About Us
Mendocino Railway is the owner and operator of passenger and freight railroads, including the renowned Skunk Train in Fort Bragg and Willits and the River Fox Train in West Sacramento. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional level of service to our commercial customers and to our railbike and historic railroad tourism guests.
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior HR Generalist to join our team. This role provides comprehensive HR support across all Mendocino Railway locations and departments, partnering closely with leadership to ensure compliance, strengthen employee relations, and support day‑to‑day operations in a dynamic, safety‑sensitive environment.
Key Responsibilities
HR Operations & Compliance
- Serve as the primary HR contact for employees and managers across Mendocino Railway.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including California wage‑and‑hour, meal/rest breaks, safety requirements, and railroad‑specific regulations.
- Maintain accurate employee records, HRIS updates, personnel files, and compliance documentation.
- Support policy development, implementation, and communication.
- Assist with internal audits, reporting, and regulatory documentation.
Recruiting, Onboarding & Offboarding
- Manage full‑cycle recruiting for a variety of operational, administrative, and guest‑facing roles.
- Conduct interviews, coordinate hiring processes, and ensure timely onboarding.
- Prepare new‑hire documentation, conduct orientations, and ensure compliance with safety and training requirements.
- Support offboarding processes, exit interviews, and documentation.
Employee Relations & Performance Support
- Provide guidance to managers on coaching, performance management, corrective action, and documentation.
- Support conflict resolution, employee concerns, and workplace investigations.
- Promote a positive work environment with strong communication and employee engagement.
- Partner with leadership to reinforce company culture and retention strategies.
Payroll, Benefits & Leave Administration
- Review timesheets, resolve discrepancies, and support payroll accuracy.
- Assist employees with benefits questions, enrollment, and eligibility.
- Administer leaves of absence, workers’ compensation claims, and return‑to‑work processes.
- Coordinate with third‑party administrators and internal stakeholders.
Safety & Training Support
- Ensure employees complete required safety training, certifications, and compliance modules.
- Partner with operations and safety teams to reinforce best practices in a railroad and entertainment environment.
- Support incident reporting and follow‑up documentation.
Support to Leadership
- Assist the HR Manager and General Manager with strategic initiatives, workforce planning, and organizational development.
- Contribute to projects focused on compliance, efficiency, and employee experience.
- Provide HR insights to support decision‑making and long‑term planning
Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in transportation, hospitality, industrial, or safety‑sensitive environments.
- Strong knowledge of California employment law and HR best practices.
- Experience supporting managers and employees in a fast‑paced operational setting.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).
- Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions and loud environments (PPE provided).
Work Location
Position will work from River Fox location in West Sacramento. Occasional travel to Fort Brag and Willits as necessary.
Join Our Team
If you’re ready to bring your HR expertise to a unique and historic railroad operation and support a team dedicated to delivering unforgettable guest experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to become part of the Mendocino Railway team.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- West Sacramento, CA 95691 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- West Sacramento, CA 95691: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
