HR Generalist

UNITED FIRE

HR GENERALIST

Are you an HR professional who genuinely cares about people and wants to help them succeed? Do you step in early, ask thoughtful questions, and help others work through tough conversations instead of letting problems drag on? Do you enjoy building trust while bringing the structure and follow-through that help a growing business stay healthy? If you’re a calm, high-EQ problem solver who leads with curiosity, takes ownership, and builds trust through action, we want to talk to you!

As our HR Generalist, you’re:

• A Problem Solver. You step in early, ask good questions, and get to the root of issues instead of letting them linger. You stick to the facts, cut through the noise, and help people move forward with clarity, fairness, and accountability.
• Relationship Driven. You genuinely care about people and build trust by being visible, approachable, and consistent. You help resolve concerns, support hard conversations, and turn issues into productive next steps.
• Organized and Process-Driven. You bring structure and follow-through to your work, creating systems that keep HR consistent and dependable as the company grows. You think about what is needed today while preparing for what comes next.
• Diplomatic. You can see the gray, understand different perspectives, and navigate sensitive situations with fairness and sound judgment. Because you lead with curiosity, people see you as a partner, not someone to fear.
• Accountable. You take real ownership of the HR seat and help others follow through on their commitments. You are comfortable having crucial conversations, reinforcing expectations, and making sure important things do not fall through the cracks.
• Resourceful and Hands-On. You are proactive, not reactive. You make your rounds, stay connected to both the office and the field, and take initiative before problems grow.

Our ideal HR Generalist can strengthen both the people side and the operational side of the business. In this role, you will help shape how employees experience United Fire, support leaders through real people challenges, and bring consistency to the systems that keep the company healthy as it grows. You will create clarity, reinforce accountability, and build trust so issues are addressed early and people have what they need to do their best work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the HR seat at United Fire and manage priorities across recruiting, employee relations, compliance, benefits, and team development within a growing company
• Own recruiting, onboarding, and offboarding at United Fire
• Introduce new hires to United Fire’s values, expectations, and history so employees have a consistent understanding of who we are and how we work from day one
• Build onboarding and training plans that help new hires ramp up quickly and succeed in their roles
• Own the annual performance review process, partnering with leaders to ensure reviews happen on time
• Equip leaders with the tools, structure, and guidance they need to hold effective performance and accountability conversations
• Maintain a visible presence across the company and build strong relationships with both office staff and field technicians
• Serve as an approachable, trusted HR partner by addressing concerns early, communicating clearly, and helping resolve issues before they escalate
• Manage benefits administration, open enrollment, and day-to-day benefits questions
• Keep HR systems, employee records, and documentation organized and up to date, including platforms such as Paylocity
• Improve HR processes over time so onboarding, reviews, benefits administration, documentation, and other key workflows stay clear and efficient as the company grows
• Maintain HR policies, records, and documentation in compliance with employment laws
• Manage relationships with external partners, including payroll providers, benefits vendors, recruiting partners, and HR advisors
• Handle employee relations issues, investigations, and disputes with fairness, professionalism, and sound judgment
• Oversee leave requests and employee accommodations
• Support the development of middle managers so strong technicians can grow into leadership roles with clear guidance and accountability
• Reinforce accountability and follow-through through the company’s operating system, EOS®

** * This is a fully onsite role based out of Portland, OR. ***

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QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 3+ years of HR experience in a generalist, HR manager, or similarly broad HR role
• Experience owning or serving as a key point of contact for multiple HR functions, such as recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, benefits, and performance management
• Experience supporting employee relations, conflict resolution, or performance-related issues
• Experience with employment law, HR compliance, and employee documentation
• Experience using digital tools such as HR systems, spreadsheets, and email to manage HR work accurately and efficiently, with the ability to learn new systems as needed

Preferred

• Experience in a small to mid-sized business, family-owned company, or service-based environment
• Experience supporting both office staff and field teams
• Experience in Oregon, Washington, or similarly employee-protective states
• Employee relations investigation experience
• Benefits experience
• Safety committee, risk mitigation, or state compliance experience

Desired

• Experience with EOS®, Pinnacle, or similar operating systems
• Experience with Paylocity or similar HR platforms
• Payroll experience

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THE COMPANY – United Fire

United Fire has been a trusted, family-owned business since 1969, providing top-tier inspection, maintenance, and repair services for commercial fire safety systems. Serving Portland, Vancouver, and surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on reliability, expert licensing, and delivering quality products that protect businesses of all sizes. With a team of knowledgeable technicians and a commitment to safety, we ensure peace of mind for our clients and their customers. As we grow, we’re intentionally expanding into new industries and showing customers what Higher Level Fire Protection truly looks like.

WHY WORK WITH US?

We’re a people-first company that treats everyone — employees, customers, and partners — like family. We’re at a pivotal moment in our growth, moving forward with purpose, momentum, and a clear vision. By joining us now, you’ll step into a pivotal role where your work will directly impact the employee experience, strengthen the organization, and help us continue growing the right way.

Here’s why you’ll love working with us:

• New challenges every day in a rock-solid, growing, and recession-proof industry
• The opportunity to make a direct impact on the employee experience and help build stronger people systems as the company grows
• A culture that’s laid-back but high-performing—jeans and polos, beers after work, and team outings like ice cream socials or mini golf
• An opportunity to be part of a team that gives back
• The chance to help make things better for our employees while being supported by a team that genuinely cares about people

Everything we do is driven by our core values:

1. Integrity: High morals and ethics, Taking care of business, Honesty, Trustworthy, Do the right thing
2. Knowledgeable and Thorough: Know your stuff, Follow through, Attention to detail
3. Reliable: Dependable, Show up, On time
4. Customer Service Above All Else: Problem Solver, Communication
5. Do What You Say: Taking ownership, Blame no one, Its okay to say no, Fully deliver

How we give back:

We tithe profits, mentor youth programs, buy team lunches from our customers’ businesses, and will move mountains to make deadlines. Whether it’s helping a team member move or paying wages while someone’s in the hospital with family, we believe running a business and being a leader means showing we care through actions, not just words.

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Salary: $85,000 - $100,000 + bonus opportunity

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k with company match (4% match), 5 Weeks of PTO, and Profit Sharing!

** Ready to serve people, build trust, and strengthen a company built on excellence? Apply today!**