Job Summary
The Human Resources Generalist is a customer-facing, responsible for delivering consistent, high-quality HR support to employees and managers at Bellwether Farms. Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, this role plays a critical part in shaping the employee experience by leading day-to-day HR operations, employee relations, talent acquisition support, onboarding and offboarding, compliance, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
The Human Resources Generalist helps foster a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies. This role requires strong employee relations skills, sound judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Bilingual English/Spanish is required.
Employee Relations & HR Operations
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Serve as the primary HR contact for employees and managers regarding policies, procedures, benefits, leaves of absence, performance concerns, and employment-related matters.
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Manage employee relations issues from intake through resolution, including documentation, workplace investigations, corrective action, conflict resolution, and follow-up.
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Partner with managers to provide coaching and guidance on performance management, attendance issues, disciplinary actions, and employee development.
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Escalate complex or high-risk employee relations matters to the Head of HR as appropriate.
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Manage employee lifecycle activities including onboarding, offboarding, transfers, promotions, status changes, and employee record maintenance.
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Maintain accurate and confidential employee records within the HRIS and personnel files.
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Support payroll-related inquiries and partner with payroll to ensure employee data accuracy.
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Administer and coordinate leave programs, including CFRA, FMLA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, ADA accommodations, and workers’ compensation leaves.
Compliance & Risk Management
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Ensure compliance with federal, California state, and local employment laws, regulations, and company policies.
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Support workplace investigations related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, and employee complaints.
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Monitor compliance with wage and hour laws, meal and rest break requirements, and other California employment regulations.
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Maintain I-9 compliance and employment eligibility documentation.
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Support policy implementation, employee handbook updates, and compliance communications.
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Coordinate required compliance training, including harassment prevention and workplace safety training.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
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Partner with hiring managers and the HR Coordinator to support staffing needs across production, operations, and administrative functions.
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Manage recruiting activities including job postings, candidate screening, interview coordination, background checks, pre-employment requirements, and candidate communications.
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Support workforce planning efforts and employee retention initiatives.
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Ensure a positive candidate and new hire experience through effective onboarding and orientation programs.
Employee Experience, Engagement & Culture
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Support performance management processes, goal setting, and talent development programs.
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Facilitate new hire orientation and employee training programs.
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Serve as a visible and approachable HR presence throughout the facility, building trust and positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
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Support change management and communication initiatives that promote employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
Safety & Workers' Compensation
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Partner closely with Safety, Quality, and Operations teams to promote a safe work environment.
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Assist with workers' compensation claims administration, return-to-work programs, and related documentation.
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Support compliance with workplace safety policies, training requirements, and regulatory obligations.
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Participate in safety initiatives and employee awareness programs as needed.
Reporting & HR Analytics
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Monitor and report on key HR metrics including turnover, retention, absenteeism, recruiting activity, and employee relations trends.
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Analyze workforce data and provide recommendations to improve employee engagement, retention, and operational effectiveness.
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Maintain HR records and reporting in accordance with company standards and legal requirements.
Other Duties
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Maintain the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity in all matters.
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Support special projects and organizational initiatives as assigned.
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Perform other HR-related duties as assigned by the Head of Human Resources.
Qualifications/ Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including employee relations, compliance, recruiting, and HR operations.
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Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal) required.
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Strong working knowledge of California employment laws and regulations, including wage and hour requirements, CFRA, FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, harassment prevention, and leave administration.
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Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing employee relations matters with professionalism and confidentiality.
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Experience supporting an hourly workforce in a manufacturing, food production, agricultural, distribution, or industrial environment.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), and employee record management.
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Experience with ADP Workforce Now, EASE, or similar HRIS and benefits administration systems.
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Ability to build credibility and maintain positive working relationships with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization.
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Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
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Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain strict confidentiality.
Physical and Mental Requirements
The physical and mental requirements described below are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.
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Frequently operates a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
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Frequently remains in a stationary position while working at a computer or attending meetings.
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Frequently moves throughout office, warehouse, and production areas to support employees, conduct investigations, observe workplace conditions, and attend meetings.
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Occasionally lifts, carries, or moves materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
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Occasionally bends, stoops, reaches, kneels, or crouches while performing job duties.
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Must be able to safely work in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to noise, varying temperatures, wet conditions, and moving equipment, while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
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May occasionally travel between company locations or attend off-site meetings, recruiting events, or training.
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Must be able to communicate effectively, maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities, and work professionally in a fast-paced environment with employees at all levels of the organization.
Work Environment
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This position is based at Bellwether Farms’ office in Petaluma, CA, with regular coordination with the warehouse and production teams.
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The work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office setting, with standard lighting and ventilation.
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The role may require occasional visits to warehouse or production areas, which may involve exposure to cold or warm temperatures, moderate noise levels, and concrete flooring.
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The noise level in the office environment is generally low to moderate, though warehouse visits may expose the employee to louder machinery or equipment sounds.
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The position requires frequent interaction with team members from operations, production, sales, and customer service departments, as well as outside vendors and customers via phone and email.
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Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional flexibility needed during peak shipping times, or when resolving time-sensitive issues.
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This is a non-remote position, and consistent on-site presence is essential to support day-to-day operational needs.
Compensation and Benefits
Bellwether Farms is committed to pay equity and transparency in alignment with California law. The anticipated salary range for this position is $70,000 -$85,000. This range is provided as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and market conditions.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligibility begins after 30 days of employment)
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401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match
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Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
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Access to company products and employee discounts
Bellwether Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.
