Human Resources Generalist

Position Summary

The City of Crystal Lake is seeking an organized, service-oriented, and forward-thinking Human Resources Generalist to support the City's full range of human resources operations. This position performs professional and administrative HR work in recruitment and selection, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, workers' compensation, and personnel records. The Human Resources Generalist reports directly to the Director of Human Resources and will be vacant due to an upcoming retirement.

About the Role

The Human Resources Department supports approximately 240 full-time employees and 100 seasonal employees during the summer months. The HR Generalist plays an important role in coordinating seasonal recruitment, assisting employees and supervisors, maintaining accurate and confidential records, and ensuring timely, effective delivery of HR services throughout the organization.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys variety, problem-solving, collaboration, and making a meaningful contribution to municipal government.

• Recruitment and Onboarding: Coordinate recruitment for seasonal positions; and support new-hire processing, orientation, and onboarding.
• Employee Relations: Serve as a resource for employees and supervisors regarding personnel policies, benefits, leave, and employment matters while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Benefits: Assist with employee benefits, open enrollment, billing reconciliation, employee inquiries, and related compliance requirements.
• Workers' Compensation: Support claims administration, maintain confidential records, and coordinate communications.
• Records, Payroll Support, and Reporting: Maintain accurate personnel files and HR systems; process employment changes and related transactions; and prepare reports and workforce data.
• Compensation and Performance Management: Assist with job descriptions, position reviews, compensation research, and performance evaluation coordination.
• Employee Communications: Develop and maintain onboarding materials and employee communications using appropriate digital tools.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or an HR-related professional certificate.
• Three years of relevant experience in human resources, personnel administration, office administration, benefits, recruitment, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Proficiency with common business software and the ability to learn HR systems and other digital tools. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, interpret and communicate policies, solve problems, and work effectively with employees at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR certification, such as SHRM-CP or PHR, or a willingness to pursue professional development.
• Experience across multiple HR functions, preferably in municipal government, the public sector, or another policy-driven organization.
• Familiarity with employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, equal employment opportunity requirements, and applicable state and local laws.
• Experience with HR information systems, applicant tracking, payroll, or benefits administration platforms.
• Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Pro, Canva, or similar tools for document management, electronic forms, recruitment materials, and employee communications.

Experience with every software application is not required. The ability to learn new systems, use technology responsibly, and identify opportunities to improve departmental operations is highly valued.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will have a working knowledge of HR principles and administrative practices, or the ability to develop that knowledge through training and experience. Key competencies include effective communication, sound judgment, discretion, analytical and problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

The position also requires a strong customer-service orientation, the ability to build effective working relationships, and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement. 

Salary, Benefits and Hours

The starting salary range is $31.54 to $37.00 per hour depending on qualifications, with a competitive benefit package, including IMRF, health, dental, vision and life insurance. Full salary range is $31.54 to $45.41 per hour. Hours are generally 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Application Process

Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of background check and drug screen. Qualified individuals interested in being considered for the position should submit an employment application, available at www.crystallake.org with a letter of interest and resume.

This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be considered as received.

The City of Crystal Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $32 - $45