HR Generalist or Sr. HR Generalist

We are seeking two HR Generalists to support our Arcata manufacturing operations at Wing Inflatables (200+ employees) and Kokatat (100 employees). These positions are on site roles at the manufacturing facilities and each role works closely with supervisors to provide practical, day-to-day guidance on employee relations, performance management, and workplace policies.

The HR Generalist serves as a key resource across a wide range of HR activities, including employee relations, leave administration, recruiting support, and employee-facing needs in a fast-paced environment. This role requires the ability to shift priorities throughout the day while maintaining organization, responsiveness, and sound judgment.  The role also supports ongoing hiring and retention efforts by partnering with supervisors on recruiting, improving hiring processes, and identifying opportunities to better attract and retain employees in a competitive labor market.

This position partners closely with HR Leadership and HR Operations Specialist and is ideal for an HR professional who enjoys variety, working directly with supervisors, and solving real workplace challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Benefit Administration:

  • First point of contact for benefit questions and issues at the plant level.  Understanding employee resources and directing employees to the Benefit Advocacy Group when needed.

  • Work with HR Operations Specialist to track new hire and QLE benefit enrollments and conduct or facilitate benefit training.

  • Manage Leave of Absence Administration including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and reasonable accommodations.

• Talent Acquisition:

  • Lead full-cycle recruitment hourly and salaried roles within the plant.

  • Partner with HR Director and hiring managers to define job requirements, interview strategies, and candidate evaluation

  • Source candidates through job boards, community outreach and partnerships

  • Work with HR Operations Specialist to ensure that interviews, candidate communication, new hire orientations, and employee training documentation are scheduled and conducted timely

  • Assist with HR operational tasks related to recruiting, onboarding and HR documentation when needed

• Employee Relations & Documentation:

  • Provide day-to-day employee support, addressing concerns and guiding on HR policy

  • Support with workplace investigations and help guide supervisors through documentation, disciplinary actions and performance improvement plans.

  • Support conflict resolution efforts.

  • Participate in the training of staff and/or leadership

• Engagement, Recognition and Retention

  • Partner with HR team to lead and oversee plant-level retention and recognition programs

  • Work with HR Operations Specialist to execute monthly employee events and other recognition programs

  • Develop and lead an Employee Committee to champion employee appreciation initiatives to enhance morale and culture

• Compliance and Reporting

  • Work with coordinator to ensure up-to-date personnel files and HRIS records

  • Support internal and external HR audits

• 4–6 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in a manufacturing or operational environment
• Experience supporting employee relations, including coaching supervisors, handling workplace issues, and conducting investigations
• Working knowledge of California employment laws including CFRA, FMLA, wage and hour, and reasonable accommodations
• Experience managing or supporting leave of absence and accommodation processes
• Experience supporting recruiting efforts, including interviewing, community outreach, and candidate evaluation
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build credibility with supervisors and employees at all levels
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and shift focus throughout the day in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or related field preferred
• HR certification (PHR or SHRM-CP) is a plus, but must be willing to become certified.