention, and workforce development initiatives.Other HR projects as assigned.QualificationsTo perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and demonstrate the judgment, organization, communication skills, and professionalism necessary to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred. Equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.Three to five years of progressively responsible human resources experience strongly preferred.SHRM-CP, PHR, or other professional HR certification required, or in progress.