Human Resource Generalist

State of Missouri; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks paid vacation

3 weeks paid sick leave

13 paid holidays per year

Health, dental, vision insurance

Employer retirement match

Job summary

State of Missouri in Jefferson City seeks a dedicated HR professional to join the small HR team. You will manage payroll in SAM II, provide benefits information to staff, and act as an expert in position classification and document retention.

You must thrive in a fast-paced environment, communicate clearly, and maintain meticulous records while supporting continuous improvement and compliance across the department.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in human resources or a closely related field.
• Valid MO Driver’s License.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of accuracy while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review complex information and spot discrepancies quickly.
• Commitment to producing thorough, complete, and error‑free work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational, customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process personnel transactions into SAM II HR payroll systems.
• Ensure accuracy and precision in data entry, recordkeeping, and payroll‑related processes.
• Run and analyze SAM II HR reports and audit HR files, reports, and workflows regularly to ensure compliance with department standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain organized digital and physical HR records to support audit readiness and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the benefits ambassador for MDA.
• Present onboarding presentations to new hires on a bi‑monthly basis.
• Review Position Description Questionnaires for proper completion and provide guidance.
• Review applicants and participate on interview panels.
• Protect sensitive team member information and maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain organizational charts for the department.
• Attend recruiting events and career fairs.
• Reconcile timekeeping system before payroll runs twice a month.
• Provide day‑to‑day assistance to staff and applicants relating to compensation, payroll, benefits, and time and leave.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

HR experience

Detail oriented

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Tools

SAM II

Job description

Why You’ll Love This Position

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is looking for an enthusiastic, highly organized and detail driven applicant with excellent communication skills to join our small HR team! You will be instrumental in the management of our payroll system (SAMII), providing benefit information to team members, as well as serve as an expert in position classification and document retention. You must be able to work effectively through change in a fast-paced environment. Our HR team supports an inclusive and dynamic culture and workforce and pursues continuous improvement through knowledge and collaboration.

Job Location

Jefferson City, MO

Salary Range

$50,000.16 to $54,000.00 (plus state benefit package)

The salary indicated represents the current regular pay rate for this position. If the individual selected is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., Years of Service), it will be added to total compensation on their paycheck. A pay differential does not raise base pay.

Responsibilities

• Process personnel transactions into SAM II HR payroll systems.
• Ensure accuracy and precision in all data entry, recordkeeping, and payroll‑related processes.
• Run and analyze SAM II HR reports and audit HR files, reports, and workflows regularly to ensure compliance with department standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain exceptionally organized digital and physical HR records to support audit readiness and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the benefits ambassador for MDA.
• Present bi-monthly onboarding presentations to new hires.
• Review Position Description Questionnaires ensuring proper completion and give guidance where needed.
• Review applicants and participate on interview panels.
• Protect sensitive team member information and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Maintain organizational charts for the department.
• Attend recruiting events and career fairs.
• Reconciliation of timekeeping system before payroll runs twice a month.
• Provide day‑to‑day assistance to staff and applicants relating to compensation, payroll, benefits, and time and leave.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of experience in human resources, business administration or a closely related field.
• Valid MO Driver’s License
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of accuracy while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review complex information and spot discrepancies quickly.
• Commitment to producing thorough, complete, and error‑free work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational, customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures consistently while adapting to procedural changes.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance with limited time off during the Missouri State Fair (August)

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources administration, including methods and techniques for position classification, compensation, recruitment, and selection.
• Proficiency with the state’s HR/payroll system (SAM II) is preferred but not required.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Exercise independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities.
• Seek to assist team members and accept additional assignments willingly.
• Maintain positive working relationships and conduct duties with courtesy and respect.
• Accept and implement feedback with a positive attitude and constructively support open communication, dedication, and compassion.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with others.
• General understanding of State and Federal laws

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid vacation AND 3 weeks paid sick leave
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Insurance: health (medical, dental, vision) and free life insurance
• Retirement: including an employer match on savings plan
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave for birth or adoption
• And several additional resources including the SELF program (formerly EAP), discount websites, and healthy living incentives!

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

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Notice to Applicants

The Missouri Department Agriculture is unable to sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources.