HR Generalist

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Education reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid time off

Job summary

Farmer Focus in Harrisonburg, VA is seeking an HR Generalist to provide front-line Human Resources support across Total Rewards, Team Member engagement, and recruitment. This role serves as a key contact for benefits, leaves of absence, payroll, and timekeeping, supporting hourly and skilled operational positions on-site.

You will coordinate candidate outreach, screenings, interviews, and hiring follow-up while contributing to a positive Team Member experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate degree or HR coursework preferred.
• 1–3 years of HR, benefits administration, payroll, timekeeping, recruitment, or leave coordination experience.
• Strong customer service orientation with ability to communicate complex topics clearly and empathetically.

Responsibilities

• Benefits support and enrollment guidance for team members.
• Coordinate leaves of absence and return-to-work planning with stakeholders.
• Team member engagement planning and communication.
• Support recruitment for hourly and skilled operational roles.
• Contribute to compensation/deferred rewards discussions as part of total rewards.

Skills

Benefits administration

Payroll

Timekeeping

Recruitment

Leave coordination

Customer service

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or HR coursework preferred

Job description

Job DetailsJob Title: HR GeneralistDepartment: People OperationsReports To: Employment & Experience ManagerFLSA Status: ExemptLocation: Liberty & AcornWork Arrangement: On-siteShift / Schedule: 1st shiftTravel Requirements: less than 30%Employment Type: Full-timeRole Overview / Purpose and ScopeThis 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 ResponsibilitiesBenefits SupportServe 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 updatesSupport 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) CoordinationAct 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 & ExperienceSupport 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.RecruitmentSupport 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.CompensationCompensation: $55,000 - $62,000/yr.The posted compensation range for this role reflects 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.QualificationsHigh 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.Ability to learn and utilize knowledge of legal compliance and regulations related to employment, compensation, and benefits.Must be able to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.New team members must be able to pass a drug, alcohol and background screening post-offer and prior to the start of their employment. Must be authorized to work in the United States. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of their third day of work.Work Environment, Physical Demands, and TravelWork is primarily performed in an office and production-support environment within poultry processing operations. The role may require regular interaction with Team Members, managers, candidates, vendors, and internal partners; occasional time on or near the production floor; use of required PPE when entering operational areas; and the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment. Travel may be required for recruitment events, job fairs, community outreach, or business needs.This position does not have an application deadline. Farmer Focus will recruit until the role is filled.Recruiter and Agency DisclaimerUnsolicited resumes or candidate profiles submitted by staffing agencies, recruiters, or search firms to any Farmer Focus employee without a current written agreement and an active, role-specific request from the Recruiting team will be considered the property of Farmer Focus. Farmer Focus will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume or candidate profile.All external recruiters and agency partners supporting Farmer Focus searches must comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including compensation transparency requirements and restrictions on seeking salary history where applicable.About Farmer FocusFarmer Focus exists to promote and protect generational family farms by shifting farm-level decision-making and chicken ownership back to farmers and empowering them to farm the way they know is best. We are committed to producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken that is better for people, the planet, and animals. Our culture is grounded in servant leadership and guided by our CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship. Our top priorities are people, safety, and quality. At Farmer Focus, our vision is to disrupt the status quo by creating bold opportunities for people who demand more and deserve better.EOE, including disability/vets