Human Resources Benefits Coordiantor

Smith Gardens, Inc.; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

401K retirement plan with employer match

Paid holidays

Employee Flower/Plant Discount Program

Paid Time off for volunteering

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness program

Fun employee events throughout the year

Job summary

Smith Gardens, Inc. in Bellingham, Washington, is seeking a HR Benefits Coordinator to oversee employee benefits programs. The role involves administration of health, retirement, and wellness plans, ensuring compliance with regulations. Responsibilities include managing enrollments, conducting orientations, and supporting annual Open Enrollment processes. Candidates should have 2–4 years in HR benefits administration and proficiency in HRIS systems. The position offers competitive pay, benefits, and a focus on personal growth within a family-owned company.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in HR with a focus on benefits administration.
• Experience coordinating benefits for a seasonal employee population is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Administer day-to-day operations of employee benefits programs.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee inquiries related to benefits.
• Conduct the monthly determination of benefit-eligible employees.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Education

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field

Tools

HRIS/HRMS systems

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)

Job description

Smith Gardens is a wholesale nursery company that is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, and has been family owned for over 100 years with facilities in three states.

At Smith Gardens, our business is growing: Growing annuals and perennials, growing our relationships with partners, growing our love of gardening, and growing our team’s passion and expertise in horticulture—all for the benefit of the consumers who love to garden.

Whether we are out in the greenhouses or working in the office, our Smith Gardens team is dedicated to delivering the healthiest plants on the market for the biggest impact on our partners’ shelves and in our customers’ gardens.

One of our Core Values is People: “We value and respect all people. We are focused on developing teams and growing the potential of individuals.” We encourage personal growth and continued education so that each member of our Smith Gardens family succeeds. We take as much care cultivating the ecosystem of our offices as we do our gardens. Achieving the quality we strive for in our products and culture is truly a team effort, and every role is vital.

Nurturing growth, collaboration and community is in our nature. Put down roots at any of our five locations and unearth your full potential.

We have an exciting opportunity for a HR Benefits Coordinator to join our Human Resources team. The HR Benefits Coordinator is responsible for the administration, coordination, and support of employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, leave, and wellness plans. This role ensures accurate enrollment, compliance with applicable laws, and timely communication with employees and vendors. The position serves as a key point of contact for benefits-related inquiries and supports a positive employee experience through effective program delivery.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administer day-to-day operations of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, and retirement plans.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee inquiries related to benefits, eligibility, claims, and coverage.
• Partner with benefits brokers and vendors to resolve issues and improve service delivery.
• Conduct the monthly determination of benefit-eligible employees and communicate the results to Site HRGs.
• Coordinate and process employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS and carrier systems.
• Reconcile monthly benefits billing and coordinate with Finance/Payroll to ensure accurate premium deductions.
• Conduct benefit orientations for new hires for Home Office and Merchandisers.
• Responsible for the annual Open Enrollment process, presentations and travel to the five sites.
• Support annual 401k census & audit, EEOC reporting and medical census.
• Develop and maintain benefits communication materials, guides, and employee resources.
• Track employees benefit premiums during leaves of absence and ensure timely reimbursement of employee-paid premiums to the company.
• Run weekly termination reports and notify COBRA administrator as required.
• Maintain accurate benefits records and ensure data integrity across HRMS, payroll, and vendor platforms.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA).
• Support HR projects related to benefits enhancements and system improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information at all times.

COMPETENCIES:

• Articulating ideas, providing direction, and fostering open dialogue among team members and stakeholders.
• Building strong relationships, promoting teamwork, and leveraging diverse skills for collective success.
• Pursuing personal and professional growth, encouraging learning in others, and adapting to industry changes.
• Foster and promote a safety culture.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex benefits issues.
• Professional office environment with frequent interaction with employees, vendors, and HR team members.
• Ability to attend meetings and conduct presentations as needed.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• 2–4 years of experience in HR, with a focus on benefits administration.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience coordinating benefits for seasonal employee population highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with HRIS/HRMS systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Primarily office-based role with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds (files, materials).
• Able to travel between sites for 401k and annual open enrollment meetings.

The above is intended to describe the general content of qualifications for the job. This is not an exhaustive statement of all the functions, duties, or qualifications.

BENEFITS:

• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) with employer contributions
• 401K retirement plan options with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Annual Profit share
• Generous Employee Flower/Plant Discount Program
• Paid Time off for volunteering and community service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness program
• Fun employee events throughout the year

PAY RANGE: $28.00 - $30.00/hr.

Pay rate is determined by various components including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The pay rate is one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards vary by position and location.

To learn more about our company & view a more detailed job description, visit our website at smithgardens.com/careers.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Smith Gardens provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status,veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

MORE THAN A JOB

Smith Gardens is in the Top 10 Privately Owned Companies in Whatcom County. Our business is growing, so you can find career opportunities that match your goals and fuel your passion. Plus, we promote from within every chance we get!

Smith Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion,transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process. To make this request please email [e-mail]