Human Resources Generalist

Description Join a team where you can make a meaningful difference by supporting employees, strengthening workplace culture, and helping the organization achieve its goals. The HR Generalist partners with leaders and employees throughout the employee lifecycle by providing support in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, training, and compliance. As a trusted resource, the HR Generalist helps foster an engaging and supportive workplace, provides guidance on HR policies and programs, and ensures consistent people practices across the organization. Through strong relationships and a collaborative approach, this role helps employees thrive while supporting the organization's mission and objectives. Duties and Responsiblities Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Coordinate full-cycle recruitment.
• Advise hiring managers on consistent selection practices, structured interviews, recruitment outreach, and candidate experience.
• Monitor vacancies, time-to-fill, and recruitment outcomes.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Serve as an initial point of contact for routine employee and manager questions.
• Provide routine guidance on performance expectations, coaching, documentation, and review processes.
• Coordinate performance review cycles, monitor completion, and help develop manager resources and training.
• Support conflict resolution, investigations, and workplace issues.

Compliance & Policy Administration

• Support compliance with employment laws and regulatory requirements, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, ERISA, OSHA, workers' compensation, and applicable reporting obligations.
• Support stay-interviews, exit interviews, employee engagement activities, and assigned training programs.
• Research policy questions, assist with audits and compliance documentation, and draft procedures for manager review.
• Updating and communicating HR policies and procedures.
• Monitoring compliance with workplace regulatory practices.
• Monitoring the County’s wage and benefit programs for compliance and accuracy.

HR Operations & Data Management

• Maintaining HRIS systems and employee files
• Generate reports and metrics for leadership
• Streamlining HR processes for efficiency
• Supporting organizational initiatives and special projects
• Serve as Safety Program Coordinator, administering the County's safety program and promoting a culture of workplace safety.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, individuals should be able to meet all essential requirements: Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three or more years of recent human resources experience preferred.
• Knowledge of public-sector HR principles preferred.

Certificates/Licenses

• PHR, SHRM-CP, or comparable HR certification preferred; not required.

Skills

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Recruiting and applicant tracking systems
• HRIS reporting and documentation
• Basic HR Analytics
• Sound judgment, confidentiality, effective communication, and professional customer service.
• Knowledge of routine employee relations, performance management, and employment compliance.
• Organization, analytical skills, collaboration, and timely escalation of higher-risk matters.

Additional Information Physical Requirements Must be able to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations) We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact humanresources@polkcoutywi.gov.

Benefits

2026 Polk County – Exempt Fringe Benefits Personal Time Off (PTO) Annual Front Load Hours

Start 152

3 years 168

6-year anniversary 208

10-year anniversary 216

13-year anniversary 256

15-year anniversary 264

20-year anniversary 272

**Personal Time Off (PTO) is frontloaded and prorated upon hire and a maximum of 380 hours can carry over to the new accrual year.

Extended Leave Accrual at the rate of 46.25 hours annually, capped at 185

Holidays Ten (10) paid holidays per year

Short-term Disability 66 2/3% weekly wages from days 30-89, at cost to employee

Term Life Insurance One (1) times annual salary at no cost to employee Supplemental Life available for employee, spouse, & children

Wisconsin Retirement System - WRS Employee portion: 7.20% Employer portion: 7.20%

Deferred Compensation Wisconsin Deferred Compensation – three (3) options for additional retirement savings (pre-tax)

Health Insurance Begins on the 1st of the month following date of hire Health Partners - three (3) plan options to choose from

Other Insurances Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, Accident and Hospital

Flexible Spending Account Administered through WEX (pre-tax dollars for medical expenses and daycare costs)

Employee Assistance Program Health Partners confidential counseling services

Wellness Program Employees may select to participate in various wellness programs and activities throughout the year. A Fitness Center & 1/3-mile wooded walking trail located at the Government Center available for staff enjoyment.

Tuition Reimbursement Up to $1,500 reimbursement for approved expenses per class; and a maximum benefit of $3,000 annually