Human Resources Generalist

The Human Resources Generalist is a vital member of Travel Oregon’s People & Culture team and plays a key role in ensuring a fair, inclusive, and legally compliant workplace. This position provides day-to-day human resources support while contributing to strategic agency initiatives in recruitment, employee engagement, compliance, and culture-building.

The Generalist collaborates with colleagues and people managers to ensure that HR processes center people, reflect equitable practices, and operate in alignment with the agency’s core values: equity, integrity, community, and stewardship. A successful candidate brings strong interpersonal skills, HR technical knowledge, and a commitment to serving a diverse workforce with care and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR DUTIES 

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Partner with hiring managers to support the recruitment process, including job postings, interview coordination, and candidate communications.
• Ensure inclusive and accessible hiring practices that support Travel Oregon’s equity and belonging goals.
• Coordinate onboarding and orientation processes to ensure a smooth transition for new hires.

HR Customer Service Support

• Serve as the first point of contact for HR-related inquiries from employees and managers, delivering accurate, respectful, and timely responses.
• Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, benefits, leaves, and internal processes.
• Direct employees to appropriate resources, forms, or personnel as needed and help navigate routine issues in a people-first manner.
• Foster a supportive and accessible environment for all staff by applying a customer service mindset to internal interactions.

Employee Engagement & Workplace Culture

• Assist in coordinating agency-wide engagement activities, recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and trainings.
• Contribute to internal communications that promote awareness of HR programs, deadlines, and resources.
• Support initiatives that build a workplace culture grounded in belonging, respect, and equity.

Policy & Compliance Support

• Apply federal, state, and local employment laws in the administration of HR programs and services.
• Support consistent application of internal policies across departments and help maintain compliance documentation.
• Assist with routine auditing, reporting, and maintenance of personnel files in accordance with confidentiality standards.

ADA and Section 504 Responsibilities

• Support the interactive process for employees requesting reasonable accommodations under the ADA and Section 504.
• Maintain confidential records related to accommodations and assist in coordinating with supervisors and leadership.
• Stay informed about legal obligations and help ensure accessibility and equity in HR procedures, practices, and facilities.
• Partner with People & Culture leadership to ensure policies and trainings reflect accessibility and non-discrimination standards.

Performance & Culture Support

• Assist in tracking and coordinating the performance review process and communicating key dates and resources to staff.
• Participate in projects to improve the employee experience, internal clarity of HR policies, and people-related operations.
• Support People & Culture initiatives focused on professional development, team cohesion, and continuous learning.

JOB SCOPE 

The Human Resources Generalist serves as a responsive and supportive team member within the People & Culture unit, demonstrating a strong commitment to employee service, cultural humility, and inclusive practice. This role requires sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to navigate a range of HR-related inquiries with professionalism and care. Success in the position relies on collaborative teamwork, proactive problem-solving, and a consistent application of HR policies to ensure fair and equitable support for all employees across the organization. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

None 

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS 

Contact normally occurs with others both inside and outside of the organization; a slight majority of communication is internal, however. Internal contacts most frequently include other departments or locations. External contacts most frequently include vendors. 

A majority of contact with others occurs via email, some occurs face-to-face, virtual settings or by phone. Confidential/sensitive matters are frequently discussed, necessitating discretion at all times.  

As assigned, will actively participate as a member of a Communities of Practice by sharing best practices, seeking new information and knowledge, and aligning with shared expectations and processes. 

COMPETENCIES 

DEFINE PER ROLE is required in Travel Oregon’s Foundational Competencies: 

• Active Listening: Full Attention | Sincere Interest | Appropriate Non-Verbal Cues | Suspension of Judgement | Seek First to Understand  
• Change Agility: Adaptability | Resilience | Accepts Needed Change | Empathy | Fine with Ambiguity   
• Communicativeness:  Transparent | Approachable | Multi-media | Frequent Communicator | Accessible | Right Medium 
• Composure and Self-Objectivity: Appropriately Expressive | Emotional Control | Performs Under Stress | Self-Aware | Knows Own Strengths & Weaknesses | Open to Feedback | Mindful & Present  
• Drive / Energy: Enthusiasm for Role | Understands Personal Motivations | Balanced & Healthy Lifestyle | Grit 
• Informal Communication: Good at Dialogue | Approachable & Accessible | Personable | Articulate 
• Initiative: Proactive | Responsible | Accountable 
• Integrity and High Standards: Honest | Reliable | Positive | Objective | Attention to Detail | Driven to Do Best Work 
• Learning Agility: Curious | Open | Learns Quickly | Rational 
• Organizing and Planning: Makes Best Use of Time | Efficient | Thinks Ahead | Imagines/Plans for Contingencies | Follows Up 
• Team Player / Sensitivity: Voluntarily Collaborates | Enjoys Team Rewards | Supportive | Inclusive | Considers Others’ Feelings | Values Diversity  
• Technology Savvy: Leverages Appropriate Hardware & Software | Stays Current with Relevant Technologies 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a human resources generalist, coordinator, or administrative support role.
• Understanding of HR policies, procedures, and legal compliance considerations (e.g., ADA, FLSA, OFLA, etc.).
• Strong customer service orientation and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn internal systems and platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a public agency, nonprofit, or mission-aligned organization.
• Familiarity with ADA, Section 504, and accessibility-related procedures.
• Knowledge of Oregon-specific employment laws and leave administration.
• Experience supporting DEI-related initiatives or working in multicultural environments.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities.

This position is designated as hybrid. The majority of essential functions are performed at an alternate

workplace, as well as the central or temporary workplace. Business needs may require the employee to come

into a designated workplace on a periodic basis.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to maintain a stationary position for

long periods of time (sitting or standing); communicate with internal and external partners. The ability to use

electronic devices to communicate, develop work products, and carry out responsibilities. When working at the

physical office, the employee is required to move inside the office to attend meetings, access items, and use

equipment, and occasionally move or transport items up to 15 pounds.

Work outside of normal business hours, including evening and/or weekend meetings and long hours during peak

periods, is expected.

Occasional travel, including overnight travel, less than 20% of time, is required for this position. Travel working

conditions vary based on business reasons, but typically include long periods of maintaining stationary positions

(sitting or standing) and attending meetings and social situations. While traveling, the employee is required to

move inside buildings, offices, and a variety of establishments to conduct business travel and meetings and

move or transport items up to 15 pounds. Rarely, the employee is required to move or transport items up to 50

pounds.

Benefits

·      Accrual of 15 days paid vacation plus 3 days personal business leave and 12 days paid

·      Sick leave; 11 paid holidays, 3 days paid volunteer leave, and available paid bereavement leave

·      100% of health care premiums for core benefits (medical/dental/vision) for employee and family are paid by Travel Oregon

·      Optional health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

·      After six full months of employment, participation in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including generous Travel Oregon contributions with no employee match required; optional participation in a 403(b) account (Oregon Savings Growth Plan) is also available.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Travel Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, age, religion, creed, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage and respect different viewpoints and experiences as being essential to the process of innovation. We strive to acquire, grow, and maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace that applies principles and standards equitably while supporting the needs and accommodations of the individual employee.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal and state laws, it is the policy of Travel Oregon to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the employment application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact cheryl@traveloregon.com. Travel Oregon provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment. Please review the following webpage on veterans' preference in state employment and indicate your status and submit documentation accordingly: https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/pages/veterans.aspx.