Human Resources Generalist

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Township Manager, the Human Resources-Generalist performs a broad range of human resources functions to support Township employees, elected officials, and departments. The HR Generalist ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; supports recruitment, onboarding, benefits, payroll, employee relations, and recordkeeping; and helps implement HR policies and procedures aligned with the Township’s mission and the Second-Class Township Code, as amended. Additional duties include assisting with accounts payable and receivable, and assisting the Finance Director as needed.

Position Information

• Position Title: Human Resources-Generalist
• Department: Administration
• Reports To: Township Manager
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Work Location: Township Municipal Building
• Employment Type: Full‑Time
• Salary Range: $58,000 – $75,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Appointment Status: At‑will, non‑civil service position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A. Recruitment, Selection, and Onboarding

• Coordinate job postings, applications, interviews, background checks, and reference checks in accordance with Township policies and applicable Second-Class Township Code provisions.
• Conduct pre‑employment screenings as required (e.g., drug testing, physicals, driving record checks, criminal history checks).
• Facilitate new hire orientation; complete I‑9s and other required onboarding documentation.
• Set up new employees in payroll, timekeeping, and HRIS systems; ensure all onboarding paperwork is complete and compliant.

B. Employee Records and HRIS

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel files (paper and electronic), including hires, promotions, transfers, discipline, separations, and benefits elections.
• Enter and maintain data in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and ensure integration with payroll, timekeeping, and benefits systems.
• Ensure compliance with records retention schedules adopted by the Township and Pennsylvania law, and coordinate secure destruction of outdated records.

C. Benefits Administration

• Administer health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans (457(b)/403(a)) in accordance with Township policies and resolutions of the Board of Supervisors.
• Process new enrollments, qualifying life events, annual open enrollment, COBRA notifications, and retiree benefit changes.
• Respond to employee and retiree benefits inquiries and coordinate with brokers, carriers, and third‑party administrators. Assist annually with benefit negotiations with carriers.

D. Compliance and Policy

• Ensure compliance with federal and Pennsylvania employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to: FLSA, FMLA, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, USERRA, Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, and relevant OSHA/Act 148 requirements.
• Assist in developing, updating, and communicating HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook; ensure consistent application across departments and alignment with the Second Class Township Code and Township resolutions.
• Track and manage leave (FMLA, military, personal, sick, vacation), maintain required logs, and coordinate with supervisors and payroll.
• Manage Township's Commercial Drive Licensing (CDL) program in partnership with PSATS.

E. Employee Relations and Support

• Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions on policies, benefits, pay, and procedures; refer complex or sensitive matters to the Township Manager as appropriate.
• Support supervisors with performance management, corrective action documentation, and progressive discipline processes consistent with Township policy.
• Conduct stay interviews, exit interviews, and help analyze turnover and retention data for management review.

F. Compensation and Payroll Support

• Assist with job descriptions, job classification, and salary/range administration; support annual or periodic wage/salary reviews and recommendations to the Township Manager and Board of Supervisors.
• Review and process personnel transactions affecting pay (hires, step increases, promotions, reassignments, separations); verify timesheets and leave balances as needed.

G. Payroll & Benefits Administration

• Process biweekly/semi-monthly payroll for all township employees, including salaried and hourly staff.
• Maintain payroll records, time sheets, and leave accruals (vacation, sick, personal and comp time).
• Ensure accurate withholding and reporting for federal, state, and local taxes; prepare and file required payroll tax returns (e.g., 941, PA withholding, local tax filings).
• Coordinate with payroll provider and financial institution as needed.

H. Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Process vendor invoices, verify coding to proper fund/account, and prepare payment vouchers for approval.
• Prepare and issue checks or electronic payments; maintain accurate accounts payable aging reports.
• Record and track receivables, including tax collections (real estate, earned income, local services), permits, fees, and state/federal reimbursements.
• Reconcile and monitor escrow accounts, performance bonds, and other restricted funds as applicable.

G. Training, Safety, and Special Programs

• Coordinate or facilitate required trainings (e.g., harassment prevention, safety, ethics, policy updates) and maintain training records.
• Work with the Safety Officer (Township Manager) on workers’ compensation claims, injury reporting, and return‑to‑work programs.
• Support special programs such as youth employment, internships, seasonal staff, and wellness initiatives to include Park and Recreation activities.

H. Other Duties

• Prepare reports, correspondence, and documents for management, elected officials, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Assist the Finance Director, when available, as needed.
• Manage the operations and activities of direct report employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Township Manager to support the HR function and Township operations.

Minimum Qualifications

A. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Position includes time for professional development training to maintain certifications.

B. Experience

• 5-10 years of progressive human resources experience, preferably in a public sector or regulated environment (municipal, school district, utility, or similar), although private sector experience is welcome.
• Experience with recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, payroll and HRIS systems are strongly preferred.
• Will train in-house on accounts payable and receivable related work.

C. Certifications

• PHR, SHRM‑CP, or similar HR certification preferred (or ability to obtain certification within 9 months of hire).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of federal and Pennsylvania employment laws and regulations, including those applicable to Second Class Townships.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain policies and procedures clearly to employees, supervisors, and elected officials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS/payroll systems; comfort and willingness to learn new software platforms to include Sage financial software.
• Ability to work collaboratively with employees at all levels, elected officials, and department heads in a non‑union environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Primarily office environment with frequent computer use; occasional attendance at evening Board of Supervisors meetings, hearings, or events as required.
• May require occasional lifting of files/boxes and sitting/standing for extended periods.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

West Hanover Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non‑discrimination and affirmative action.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and [three professional references / completed application] to:

H. Scott Russell, P.E.
West Hanover Township
7925 Jonestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Email: srussell@westhanover.com

Link to Application: https://www.westhanover.com/Jobs.aspx

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled.

West Hanover Township may conduct background checks, reference checks, and other pre‑employment screenings as conditions of employment. Employment is at‑will and not subject to civil service protections.

Join us as a Human Resources Generalist to energize our workplace culture through strategic talent management, innovative HR practices, and dedicated employee support!

Pay: $58,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58,000 - $75,000