HR Generalist

Columbia Metropolitan Airport; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 62,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is seeking an HR Generalist to manage day-to-day human resources functions within the People and Culture Division. The role covers recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, HRIS, and records management.

You will support policy implementation, partner with department leaders, and maintain compliance while providing confidential, compassionate service to staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field and 3 years HR experience.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, employee relations, recruitment, benefits, and HRIS.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP or PHR preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates recruitment, screening, interviews, and references with department leaders.
• Facilitates onboarding and orientation with personnel policies and compensation information.
• Provides guidance on HR policies, procedures, and workplace practices.
• Supports benefits administration and payroll coordination.
• Maintains confidential HR records and HRIS data for compliance.
• Administers employee drug testing and assists with policy adherence.
• Maintains position management records and updates job descriptions.
• Coordinates staff training and development activities with supervisors.

Skills

HR knowledge

Recruitment

Onboarding

Employee relations

Benefits administration

HRIS

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: West Columbia, SC 29170, Salary Range: $62,085.00 - $77,606.00 Salary, Position Summary

The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for coordinating and administering the day-to-day human resources functions of the People and Culture Division. This position performs a broad range of professional human resources responsibilities, including recruitment and selection, onboarding, dispute resolutions, investigations, benefits administration, position management, and employee records management.

Serving as a key operational partner to the Vice President of People and Culture, the HR Generalist supports the implementation of human resources policies, programs, and initiatives that contribute to an effective, compliant, and employee-centered workplace. The position exercises independent judgment within established policies and procedures, manages assigned responsibilities with minimal supervision, and collaborates with departmental leadership to support organizational and workforce needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment and Selection: Coordinates recruitment and selection activities, including candidate screening, interviews, reference checks, and pre-employment requirements. Partners with department leaders to support effective hiring practices and compliance with the Airport's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy.
• Employee Onboarding: Facilitates new employee onboarding and orientation, including communication of personnel policies, compensation and benefits information, workplace expectations, and required training.
• Employee Relations: Provides guidance to employees and supervisors regarding HR policies, procedures, and workplace practices. Supports the resolution of routine employee relations matters and refers complex or sensitive issues to the Vice President of People and Culture.
• Benefits and Payroll Administration: Supports employee benefits administration and partners with Payroll to ensure accurate and timely processing of personnel actions affecting employee compensation and benefits.
• HR Records and Systems: Maintains accurate and confidential personnel records, HR information systems, and standardized HR forms to ensure data integrity, regulatory compliance, and efficient operations.
• Compliance and Drug Testing: Administers the Airport's applicable employee drug testing program and supports compliance with employment-related policies, regulations, and established procedures.
• Position Management: Maintains position management records and collaborates with department leaders to review and update job descriptions, ensuring accuracy and consistency with organizational needs.
• Training and Professional Development: Coordinates employee training and development activities in partnership with supervisors and managers to support workforce capabilities and professional growth.
• Workforce and Community Partnerships: Represents CAE at career fairs and workforce development events, builds relationships with educational and community partners, and supports the Airport's internship and student worker programs.
• Employee Engagement and HR Reporting: Supports employee engagement initiatives, serves as liaison to the Employee Events Committee, and prepares HR reports and workforce data to inform organizational planning and decision-making.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of the operational and strategic objectives of the People and Culture Division.

Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field, and a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional human resources experience involving multiple HR functions.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience may be considered.
• Candidates must demonstrate working knowledge of human resources principles, employment laws, employee relations, recruitment and selection, benefits administration, and human resources information systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible professional human resources experience.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent.
• Experience in public-sector, aviation, or similarly regulated environments.
• Experience supporting employee relations, compensation administration, training and development, and policy implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and provide guidance to supervisors and employees.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate professionally and build effective working relationships with leaders, employees, candidates, airport tenants, and the public.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and organizational information.
• Ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and discretion when addressing workplace matters and providing responsive, courteous service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize competing HR responsibilities, gather and analyze data, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, digital communication tools, HR information systems (HRIS), with the ability to accurately enter, maintain, and process data.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to demonstrate empathy, build trust, and navigate sensitive workplace matters.

Physical and Other Special Requirements

• Must be able to operate various types of office equipment, including calculators, computers, printers, telephones, and other general office machinery.
• Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or continuously to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Position primarily involves sedentary work, with occasional driving, walking, standing, stooping, or reaching for brief periods.
• Must be able to lift and/or carry objects weighing between five and ten pounds.