Description

The City of Lockport, a historic Will County community with a population of 26,094, is seeking a talented and highly motivated individual to join our team. Are you a people-champion ready to shape workplace culture? We are seeking a versatile HR Generalist to drive our team's growth. Partner directly with leadership to build high-performing teams, champion employee engagement, and shape the future of our workplace.

SUMMARY:  Under direction of the Finance Director, this position performs professional-level human resources work in support of the municipality's workforce and organizational objectives. Responsibilities include recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, leave management, policy administration, compensation analysis, training and development, labor relations support, HRIS administration, and regulatory compliance.  The HR Generalist serves as a resource to employees and supervisors regarding personnel policies, employment laws, benefits, and human resources best practices while promoting a positive and productive work environment.

Department:  Finance

Type of Position:  Full-time

Hours:  40 hours/week (Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:30pm)

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Reports to:  Finance Director

Annual Salary Range: $70,000 to $90,000 (DOQ)
 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Essential duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or logical to the position.)

Recruitment and Staffing

• Coordinate recruitment activities for full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees.
• Prepare and post job advertisements.
• Screen applications and conducts interviews.
• Conduct reference checks, background investigations, and pre-employment screenings.
• Prepare employment offers and onboarding documentation.
• Coordinate new employee orientation and onboarding programs.

Employee Relations

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding policies, procedures, benefits, and employment matters.
• Assist supervisors with performance management and disciplinary processes.
• Participate in employee investigations and conflict resolution.
• Maintain confidentiality of personnel information.
• Promote employee engagement and recognition initiatives.

Benefits Administration

• Administer health, dental, vision, life insurance, retiree insurance, IMRF, and other benefit programs.
• Coordinate open enrollment activities.
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, terminations and COBRA benefits.
• Assist employees with benefit questions and claims issues.
• Maintain benefit records and vendor communications.

Leave Administration

• Administer FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, military leave, and other statutory leave programs.
• Track leave balances and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Coordinate return-to-work processes.

Compensation and Classification

• Assist with salary surveys and compensation studies.
• Maintain position descriptions and organizational charts.
• Support classification and pay plan administration.

Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)

• Maintain employee personnel records and HR databases.
• Process personnel actions including hires, promotions, transfers, and separations.
• Generate HR reports and workforce analytics.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with record retention requirements. 

Training and Development

• Coordinate employee training programs.
• Track required certifications and compliance training.
• Assist in leadership development and succession planning initiatives.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Prepare required reports including EEO, OSHA, ACA, and other regulatory filings.
• Assist in policy development and updates.
• Participate in risk management and workplace safety initiatives.

Other Duties

• Assist with special projects and strategic initiatives.
• Provide as needed assistance with collective bargaining, labor agreements or contract interpretation
• Attend meetings and training as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 
   

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
• Municipal or public sector experience preferred.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of federal and Illinois employment laws.
• Knowledge of public-sector human resources practices.
• Knowledge of IMRF benefits and municipal personnel administration.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, labor agreements, and employment regulations.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR information systems.
• Good listening and communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Effectively communicate with other departments and establish working relationships with fellow employees.

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodations.  The noise level is usually moderate.  While performing the duties of this position, the employee primarily works indoors in a business office environment.  Essential Functions & Physical Demands: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)  The ability to operate the required office equipment in order to transmit and receive information with the necessary optical, auditory and manual dexterity.