Human Resource Generalist

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,750 - 118,170; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking an HR Generalist to provide both operational and strategic HR support within the HRS organization, partnering with managers to implement HR programs that strengthen workforce engagement and ensure consistent policy application.

The role supports multiple HR practices including performance management, workforce planning, compensation planning, and employee relations, while contributing to lab-wide HR initiatives in a hybrid environment with up to two remote

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR with 4+ years' HR generalist experience.
• Knowledge of HR policies, compliance, and confidentiality.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with leadership.

Responsibilities

• Serve as HR liaison to managers and employees.
• Analyze workforce metrics and identify trends.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment strategies.
• Assist in performance management and change initiatives.
• Uphold confidentiality and ensure policy application.

Skills

HR data analysis

Employee relations

Communication

Collaboration with leadership

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR

Master's degree in related field

HR Certification

Tools

Workday

MS Office

Excel

Outlook

Word

Job description

Role Overview

As a member of the Human Resources Services (HRS) organization, the HR Generalist provides both operational and strategic human resources support. This role primarily supports the Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate at Argonne National Laboratory while also contributing to laboratory-wide HRS initiatives and participating in special projects. The HR Generalist partners closely with managers and employees to implement HR programs and initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, strengthen workforce engagement, and ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with applicable requirements. The HR Generalist supports multiple HR practices including performance management, organizational change, compensation planning, employee relations, workforce planning, and talent management, while strengthening HR communications and ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures. This role requires a high degree of confidentiality, sound judgment, discretion, accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex research environment. Working under the direction of the Directorate Human Resources Manager, the HR Generalist performs responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, the following:

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an HR liaison to employees and managers by providing consultation and guidance on a broad range of HR matters, ensuring consistent application of HR policies and practices, focused on a tactical perspective.
• Analyze and synthesize HR data and workforce metrics to identify trends, inform recommendations, and support resolution of workforce and organizational opportunities.
• Partner with hiring managers to support workforce planning and recruitment strategies, including development of job descriptions, compensation recommendations, and guidance on hiring approaches.
• In partnership with Employee Relations, advise managers on employee relations matters in partnership with Employee Relations, performance management issues and workplace concerns, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Support cyclical HR programs such as performance appraisal processes, talent reviews, merit planning, promotions, and compensation adjustments.
• Participate in HR projects and process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, service delivery, and the overall employee experience.
• Assist in developing and implementing communication and change management strategies related to new or updated HR policies, procedures, and programs.
• Support laboratory and directorate recognition and rewards programs that reinforce organizational values and employee engagement.
• Maintain accurate and well-organized electronic and physical HR records in accordance with applicable policies, confidentiality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in providing leadership, coordination, and guidance to directorate support staff to ensure effective administrative and operational support.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building client relationships and bringing HR’s value to life by aligning customer needs with impactful people solutions. Because many of our clients are onsite advancing important scientific work, this position currently follows a hybrid schedule with the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week.

Position Requirements

Position Requirements Required Skills PA3: Bachelors and 4+ years of HR experience (combination of multiple functions, generalist and/or business partner), or a Masters and 2+ years, or equivalent. Knowledge of HR practices and administration. Ability to interpret and implement Argonne’s Human Resources, Laboratory and Division policies and procedures. Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to interact confidently with Division Directors, Line Managers, the HR team, and other collaborations throughout the organization. Ability to discreetly handle a variety of sensitive information and human resources matters. High level of accuracy and the ability to pay attention to detail. Ability in handling multiple tasks to accurately manage conflicting priorities and to meet commitments. Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve goals and create solutions. Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite including Word, Outlook and Excel. Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork. To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract. Knowledge of Workday or similar HRIS preferred. Education in Human Resources discipline or related, and certification as an HR Professional is highly desirable.

Work Arrangements

Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time. This position currently follows a hybrid schedule with the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week.

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $75,750.00 - $118,170.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

• Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Security, Background Checks, and Other Requirements

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne’s Legal Department. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case‑by‑case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

About Argonne

Interested in translating science into innovation? Build your career at Argonne. At Argonne, we view the world from a different perspective. Our scientists and engineers conduct world‑class research in clean energy, the environment, technology, national security and more. We’re finding creative ways to prepare the world for a better future.