What are the responsibilities and job description for the HR Generalist position at Ceres Environmental Services, Inc.?
Department: Human Resources
Location: Florida
Reports To: HR Manager / Director of Human Resources
The Ceres Commitment
Ceres Environmental Services is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. Founded in 1976, Ceres has secured more than $3.4 billion in government-funded contracts, reflecting decades of trust in bringing hope during times of need.
We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.
Driven by Purpose, Powered by People
At Ceres, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.
We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.
What We Are Looking For
The HR Generalist serves as a trusted, hands-on partner supporting the full employee lifecycle across a fast-paced, mission-driven organization. This role blends deep functional expertise in benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and mandated reporting with a strong service orientation toward employees ("internal customers"). Because our workforce scales rapidly during emergency mobilizations, the ideal candidate is adaptable, detail-oriented, and able to operate calmly under pressure while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do
Compliance & Mandated Reporting
Primarily an office/hybrid environment with prolonged periods of computer and telephone work. Occasional field or staging-site visits may involve exposure to outdoor conditions and active work sites.
Must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Why Join Ceres?
At Ceres, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.
We Offer
E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.
Location: Florida
Reports To: HR Manager / Director of Human Resources
The Ceres Commitment
Ceres Environmental Services is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. Founded in 1976, Ceres has secured more than $3.4 billion in government-funded contracts, reflecting decades of trust in bringing hope during times of need.
We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.
Driven by Purpose, Powered by People
At Ceres, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.
We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.
What We Are Looking For
The HR Generalist serves as a trusted, hands-on partner supporting the full employee lifecycle across a fast-paced, mission-driven organization. This role blends deep functional expertise in benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and mandated reporting with a strong service orientation toward employees ("internal customers"). Because our workforce scales rapidly during emergency mobilizations, the ideal candidate is adaptable, detail-oriented, and able to operate calmly under pressure while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities
What You Will Do
Compliance & Mandated Reporting
- Ensure & support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
- Maintain I-9 and E-Verify compliance for a high-volume, rapid-hire workforce.
- Assist with audits, unemployment claims, workers' compensation reporting, and required record retention.
- Act as a first point of contact for employee questions regarding benefits, pay, policies, and HR programs, delivering timely and empathetic service.
- Support employees during rapid disaster-response mobilizations and demobilizations, including onboarding and offboarding of field crews.
- Support employees/managers on project deployments: travel requests, managers updates, system updates
- Help investigate and resolve employee relations concerns in partnership with HR leadership.
- Ensure accuracy of employee data within system
- Maintain personnel files and company documents
- Support employees with system questions and training
- Support recruiting, onboarding, and rapid staffing surges tied to emergency events.
- Assist with policy development, handbook updates, and process documentation.
- Contribute to HR reporting and metrics for leadership.
- Ensure consistent HR practices across multiple legal entities and subsidiaries.
- Participate in continuous improvement of HR processes and controls.
- Additional duties as assigned
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
- 3 years of progressive HR generalist experience, including benefits and compliance.
- Hands-on experience administering HR and payroll within Paycom.
- Strong working knowledge of federal & multi-state employment law and mandated reporting.
- Proven experience with benefits reconciliation.
- Excellent attention to detail, discretion with confidential information, and strong customer-service orientation.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with fluctuating workforce demands.
- Clear communication & service mindset
- Analytical & reconciliation skills
- Systems and data proficiency
- May work extended hours and weekends during peak season
- PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification.
- Experience supporting government-contract, construction, or field-based workforces.
- Familiarity with prevailing wage / certified payroll.
- Experience managing HR across multiple legal entities.
- Advanced Paycom configuration, reporting, or implementation experience.
Primarily an office/hybrid environment with prolonged periods of computer and telephone work. Occasional field or staging-site visits may involve exposure to outdoor conditions and active work sites.
Must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Why Join Ceres?
At Ceres, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.
We Offer
- A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
- The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.
E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.