Human Resources Generalist

Job Classification: Exempt, Full-time

Reporting Relationship: Chief People Officer

Who We Are:

FreeState is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas, with more than 15,000 member-owners. It functions as a democratic, not-for-profit organization. We are controlled by our members who actively participate in setting cooperative policy and making decisions in the best interest of the cooperative. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our profits are returned to our members as capital credits.

FreeState offers excellent benefits including a pension plan, 401(k) matched savings, and medical, dental and vision insurance paid for at 100% for individual coverage. FreeState also provides a health savings account with an annual generous employer contribution, life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off benefits and so much more. Employees are provided with on-the-job safety training, professional development opportunities and an employee focused work culture.

Each of our positions has a designated salary range. This position's salary range starts at $60,643. Starting wage is based on knowledge, education and experience.

Job Classification: Exempt, Full-time

Reporting Relationship: Chief People Officer

Primary Accountability:

The Human Resources Generalist oversees the Cooperative's HR management activities. This professional manages benefits administration, performance evaluations, recruitment, onboarding, compliance with employment laws, training, and policy implementation.

Essential Duties:

• Collaborate with the Chief People Officer to organize, direct, and coordinate HR operations, aligning them with the established policies and legal requirements at federal, state, and local levels.
• Administer compensation and benefits policies, ensuring competitiveness and compliance with legal mandates.
• Develop departmental goals in line with the Cooperative's strategic initiatives.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, training, coaching, conflict resolution, and grievance handling.
• Enhance the HR Department be designing, implementing, and evaluating employee relations policies, programs, and practices while ensuring legal compliance.
• Offer guidance to management on policy matters such as counseling, disciplinary actions, terminations, and employee relations issues.
• Identify and recommend training programs for staff development, enhancing employee efficiency.
• Administer benefit plans, including insurance, retirement, wellness programs, and leave benefits.
• Manage the FMLA program in compliance with legal requirements, providing guidance to managers on communication protocols.
• Facilitate the performance management program and ensure that regular employee evaluations occur for inside and outside employees.
• Maintain DOT compliance for designated employees, overseeing files and certifications.
• Oversee the recruitment process, from advertising open positions to onboarding new hires.
• Facilitate new employee orientation/onboarding and ensures new employees receive proper education and training in the areas of HR policies and benefits.
• Coordinate workers' compensation claims and act as a liaison with the insurance carrier.
• Prepare and maintain employee demographic data for required reports and plans.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment for benefits which includes processing enrollment forms.
• Maintain job descriptions and ensure essential functions and physical demands are identified as well as ensure appropriate FLSA classification is assigned.
• Conduct benefits and compensation analyses and compile necessary reports and surveys.
• Audit HR activities to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Assist in document preparation, report evaluation, and suggest improvement to enhance service efficiency.
• Organize and oversee employee events to foster a positive workplace culture, boost morale, and encourage team cohesion.
• Actively participate in the Cooperative's safety committee to enhance workplace safety, promote awareness, and contribute to the development and implementation of safety protocols.
• Represent the Cooperative positively and professionally as an ambassador.

Marginal Duties:

• Maintain the Cooperative's confidential employment files and databases, including up-to-date contact information for employees.
• Maintain years of service program for Trustees and employees in accordance with Board policy.
• Assist with the development and administration of employee workplace and satisfaction surveys.
• Serve as a back-up to payroll processing.
• Maintain Cooperative organizational charts.
• Assist the Chief People Officer with projects.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited university; 3-5 years of HR experience required.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification is required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Proficiency in employment laws, regulations, and standards.
• Experience in recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, and HR compliance is required.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to analyze data or information by identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercising good judgment and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Proficient in the use of technology software used for data management and analysis.

Physical Demands:

• Primarily sedentary work; occasional standing, walking, lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for computer use, and office equipment.
• Ability to read computer screens, mail, and talk on the phone.

Work Environment:

• Office-based, deadline-oriented, and professional setting.
• Regular, reliable attendance is required.
• Interaction with staff, Trustees and vendors.
• Must be able to report to their primary worksite after regular business hours, as soon as possible, in the event of an emergency situation such as electrical outages, inclement weather, etc.
• Ability to travel between offices and attend meetings, trainings, workshops, and seminars, as directed.

How to Apply:

• If you would like to apply for this position, please visit https://freestate.coop/jobs to complete an Application for Employment.

FreeState is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.