Human Resource Generalist

argonne; Lemont (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,750 - 118,170; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking an HR Generalist within the Human Resources Services (HRS) organization to provide both operational and strategic HR support primarily for the Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate. This role collaborates with managers and employees to implement HR programs, ensuring policy compliance and effective workforce engagement.

Hybrid schedule with the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week; requires US citizenship documentation and experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4+ years HR experience, or a Master's degree with 2+ years
• Knowledge of HR practices and administration
• Ability to interpret Argonne policies and procedures
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Interact confidently with Division Directors and HR team
• Discreet handling of sensitive information
• High accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Collaborate with internal and external partners
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel)
• Model Argonne's core values: impact, safety, respect, integrity, teamwork
• Proof of U.S. citizenship required
• Knowledge of Workday or similar HRIS preferred
• HR education or related field with certification desirable

Responsibilities

• Serve as HR liaison to employees and managers.
• Analyze HR data and workforce metrics to identify trends.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment strategies with managers.
• Advise on employee relations in line with policies.
• Support performance appraisal, merit planning, promotions, and compensation adjustments.
• Participate in HR projects to improve efficiency.
• Assist in communicating and implementing new HR policies.
• Support recognition and engagement programs.
• Maintain accurate HR records in compliance with regulations.
• Provide leadership and guidance to directorate support staff.

Skills

HR experience

HR policies

Communication

Stakeholder management

MS Office

Discretion

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Collaboration

HRIS (Workday)

Education

Bachelor's in HR

Master's in HR

HR certification

Tools

Workday

Job description

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.

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:

• 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

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

Job Family

Professional Administrative (PA)

Job Profile

Human Resources Administration 3

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

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

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

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.

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.