Human Resources Generalist

Job Description Summary

The purpose of this job is to support to the Human Resources (HR) department and the city’s mission, vision, and values by performing a wide range of HR functions. This role is responsible for assisting with recruitment and hiring procedures and processes, monitoring compliance with employment laws and policies, supporting employee relations, conducting internal investigations, delivering training, and providing consultation to departments on best practices and process improvement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description

• Assists with the entire employee life cycle. Reviews and posts job vacancies; communicates with contact supervisor regarding applicants. Manages interview process and consults with
  hiring supervisors on candidate selections. Provides updates on status of positions as
  necessary.
  
  
• Develops, revises, and maintains job descriptions in collaboration with departments.
• Designs and updates selection process materials and assessment criteria, ensuring they are job-related and legally compliant.
• Serves as a point of contact for employees regarding personnel rules and regulations.
  
  
• Provides guidance and support to management and employees on employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement
  plans.
  
  
• Conducts internal investigations as assigned.
• Compiles, tracks and reports employment data to meet regulatory requirements.
• Researches, develops, and presents HR-related training in alignment with city initiatives, business goals, and strategic plan.
  
  
• Consults with various departments regarding best practices and process improvement opportunities.
  
  
• Stays current on employment laws and regulations and monitors compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
  
  
• Supports HR projects and initiatives as assigned.
• Discusses and researches employee relation issues and concerns.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No supervisory authority. Work requires providing guidance and trainingto others.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction

• Interactions may result in decisions regarding implementation of policies. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important
  presentations. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions with the public requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.
  
  
• Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Position has limited fiscal responsibility.
• May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for departmental budget allocations. May monitor work unit or program/promotional level budget and expenditures.

Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in in human resources or related field.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to travel to and from City facilities.
• Internal investigation certification with one year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position Knowledge of:

• Investigative techniques.
• Human resources hiring practices in municipal government.
• Employment laws.
• General office practices and administrative procedures, records management and administration techniques and procedures.
  
  
• Common business software applications such as Microsoft Office.

Skill in:

• Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.
• Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding
• Organizing and managing time effectively.
• Developing and conducting training.
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records.
• Applying tact and mediating conflict.
• Providing high levels of effective customer service.

Ability to:

• Recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
• Process and manage confidential information with discretion.
• Interpret regulations and apply them effectively.
• Manage projects.
• Manage difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
  
  
• Exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
• Render credible testimony.
• Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.
• Focus on tasks.
• Ability to travel and respond to calls outside of normal business hours.

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job Work Environment:

• Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently or Often
• Vehicle – Sometimes

Exposures:

• Individuals who are hostile or irate – Sometimes

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position is relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary.
• Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Hours/Days Generally Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with extra hours as required including nights and weekends. Starting Salary $28.65/hr. Pay Grade 109 Number of Positions Available 1 Deadline to Apply Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Are you passionate about people, process, and performance? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative team environment where no two days are the same? The City of Columbia’s Human Resources Department is seeking a people-centric, detail-oriented and team-driven Human Resources Generalist to join our team.
In this role, you will support a wide range of core HR functions and play a key role in fostering a positive and productive workplace culture.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating full-cycle recruitment and hiring processes
• Monitoring compliance with employment laws and policies
• Supporting employee relations and conducting internal investigations
• Advising on HR best practices and process improvements

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of related experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, and knowledge of employment law.

Why Join Us?

• Collaborative and kind team culture
• Comprehensive benefits package, including insurance and paid time off
• Free dental insurance
• Free Activity & Recreation Center (ARC) membership
• LAGERS defined benefit pension plan at no cost to the employee, providing long-term financial security.

Work Schedule:
Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with occasional early morning, evening, and weekend hours as needed.
Application Deadline:
This position will remain open until filled. Preferred application date is Friday, February 16, 2026.