Human Resources Generalist

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Job Summary

The HR Generalist plays an important role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources function at the corporate location. This role provides hands-on HR support across a broad range of employee and organizational needs, including employee relations, onboarding and orientation, talent acquisition, employee lifecycle changes, HRIS administration, engagement, learning and development, and HR programs and initiatives.

The HR Generalist serves as a resource to employees, leaders, and the HR team, helping to ensure HR processes are administered consistently, efficiently, and in alignment with company policies and practices. This role requires strong judgment, organization, attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to build effective relationships with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Employee Support

• Provide day-to-day HR support and guidance to employees and leaders on HR policies, procedures, programs, and employee-related questions.
• Lead employee relations matters, including documentation, investigations, performance management, attendance concerns, and policy-related issues.
• Maintain accurate and organized employee records and HR documentation in accordance with company policies and applicable requirements.
• Process and maintain employee information and employment changes within the HRIS, including promotions, transfers, job changes, compensation changes, organizational changes, and terminations.
• Assist with the administration and communication of HR policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate judgment when handling sensitive employee and business information.
• Prepare HR reports, tracking documents, and other information to support HR decision-making and business needs.
• Assist with HR compliance activities, audits, and required employment documentation.

DOT Compliance Support

• Support HR and operational teams with administrative aspects of DOT compliance requirements.
• Maintain required DOT documentation, certifications, testing records, and compliance tracking.
• Coordinate required DOT testing, documentation, and follow-up as needed.

Talent Acquisition, Onboarding & Employment Changes

• Support the recruitment and selection process by candidate communication, interviews, and other recruiting activities.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and hiring leaders to ensure a positive and efficient candidate experience.
• Lead and facilitate new employee orientation sessions and ensure new hires receive required information, resources, and company policies.
• Coordinate with HR, IT, Payroll, and department leaders to ensure new employees are prepared for their first day and successfully integrated into the organization.
• Support core employee lifecycle processes, including promotions, transfers, job changes, organizational updates, and offboarding.
• Assist with exit and separation processes, including documentation, system updates, and coordination with appropriate internal teams.

     Employee Relations & Investigations

• Serve as a resource to employees and leaders regarding workplace concerns, policies, performance expectations, and employee relations matters.
• Receive and respond to employee concerns and conduct or assist with investigations, including interviews, documentation, and follow-up.
• Partner with HR leadership and managers to address employee issues consistently and determine appropriate next steps.
• Support performance management, coaching, corrective action, and related documentation.
• Escalate complex or sensitive employee relations matters to appropriate HR leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality and sound judgment when handling sensitive employee matters and identify recurring issues or trends for HR leadership.

     Employee Engagement & Recognition

• Support the planning and execution of employee engagement, recognition, and culture initiatives.
• Coordinate employee events, recognition programs, surveys, and other initiatives that support a positive workplace culture.
• Partner with HR leadership and other departments to promote participation in engagement initiatives.

Learning & Development

• Support the coordination and administration of corporate training and development programs.
• Coordinate training logistics, communications, attendance tracking, and required documentation for corporate trainings.
• Maintain training records and support completion of required corporate training.
• Partner with HR leadership and internal stakeholders to support corporate employee development initiatives.

     HRIS & Reporting

• Maintain accurate employee data within the HRIS and support the timely processing of employees and organizational changes.
• Assist with HRIS data audits and corrections to ensure data integrity.
• Generate routine HR reports and assist with analysis of HR data as requested.
• Support HR technology initiatives, system updates, and process improvements.

Duties as Assigned

• Participate in HR projects and initiatives that support organizational and business priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, employee experiences, and administrative efficiency.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant HR experience may be considered.

Experience

• 3+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources, preferably in an HR Generalist, HR Coordinator, HR Specialist, or similar role.
• Experience supporting employee relations, onboarding, recruiting, HRIS administration, and employee lifecycle processes preferred.

Skills

• Working knowledge of HR practices, policies, and employee relations.
• Experience with employee investigations, documentation, and HRIS systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR systems.

Competencies

• Sound Judgment & Confidentiality: Handles sensitive employee matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Communication & Relationship Building: Builds trust and communicates effectively with employees and leaders at all levels.
• Problem Solving: Approaches employee and business issues with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Accountability: Takes ownership, follows through, and ensures work is completed accurately and timely.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Works effectively with others and adjusts to changing priorities and business needs.

Pay: 

$69,000-$83,400 per year*

*The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting.  Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications.  The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.