HR Generalist

HR Generalist

Lester, PA | Full-Time

This newly created position will be responsible for managing the day-to-day Human Resources needs of the company, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws and regulations.

The HR Generalist will work closely with senior leadership, managers, employees, and Corporate HR to provide timely, hands-on HR support and ensure consistent application of company policies and practices.

This position serves as the primary on-site HR resource for Independence Fire. The ideal candidate will be highly visible throughout the office and shop, build trusted relationships at every level of the organization, and be comfortable coaching managers, navigating difficult conversations, and addressing employee issues as they arise.

While our union field employees primarily require HR support related to compliance, benefits, and employment administration, this role will provide full employee lifecycle support for our growing non-union office and shop staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition & Employee Development

• Partner with department managers, senior leadership, and Corporate HR to understand staffing needs and workforce planning.
• Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, including sourcing, interviewing, reference checks, hiring, and onboarding.
• Work with Corporate HR to develop creative recruiting strategies and build relationships with local trade schools, colleges, professional organizations, and other talent sources, as well as strategies for hard-to-fill roles and proactively build a pipeline of qualified candidates.
• Work closely with the Business Operations Department to coordinate onboarding efforts.
• Support employee development and identify opportunities for career growth.

Performance Management

• Coordinate and administer the performance review process for non-union employees.
• Provide day-to-day coaching and guidance to managers on performance management, employee development, documentation, corrective action, and career development.
• Assist senior leadership with compensation planning, salary benchmarking, and merit review processes.
• Support employee retention and development initiatives.

Employee Relations

• Serve as the primary HR resource for managers and employees, providing guidance on employee relations, workplace concerns, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and other HR matters.
• Build positive, professional relationships with employees at all levels through a visible and approachable presence throughout the company.
• Conduct objective workplace investigations and work with senior leadership and Corporate HR to determine appropriate responses and corrective actions.
• Promote consistent application of company policies and employment practices.
• Support a workplace culture built on respect, accountability, teamwork, and open communication.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain organized and accurate employee records and HRIS systems, both written and electronic.
• Maintain a working knowledge of, and support compliance with, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and promptly escalate potential compliance issues to senior leadership and Corporate HR.
• Work with Corporate HR to implement and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Prepare HR reports.
• Work with Corporate HR and senior leadership to create and maintain an Employee Handbook and communicate policy updates to employees.

Benefits & Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs and assist with annual Open Enrollment.
• Serve as a resource to employees regarding benefit questions, enrollment, and changes.
• Partner with Business Operations to manage workers' compensation, leave administration, return-to-work programs, and related compliance.
• Maintain compliance with the Local Collective Bargaining Agreement as it relates to HR administration and employment practices.

Other duties and responsibilities, and projects, may be assigned as business needs evolve.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience with significant experience in an HR Generalist role.
• Construction, manufacturing, industrial, or related industry experience required.
• Experience supporting employees at all levels of an organization, from entry-level positions through executive leadership.
• Experience with employee relations, performance management, recruitment, benefits administration, payroll administration, and HR compliance.
• Proven ability to coach managers and influence positive outcomes.
• Working knowledge of union environments and collective bargaining agreements.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification is a plus.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the company.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use sound judgment in handling day-to-day matters, understand when an issue should be escalated, and proactively keep senior leadership informed of issues, risks, and situations that may require awareness or intervention.
• Professional approach to interactions with both employees and external contacts.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and shift focus as business needs arise, including responding to urgent employee matters, time-sensitive hiring needs, etc…
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities, working proactively and recognizing when follow-up or additional action is needed without requiring constant direction.
• Dependable - reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Self-starter with a hands-on approach.
• Ability to work with and get along with a variety of different personality types.
• Accountable - takes ownership of responsibilities and follows tasks through to completion, strong work ethic.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the confidence to identify issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and HRIS and payroll systems.

Work Environment

• 100% in-person position.
• Busy construction office/shop with a casual, friendly, dedicated, and team-oriented atmosphere where everyone works together to get the job done.
• Regular interaction with office personnel, shop employees, field supervisors, senior leadership, and the Corporate HR team.
• Hours are Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm. Occasional extended hours may be required to support interviews, employee relations matters, or business needs.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Independence Fire, we believe in investing in our employees' success. Here's what you can expect:

• Competitive Pay : based on experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits : Including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Future Savings : A 401(k) savings plan with employer match.
• Paid Time Off : Generous PTO and paid holidays to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development : Certification reimbursement, training programs, and career advancement opportunities.
• Tools and Support : Company-provided vehicle, tools, and resources for success.

We Value All Experiences

We understand that no candidate is perfectly qualified for any job. Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. Even more important than your resume is a clear demonstration of dedication, impact, and the ability to thrive in a fluid and collaborative environment. We want you to learn new things in this role and encourage you to apply if your experience is close to what we're looking for.

We also know that diversity of background and thought makes for better problem-solving and more creative thinking, so we're dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Independence Fire, a Guardian Fire Services