Human Resources Generalist

City of Crystal Lake•Crystal Lake, IL

18d

About The Position

The City of Crystal Lake is seeking an organized, service-oriented, and forward-thinking Human Resources Generalist to support the City's human resources operations. The position performs professional and administrative HR work across recruitment and selection, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, workers' compensation, and personnel records. It reports directly to the Director of Human Resources and is vacant due to an upcoming retirement. The HR Department supports approximately 240 full-time employees and 100 seasonal employees during the summer months. The Generalist coordinates seasonal recruitment, assists employees and supervisors, maintains accurate and confidential records, and helps ensure timely, effective HR services throughout the organization. The role also supports payroll-related transactions and reporting, compensation and performance management, and employee communications.

Requirements

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 ability to learn HR systems and other digital tools.
Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and 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.
Working knowledge of HR principles and administrative practices, or ability to develop that knowledge through training and experience.
Effective communication, sound judgment, discretion, analytical and problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Strong customer-service orientation, ability to build effective working relationships, and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

HR certification, such as SHRM-CP or PHR, or 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.

Responsibilities

Coordinate recruitment for seasonal positions.
Support new-hire processing, orientation, and onboarding.
Serve as a resource for employees and supervisors regarding personnel policies, benefits, leave, and employment matters while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Assist with employee benefits, open enrollment, billing reconciliation, employee inquiries, and related compliance requirements.
Support workers' compensation claims administration, maintain confidential records, and coordinate communications.
Maintain accurate personnel files and HR systems.
Process employment changes and related transactions.
Prepare reports and workforce data.
Assist with job descriptions, position reviews, compensation research, and performance evaluation coordination.
Develop and maintain onboarding materials and employee communications using appropriate digital tools.