People & Culture Generalist

Ground Studio•Monterey, CA

11d•$80,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

Ground Studio is an award-winning landscape architecture studio with offices in Monterey, Napa, and Santa Barbara. Our work celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of each client and place, maintaining a consistent focus on design excellence, thorough project management, and superior service. Our process is rooted in collaboration, and team members are involved throughout the project duration, from design conception to details, demanding dedicated engagement in the entire process. Currently we are seeking a People and Culture Generalist who shares our commitment to collaboration, accountability, and engagement and who will nurture our studio culture while ensuring HR excellence across our offices. POSITION OVERVIEW: The People & Culture Generalist serves as the primary human resources partner for Ground Studio. Reporting to the Director of Finance, with additional oversight and strategic guidance from a Firm Partner, this role has responsibility for HR functions across all three California offices (Monterey, Napa, and Santa Barbara). The ideal candidate brings strategic HR expertise combined with hands-on execution capabilities, balancing compliance requirements with creating an engaging workplace culture. This role is critical to supporting our team of designers, project managers, and administrative staff while ensuring Ground Studio remains a great place to work. You will be the go-to resource for all employee-related matters, from onboarding to offboarding, benefits administration to performance management, and policy development to culture initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in professional services or creative industries
Strong knowledge of California employment law (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, FEHA, wage and hour)
Experience with benefits administration, leave management, and open enrollment
Proven ability to handle sensitive employee relations matters with discretion
Experience developing HR policies and managing performance review processes
Proficiency with HRIS, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and DocuSign
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently across multiple office locations

Nice To Haves

PHRca, PHR, or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification
Knowledge of multi-state HR compliance
Experience working within the AEC

Responsibilities

Serve as primary HR contact for employees across all three offices
Partner with managers and Director of Finance on employee relations, conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary actions
Manage full-cycle onboarding and offboarding including offer letters, new hire setup, exit interviews, and documentation
Administer all benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, 401k), manage open enrollment, and coordinate with vendors/carriers
Assist Director of Finance with annual benefits assessments
Respond to employee benefits questions and resolve benefits-related issues
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; maintain current knowledge of California HR regulations
Develop, update, and communicate HR policies and employee handbook
Maintain accurate personnel files and data; generate reports and metrics for leadership
Administer timekeeping system and support payroll processing with accurate employee data
Manage workers' compensation claims and safety incident documentation
Facilitate performance review cycles and provide recommendations to managers
Champion company culture through employee engagement activities, recognition programs, and the annual studio retreat
Conduct HR audits, maintain compliance documentation, and coordinate with legal counsel and HR Consultants as needed
Partner closely with Director of Finance on strategic HR planning, budgeting, and organizational development
Collaborate with Operations Coordinator on facilities, IT, and administrative functions
Participate in the Business Administration team’s weekly L10 meetings