HR Specialist
About The Position
The HR Specialist handles day-to-day human resources work for PacWhale Eco-Adventures and Pacific Whale Foundation as part of a two-person HR team. The role manages hiring, onboarding, benefits, employee records, and HR systems, primarily Rippling, while working closely with the HR Director, who handles policy decisions and employee relations. The position is office-based and involves extended computer use, with occasional visits to harbor, retail, and other work sites. Some extra hours may be needed during peak hiring periods; overtime is paid. Job offers are contingent on passing pre-employment checks. Under Hawaiʻi law, conviction records are requested only after a conditional job offer. The posting describes the general nature of the job and is not a complete list of duties; duties may change with business needs.
Requirements
- At least three years of HR experience, such as HR administration, coordination, or operations.
- Hands-on experience in hiring, onboarding, benefits, leave, or employee records.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Clear, friendly, and professional written and verbal communication.
- Ability to handle confidential information with care.
- Comfort with HR software and ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Strong follow-through on tasks until completion.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Rippling or a similar HR system.
- Knowledge of Hawaiʻi employment practices.
- Experience supporting hourly, seasonal, or operations teams.
- HR certification or related education.
Responsibilities
- Post jobs, schedule interviews, and keep candidates updated.
- Prepare offer letters using approved terms.
- Track each open role and follow up with hiring managers on next steps.
- Coordinate background checks, orientation, and onboarding tasks in Rippling.
- Answer routine questions from employees and managers.
- Process job changes, separations, benefits enrollments, and leave paperwork.
- Work with brokers, carriers, and vendors to resolve routine benefits issues.
- Keep employee data accurate in Rippling.
- Monitor alerts and approvals, and resolve routine system issues.
- Share employment updates with Payroll and run standard HR reports.
- Track compliance deadlines, training, and review cycles.
- Maintain records for certifications and vessel crew requirements.
- Gather records for audits and required filings.
- Identify recurring problems and suggest practical fixes.
- Help with employee engagement events and HR projects.
Benefits
- Medical and dental plan options.
- Retirement savings plan.
- Paid time off.
- Employee assistance resources.
- Overtime pay for extra hours; the role is hourly and nonexempt.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
