Human Resources Assistant

Gertens-Family-of-Businesses; Inver Grove Heights (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Scholarship opportunities

Employee discounts

Health and welfare insurances

401(k) savings with company match

Employee referral bonus

Internship program

Job summary

Gertens Family of Businesses in Inver Grove Heights, MN, is seeking an experienced HR Assistant to support HR operations across greenhouse, retail, production, and transportation. You'll handle onboarding, compliance, benefits administration, and HR data management with a focus on accuracy and confidentiality.

The role emphasizes high-volume onboarding, background checks, DOT records, and leveraging AI and automation tools to improve HR processes.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in HR, business, or related field.
• 1+ year of progressive HR administrative or operations experience.
• Experience supporting high-volume onboarding and compliance activities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and lookups.
• Experience using AI tools, workflow automation, or HR technology to improve processes.
• Strong knowledge of HR documentation and employment compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating background checks and pre-employment screening.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute high-volume onboarding for seasonal employees.
• Coordinate background checks, drug testing, and pre-employment screening.
• Maintain DOT compliance documentation and driver qualification files.
• Process HR transactions and maintain confidential employee records.
• Assist with benefits, leave management, and policy acknowledgments.
• Develop Excel dashboards and reports to support HR metrics.
• Provide professional support to employees, managers, and candidates.

Skills

Excel proficiency

HR administration

Onboarding coordination

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Associate's degree in HR/Business

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Paycor

HRIS platforms

Job description

Gertens Family of Businesses is a vertically integrated greenhouse and retail operation dedicated to growing exceptional plants and building an exceptional workplace. Our Human Resources team plays a vital role in supporting employees across our greenhouse, retail, production, and transportation operations.

We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Assistant to provide outstanding administrative, operational, and employee-focused support across all areas of Human Resources. This role is essential to maintaining efficient HR operations, supporting a positive employee experience, and ensuring compliance with employment and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Recruitment & Seasonal Onboarding

• Coordinate and execute high-volume onboarding for seasonal employees during peak hiring periods.
• Schedule orientations, prepare onboarding materials, complete employment documentation, and ensure timely HR system entry.
• Partner with hiring managers to monitor hiring progress, resolve onboarding issues, and maintain staffing readiness.
• Ensure all new hire paperwork is completed accurately and complies with federal, state, and company requirements.

Pre-Employment Screening & Compliance

• Coordinate background checks, drug testing, and other pre-employment screening activities.
• Monitor screening results and communicate with candidates, vendors, and hiring managers to ensure timely completion.

DOT Compliance Documentation

• Maintain DOT compliance documentation, including driver qualification files, medical certificates, licensing records, and other regulatory requirements.
• Support HR audits and maintain complete, accurate, and compliant employee records.

HR Administration

• Maintain employee personnel files and electronic HR records with exceptional accuracy and confidentiality.
• Process employment status changes, onboarding documentation, and other HR transactions.
• Assist with benefits administration, leave management, policy acknowledgments, and other HR programs.
• Ensure proper retention and organization of HR and compliance documentation.

AI, Automation & Data Management

• Utilize AI tools, workflow automation, and HR technology to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of HR processes.
• Create and maintain advanced Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, dashboards, reports, and tracking tools using formulas, pivot tables, lookups, data analysis, and reporting features.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive administrative tasks and improve data integrity.
• Support HR metrics, workforce reporting, and analytics initiatives.

Employee & Manager Support

• Serve as a professional, approachable resource for employees, managers, and candidates.
• Communicate HR policies, procedures, and processes clearly, confidently, and professionally.
• Prepare polished written communications, reports, and employee-facing materials.
• Deliver exceptional customer service while fostering a positive, employee-centered experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate HR-related topics clearly, professionally, and confidently.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated success working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information.
• Proactive problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Positive, collaborative, servant-leadership approach focused on supporting employees, managers, and the organization.
• Ability to work independently while building strong working relationships across departments.
• Strong technical aptitude and enthusiasm for leveraging technology to improve HR processes.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• One or more years of progressive HR administrative or HR operations experience.
• Experience supporting high-volume onboarding and employment compliance activities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, complex formulas, lookups, reporting, and spreadsheet automation.
• Experience utilizing AI tools, workflow automation, or HR technology to improve business processes.
• Strong knowledge of HR documentation, recordkeeping practices, and employment compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating background checks, drug testing, and other pre-employment screening processes.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality while exercising sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language skills preferred.
• Experience with HRIS platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, Paycor, or similar systems.
• Experience creating automated workflows, electronic forms, dashboards, or reporting tools.
• Knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, or transportation compliance requirements.
• Experience maintaining DOT compliance records.
• Previous HR experience in a seasonal, retail, agriculture, greenhouse, manufacturing, or multi-location environment.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle objects, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk, and hear. The employee may occasionally lift or move office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

Benefits May Include:

• Tuition Assistance for eligible employees
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Employee Discounts
• Health and Welfare Insurances
• 401(k) savings with company match
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Internship Program

Why Join Us?

You'll be part of a collaborative organization where people, innovation, and continuous improvement are valued. Our Human Resources team is committed to delivering exceptional service to employees while supporting the operational success of our greenhouse, retail, production, and transportation businesses.

E-Verify

Gertens participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program in all facilities located in the United States. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Gertens Family of Businesses is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer