HR Generalist

farmerfocus; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly payroll

Paid time off

Sick leave

Medical coverage (semi-sub)

Dental & vision plan

401(k) with company match

Education reimbursement

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learning & career growth programs

Job summary

Farmer Focus is seeking an HR Generalist to provide front-line human resources support across benefits, engagement, payroll, and recruitment. You will assist with enrollment, leaves, time tracking, and hiring activities for hourly and skilled operational roles.

The role involves coordinating candidate outreach, screenings, interviews, and follow-up, while ensuring timely and empathetic guidance across the employment lifecycle.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Associate degree or HR-related coursework preferred.
• 1-3 years of HR, benefits administration, payroll, timekeeping, recruitment, or leave coordination preferred.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly and empathetically.
• High attention to detail, confidentiality, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line benefits support and enrollment assistance.
• Assist with benefits onboarding and life events coordination.
• Support open enrollment activities and communications.
• Coordinate off-boarding for hourly team members and related processes.
• Assist with recruitment activities for hourly/skilled positions.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Prioritization

Education

High school diploma

HR coursework/associate degree

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: HR Generalist

Department: People Operations

Reports To: Employment & Experience Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Liberty & Acorn

Work Arrangement: On-site

Shift / Schedule: 1st shift

Travel Requirements: less than 3 0%

Employment Type: Full-time

Role Overview / Purpose and Scope

This position provides front-line Human Resources support across Total Rewards, Team Member engagement, and recruitment. Serving as a key point of contact throughout the employment lifecycle, the HR Generalist assists Team Members with benefits, leaves of absence, payroll, and time tracking questions while supporting hiring activities for hourly and skilled operational positions. This role helps deliver timely , accurate , and empathetic guidance; coordinates candidate outreach, screenings, interviews, and hiring follow-up; and supports initiatives that strengthen the overall Team Member experience.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits Support

• Serve as front-line support for Team Members with questions related to benefits and enrollment, escalating complex issues to the Total Rewards Specialist as needed.
• Assist with benefits onboarding for new Team Members, including benefit orientations, system navigation support, and enrollment troubleshooting.
• Support benefit-related life events (e.g., marriage, birth/adoption, loss of coverage, employment status changes) by guiding Team Members through required documentation, timing, and system updates
• Support Open Enrollment activities, including Team Member education, enrollment support, resource distribution, and follow-up on missing or incomplete elections.
• Coordinate off-boarding of hourly Team Members, including supporting final benefits and payroll-related processes, and communicating pending tasks, deadlines, and required actions to Team Members and internal partners.
• Assist with the rollout of Total Rewards initiatives designed by the Total Rewards Specialist, including monthly communications, wellness initiatives, and benefit program enhancements.

Leave of Absence (LOA) Coordination

• Act as a front-line resource for Team Members and managers regarding leave options, processes, timelines, and documentation requirements.
• Assist Team Members with initiating Leaves of Absence (e.g., FMLA, medical, parental, personal, military) by explaining next steps and directing them to appropriate vendors or internal partners.
• In partnership with the Total Rewards Specialist, track leave status, key dates, and required follow-ups to support timely communication and return-to-work planning for Team Members.
• Provide guidance to Team Members on benefit implications during leave (e.g., premium payments, payroll deductions, coverage continuation), escalating complex questions as appropriate .

Team Member Engagement & Experience

• Support Team Member engagement initiatives by assisting with planning, coordination, and communication of programs designed to enhance connection, recognition, and the overall Team Member experience.
• Partner with site leadership and support engagement activities, distribute materials, track participation, and gather feedback to inform future initiatives.

Recruitment

• Support hiring activities for hourly and skilled operational positions within poultry processing operations.
• Conduct candidate outreach, screenings, interview scheduling, and hiring follow-up activities.
• Assist with recruitment events, job fairs, and community outreach efforts to promote employment opportunities and attract talent.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $ 55,000 - $62,000 /yr . The posted compensation range for this role reflect s the minimum and maximum amount Farmer Focus in good faith expects to pay at the time of posting, based on factors such as internal equity, relevant experience, market data, and the budgeted amount available for the position.

Benefits: Farmer Focus offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support team members' health, financial well-being, and professional growth. Available offerings may include weekly payroll, paid time off and sick leave, semi -subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision plan options, a 401(k) plan with company match, education reimbursement opportunities, employee assistance programs (EAP), and internal learning, development, and career growth programs.

All benefits, programs, and offerings are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and company policies, and may be changed, amended, or discontinued by Farmer Focus at any time.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required
• associate degree or HR-related coursework preferred
• 1-3 years of experience in HR, benefits administration, payroll, timekeeping, recruitment, or leave coordination preferred
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly and empathetically
• High attention to detail, confidentiality, and follow-through
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment