HR Generalist

The Position

Port Townsend Paper Company is seeking an HR Generalist to support our manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for managing core HR processes throughout the employee lifecycle, including recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, leave management, and day-to-day HR operations.

This is a hands-on HR role in a 24/7 manufacturing environment where responsiveness, sound judgment, and consistency are critical to supporting a fast-paced operation and maintaining a stable, well-run workforce.

The HR Generalist ensures consistent application of policies and practices, maintains compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and helps create a positive, efficient, and well-supported work environment.

About Port Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC)

The Port Townsend Paper ("PTPC") mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium, and market pulp. We have built a strong and loyal customer base by developing and nurturing strategic partnership-style relationships.

At PTPC, we believe that a healthy and safe work environment is fundamental to the success of all employees. We put that belief into practice every day by managing risk and building safety reliability into our processes and procedures. Engaging and empowering our workforce to maintain world-class safety performance is the pathway to achieving operational excellence. We also strive to preserve the environment, be good neighbors, and remain a valued member of the local community. Many of our employees have enjoyed working at PTPC for the greater part of their careers; we have employees with 20, 25, 30, even 35 years of service. PTPC is proud to provide good, prevailing wage jobs on the Olympic Peninsula.

Key Responsibilities

• Support full-cycle recruiting efforts, including job postings, candidate screening, interview coordination, and offer administration
• Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and ensure a consistent and effective hiring process
• Coordinate and support onboarding to ensure a smooth and engaging new hire experience
• Administer employee benefits programs, including enrollment, changes, and employee education
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits questions and work with vendors to resolve issues
• Support open enrollment planning, communication, and execution
• Manage employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, state leaves, and personal leaves, ensuring compliance and proper documentation
• Track leave cases, communicate with employees and leaders, and coordinate return-to-work processes
• Provide guidance to employees and leaders on HR policies, procedures, and general workplace matters
• Interpret and apply company policies consistently, ensuring fair and compliant practices
• Assist with employee relations concerns by gathering information, documenting issues, and escalating as appropriate
• Process and maintain employee lifecycle transactions, including hires, terminations, job changes, and pay updates
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure data integrity within our Paycom HRIS system
• Support payroll coordination as needed, including benefits deductions and employee changes
• Generate and support routine HR reporting, including headcount, turnover, recruiting, and leave tracking
• Support internal audits and ensure proper documentation and recordkeeping
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, company policies, and collective bargaining agreements
• Support administration of union-related processes and ensure alignment with contract requirements
• Participate in HR projects and initiatives focused on process improvement and operational efficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA) preferred in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2–5 years of HR experience in a generalist or similar role
• Hands-on experience with recruiting, benefits administration, and leave management
• Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism
• Experience with HRIS systems (Paycom experience a plus)

Employment Terms

• Full Time, exempt position
• Salary Range: $65,000 to $90,500
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off, 9 holidays, and 1 personal holiday day
• Retirement plan with 4% match plus an additional 2% annual contribution

Employment is contingent on authorization to work in the United States and successful completion of a background check.

Port Townsend Paper Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.