HR Generalist

Job DetailsJob Location: CO Thornton 80602 - Thornton, CO 80602Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $24.00 - $27.50 HourlyHR Generalist Company: Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) Position Summary Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) is seeking a knowledgeable, service-oriented HR Generalist to support day-to-day human resources operations across the employee lifecycle. This position serves as a trusted HR resource to employees and managers and provides support in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, leave management, compliance, HRIS administration, training, records management, and general HR operations. The HR Generalist will also support payroll and timekeeping activities as part of the broader HR function. Prior payroll exposure is beneficial, but this role is well suited for an HR professional who has a strong human resources foundation and is interested in expanding their knowledge of payroll processes, wage-and-hour practices, and payroll systems. The successful candidate will be organized, approachable, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and consistent HR practices. Essential Functions Human Resources Operations Serve as a day-to-day HR resource for employees and managers regarding policies, procedures, benefits, leave, timekeeping, workplace practices, and general employment questions. Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, personnel files, HR forms, and HRIS data. Process employee lifecycle changes, including new hires, transfers, compensation changes, status updates, promotions, and separations. Support the development, communication, and consistent administration of HR policies, procedures, and internal practices. Assist with employee engagement, recognition, retention, and workplace culture initiatives. Provide responsive and professional HR support while ensuring consistent application of company policies. Recruitment & Onboarding Coordinate full-cycle recruiting activities, including job postings, applicant review, candidate screening, interview scheduling, reference checks, and offer preparation. Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing requirements and support effective recruitment strategies. Provide a professional and positive candidate experience throughout the recruiting process. Coordinate pre-employment screening, new-hire documentation, employment eligibility verification, orientation, and onboarding. Ensure onboarding requirements, system access, documentation, and required training are completed accurately and on schedule. Maintain accurate applicant and new-hire records within applicable recruiting and HR systems. Employee Relations & Performance Support Respond to employee questions and concerns professionally, consistently, and with appropriate discretion. Support managers with employee relations matters, policy interpretation, performance documentation, attendance issues, and corrective action processes. Assist with workplace investigations and maintain accurate, confidential documentation. Support performance review cycles and employee development initiatives. Identify employee relations concerns that require escalation and coordinate with HR leadership as appropriate. Promote positive employee relations and consistent application of workplace expectations. Benefits & Leave Administration Support employee benefits enrollment, qualifying life events, open enrollment, and employee benefit questions. Coordinate with benefit carriers, brokers, and internal stakeholders to resolve enrollment or coverage issues. Administer or support leave programs, including FMLA, workers' compensation, disability, and other applicable leave requirements. Maintain accurate leave documentation and employee records. Assist with COBRA administration, benefit reconciliations, and related compliance requirements. Educate employees on available benefits, leave procedures, and applicable HR processes. Payroll & Timekeeping Support Support payroll and timekeeping processes by reviewing timecards, employee changes, leave balances, deductions, and related information for completeness and accuracy. Assist with researching and resolving employee payroll or timekeeping questions in coordination with payroll, accounting, or HR leadership. Maintain accurate HRIS information that impacts payroll processing. Support payroll audits, reconciliations, and documentation as needed. Develop working knowledge of payroll processes, wage-and-hour requirements, deductions, garnishments, and payroll system functionality. Demonstrate a willingness to learn and take on additional payroll responsibilities as knowledge and experience develop. HR Compliance & Records Management Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies. Maintain required HR records and documentation in accordance with retention and confidentiality requirements. Assist with EEO reporting, unemployment claims, workers' compensation, background checks, employment verifications, and other HR compliance activities. Support compliance with FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, COBRA, wage-and-hour, and other applicable employment requirements. Assist with HR audits and ensure employee documentation is accurate and complete. Protect confidential and sensitive employee information using sound professional judgment. HRIS, Reporting & Process Improvement Maintain employee information and workflows within HRIS, recruiting, benefits, payroll, and timekeeping systems. Review HR data for accuracy and resolve discrepancies. Prepare routine HR reports and track workforce metrics as requested. Support HR technology implementations, upgrades, testing, data cleanup, and employee or manager training. Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes, strengthen documentation, and improve employee self-service. Assist with developing standardized HR procedures and process documentation. Training & Organizational Support Coordinate or assist with employee and supervisor training related to HR policies, compliance, systems, and workplace practices. Support new-hire orientation and required employee training programs. Assist with compensation projects, employee surveys, performance management activities, and organizational initiatives. Collaborate with leadership, accounting, operations, and other departments to support workforce needs. Perform additional HR duties and special projects as assigned. QualificationsQualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered. Three (3) or more years of progressive human resources experience in a generalist or related HR capacity. Practical experience supporting multiple HR functions such as recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, leave administration, compliance, HRIS administration, or payroll support. Hands-on experience with an HRIS, payroll, or human capital management platform; experience with UKG, ADP, Paycom, Paylocity, Workday, or similar systems preferred. Working knowledge of employment laws and HR practices, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, COBRA, and wage-and-hour requirements. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Willingness and ability to develop additional knowledge of payroll processing, payroll systems, and related compliance requirements. Preferred Qualifications HR experience within government contracting, public-sector organizations, school districts, education, healthcare, or similarly regulated environments. Broad HR Generalist experience supporting recruitment, employee relations, benefits, compliance, HRIS, and employee lifecycle administration. Previous exposure to payroll or timekeeping processes. Experience with HR reporting, system implementations, process improvement, or workflow automation. Experience supporting multiple employee populations, departments, clients, or locations. Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR. Key Competencies Human Resources Operations Employee Relations HR Compliance Recruitment & Onboarding Benefits & Leave Administration HRIS Administration Payroll & Timekeeping Support Employee Service Confidentiality & Professional Judgment Communication & Collaboration Organization & Attention to Detail Problem Solving Process Improvement Adaptability & Continuous Learning Work Environment This position generally operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses computers, HR technology systems, telephones, and other standard office equipment. The role requires regular interaction with employees, managers, candidates, vendors, clients, and internal departments through in-person, telephone, email, and virtual communication. Physical Demands This position is primarily sedentary and requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, use a computer and standard office equipment, and communicate effectively in person and electronically. Occasional lifting or movement of files, supplies, or other office materials weighing up to approximately 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Position Type / Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position. Standard work hours will generally follow normal business operations. Occasional extended hours may be required to support payroll deadlines, employee relations matters, open enrollment, recruiting activities, audits, or other business needs. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. CNS complies with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination requirements governing recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, compensation, training, and other terms and conditions of employment. Other Duties This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned based on business needs and organizational priorities.