Human Resources Generalist - Kandiyohi County, MN : Job Details

Salary : $72,262.00 - $101,085.00 Annually Location : Willmar, MN Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202500052 Department: Human Resources Opening Date: 07/25/2025 Closing Date: 8/7/2025 4:30 PM Central Description The hiring range for this position is $72,262 - $80,817. The full range for this position is $72,262 - $101,085. The Human Resources Generalist provides key support in the administration of employee benefits, assists with payroll processing, and coordinates the onboarding experience for new hires. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and confidentiality of HR operations, while serving as a point of contact for employee questions related to benefits, payroll, leave, and personnel policies. The HR Generalist works closely with the Human Resources Director to maintain compliance with employment laws and internal procedures and helps foster a positive workplace culture across the organization. Job Duties

• Coordinate and administer employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and flexible spending accounts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee questions related to benefits, payroll, and other HR-related inquiries.
• Assist with bi-weekly payroll processing, including timecard review, payroll entry, and verification of hours and deductions.
• Facilitate a welcoming and thorough new hire onboarding process, including scheduling orientations, collecting required documents, and setting up employee profiles.
• Maintain and update employee records, HR databases, and personnel files in compliance with internal protocols and applicable laws.
• Support recruitment efforts by posting job openings, coordinating interviews, and communicating with candidates throughout the hiring process.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of required reporting such as ACA, EEO, and retirement plan filings.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment and employee education related to benefit plan options and changes.
• Coordinate employee recognition efforts and contribute to wellness and engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with finance team to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate reporting.
• Prepare correspondence, HR forms, and informational materials to support departmental operations.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least two years of related HR experience preferred
• Working knowledge of employee benefit programs and payroll systems
• HR certification preferred but not required

Supplemental InformationSkills and Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS platforms
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Exceptional customer service skills with a focus on professionalism and empathy
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Familiarity with federal and state employment laws and regulations
• Experience working with diverse employee populations and adapting communication styles accordingly

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer
• Occasional lifting or carrying of boxes, files, or office supplies up to 25 pounds
• Ability to perform standard office tasks including filing, typing, and handling paperwork
• Regular use of computers, phones, and office equipment in a professional environment
• Must be able to perform the essential physical duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation

Kandiyohi County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Kandiyohi County offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health, dental, vision, PERA retirement, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick/ESST leave. Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. 01 Do you have an associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience?

• Yes
• No

02 How many years of human resources experience do you have?

• 5+ years
• 3 to 5 years
• 2 to 3 years
• Under 2 years
• No experience

03 Do you have experience coordinating or administering employee benefit programs (e.g., health, dental, retirement, life insurance)?

• 5+ years
• 3 to 5 years
• 2 to 3 years
• Under 2 years
• No experience

04 Do you have experience with payroll processing, including timecard review and payroll entry?

• 5+ years
• 3 to 5 years
• 2 to 3 years
• Under 2 years
• No experience

05 Have you ever coordinated onboarding for new employees (e.g., orientation, document collection, employee setup)?

• Yes, independently led onboarding
• Yes, assisted with onboarding
• No onboarding experience

06 Do you have experience maintaining HRIS systems or employee databases?

• Yes
• No

07 Are you familiar with federal and state employment laws (e.g., FMLA, EEO, ACA)?

• Very familiar - I've applied these in previous roles
• Somewhat familiar
• Not familiar

08 Do you have experience coordinating or supporting open enrollment periods for employee benefits?

• Yes
• No

09 Do you have human resources experience in unionized environments?

• Yes
• No

10 If you answered Yes to being a Veteran, please indicate whether you would like to claim Veteran's Preference Points:

• Yes - I am a qualified veteran who served during a qualifying wartime period.
• Yes - I am a disabled veteran with a 10% or higher disability rating.
• Yes - I am the spouse of a deceased veteran or the spouse of a disabled veteran who is unable to work due to their disability.
• No - I do not wish to claim Veteran's Preference Points.

11 If you selected Yes to the question above, please upload a copy of your DD214 as an attachment to this application. By initialing below, you confirm that you have uploaded this document. Required Question