Human Resources Generalist � Employee & Community Relations

MWH•Portland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Human Resources Generalist – Employee & Community Relations supports a positive employee experience, addresses community concerns, and helps ensure compliance with Company policies, training requirements, and applicable employment regulations. The role is a primary point of contact for employee and community-related concerns and collaborates with leadership and operational teams to facilitate timely, professional resolutions. The position is based full-time onsite in Gresham, Oregon, with travel to Company offices, construction project sites, and community locations as needed. The role supports employee relations matters, coordinates responses to community concerns associated with Company operations and projects, and oversees administration and completion of required employee compliance training. It promotes accountability, proactive communication, and a culture of respect, safety, and compliance. MWH is a water and wastewater treatment-focused general contractor and project delivery company specializing in heavy civil construction and water and wastewater treatment infrastructure. It provides integrated design and construction services for new facilities, infrastructure improvements and expansions, and capital construction projects. All positions require pre-employment drug and background screening.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of experience in human resources, employee relations, community relations, or a related field.
Experience addressing and resolving employee concerns, workplace conflicts, and sensitive personnel matters.
Ability to investigate complaints, gather information, document findings, and recommend appropriate resolutions.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with effective communication across employees, leadership, community members, and external stakeholders.
Ability to manage challenging conversations, de-escalate conflicts, and resolve concerns professionally and objectively.
Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, HR policies, and employee relations best practices.
Experience administering compliance training programs, tracking completion requirements, and maintaining accurate documentation.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain detailed records, and ensure timely follow-through.
Sound judgment, confidentiality, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and experience with HR information systems or learning management systems.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with HR, Safety, Operations, and project leadership.
Ability and willingness to travel to Company offices, construction project sites, and community locations as needed.
All positions require pre-employment screening, including drug and background checks.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for community concerns, inquiries, and complaints related to Company operations and construction projects.
Receive, document, investigate, and coordinate resolution of community concerns with project management, operations, safety, and leadership.
Maintain constructive relationships with community members, property owners, local stakeholders, and others affected by Company activities.
Communicate with community members and follow up to ensure concerns are acknowledged and addressed.
Track community complaints, resolutions, and recurring issues; identify trends and improvement opportunities.
Work with project teams to identify potential community impacts and develop communication and response strategies.
Escalate sensitive, high-risk, or unresolved community matters to appropriate leadership.
Support initiatives that reinforce responsible operations and positive community relationships.
Serve as a resource for employees and managers regarding workplace concerns, Company policies, and employment matters.
Receive, document, and help resolve employee complaints, workplace conflicts, and employee relations concerns.
Conduct or support employee relations investigations, including interviews, fact-finding, documentation, and resolution recommendations.
Guide managers on performance management, corrective action, employee conduct, and consistent application of Company policies.
Assist with performance improvement plans, written counseling notices, and other employee relations documentation.
Support disciplinary actions and employee separations in collaboration with HR leadership.
Promote fair, consistent, and respectful treatment across office and field operations.
Identify employee relations trends and recommend proactive measures to improve workplace culture and reduce organizational risk.
Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations matters and investigations.
Coordinate and monitor required employee compliance training, assignments, completion rates, and records using the learning management system.
Partner with HR, Safety, and Operations leadership to identify and coordinate onboarding, annual, and position-specific compliance training.
Monitor outstanding training requirements and communicate completion expectations to employees and managers.
Coordinate distribution, acknowledgment, and tracking of updated Company policies and procedures.
Maintain employee records, training documentation, and compliance reports for internal audits and regulatory requirements.
Provide day-to-day HR guidance regarding Company policies, procedures, and employment practices.
Support onboarding, offboarding, performance evaluations, and other employee lifecycle activities.
Assist with HR reporting, policy administration, and compliance initiatives.
Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, training administration, and organizational compliance.
Support HR leadership with special projects and other assigned responsibilities.

Benefits

Group health and welfare benefits, with medical, dental, and vision options.
Company-paid employee life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
Company-paid spouse and dependent life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
Company-paid short-term disability and long-term disability.
Company-paid Employee Assistance Program and Health Advocate.
Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits at discounted group rates.
Flexible Time Off Program, including vacation and personal time.
Paid Sick and Safe Leave.
Paid Parental Leave Program.
10 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with company matching contributions up to 4%.
Employee Referral Program.