HR Generalist-NRES

UIUC - Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, through its Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences unit, is hiring an HR Generalist to manage a range of human resources activities.

The role supports HR compliance, appointments, payroll, recruitment, and leave administration, serving as a primary contact for staff and managers. This Civil Service position offers full-time hours and a competitive benefits package with a salary aligned to $50,000–$62,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in HR or related field.
• 2+ years of professional HR duties.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to HR policies and legal requirements through tracking, training, and reviews.
• Manage employee appointments and data entry, generate reports and escalate complex issues.
• Process payrolls and timesheets; handle routine and non-routine pay adjustments.
• Coordinate search, hiring, and onboarding processes for varied needs and advise search committees.
• Administer and track leave categories (FMLA, PLFA, etc.) and counsel on leave usage.

Skills

HR policy compliance

Payroll processing

Leave management

Recruitment coordination

Data entry & reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Job description

Salary: $50,000.00 - $62,000.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Oct 9, 2026

Education

The Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is hiring for an HR Generalist!

The HR Generalist will manage a variety of human resource activities and assists with complex human resource issues, escalating as needed.

The duties and responsibilities for this role include:

• HR Compliance & Policy - Ensures adherence to HR policies and legal requirements through tracking, training, and internal reviews. Identifies areas of concern related to adherence to HR policies and legal requirements.
• Appointments Management - Responsible for employee appointments, troubleshooting transactions to ensure accurate results and escalating complex issues as needed. Enters routine and non-routine data and pulls reports. Ensures accuracy of input data and reports and/or resolves minor discrepancies. May develop new reports. Participate in appropriate systems testing and/or feedback.
• Payroll & Time Reporting - Process payroll and timesheets. Address complex timesheet/leave issues and return timesheets/leave requests as needed. Process routine and non-routine pay adjustments. Inform staff of all regulations/policies relating to time reporting and payroll.
• Recruitment & Talent Acquisition - Responsible for independently coordinating search, hiring, and onboarding processes for varied hiring needs, including recruitment efforts. Communicate and implement search procedures aligned with best practices and compliance needs, advising search committees and hiring managers. Communicate with applicants and new hires, facilitating interview, hiring, and onboarding processes including work authorization. Develop job postings.
• Leave Management - Administer and track FMLA, PLFA, or other managed leave categories. Counsel and resolve issues related to leave. Inform staff of all regulations/policies relating to leave usage.
• Other Duties - Participate in appropriate systems testing and/or feedback. Serve as main HR point of contact for calls, visitors/guests, and email. Monitor and maintain NRES-HR group email inbox.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Administration, Management, Organizational Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a fieldcloselyrelated to the position. Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience performing professional-level human resources duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Ability to prioritize work and elevate issues using independent judgment. Ability to develop/establish strong working relationships with Department Heads, Directors, faculty, and staff. Ability to promote non-biased treatment of faculty, staff, students, and prospective candidates. Knowledge of university and campus policies as they relate to HR functions to ensure all related guidelines and procedures are administered appropriately.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5020 - Human Resource Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position is $50,000-$62,000.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].