At North American Rail Solutions (NARS), the HR Generalist plays a key role in supporting employees across the entire organization. Based in the corporate office, this position serves as a primary point of contact for both employees and managers – offering guidance on HR-related matters and contributing to a positive, compliant workplace culture. With responsibilities spanning employee relations, recruiting, onboarding, benefits, training, leave administration, compliance, and engagement initiatives, the HR Generalist I supports both daily operations and long-term HR initiatives.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Serve as the first point of contact for employee questions, concerns, or workplace complaints.
• Conduct or assist in internal investigations and collaborate with management on resolution strategies.
• Coordinate recruiting and onboarding activities, including job postings, background check reviews, and rehire approvals.
• Support benefit administration and open enrollment.
• Assist with workers’ compensation claims and injury/incident documentation.
• Address basic payroll-related questions and route as necessary.
• Administer leave of absence processes, including FMLA and applicable state programs.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure HRIS data integrity.
• Facilitate and monitor the performance review cycle.
• Schedule and track employee training sessions and compliance records.
• Compile and generate reports to support management and other departments in workforce planning, compliance, and HR initiatives.
• Lead employee engagement efforts, including surveys, events, and recognition.
• Oversee onboarding logistics such as ordering laptops, PPE, and coordinating company vehicle assignments.
• Participate in unemployment hearings and represent the company as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Education Required:
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or other related field preferred.
• HR certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or a comparable credential preferred.
Work Experience Required:
• 3-5 years of experience in human resources required.
• Experience supporting railroad maintenance, construction, or another blue-collar workforce is strongly preferred.
Skills & Knowledge Required:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Analytical thinking and sound problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks when appropriate.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential matters.
• Thorough knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including FMLA and other federal state requirements.
• Solid understanding of HR best practices, workplace investigations, and compliance procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Familiarity with HRIS and applicant tracking system, ability to quickly learn new platforms, Dayforce experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced and interact effectively at all organizational levels.
• Occasional travel to field locations or company events, with flexibility to travel as needed.