Human Resources Generalist

Patten Co.; Arcata, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Wing Inflatables is seeking a People & Culture Generalist in Arcata, CA. This role provides broad HR support across recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll, benefits, and compliance with California employment law. You’ll coach managers, handle investigations, and ensure accurate HRIS data.

A 4-year degree and 3+ years of HR generalist experience are preferred. You’ll work in a fast-paced, cross-border environment, balancing strategic and hands-on execution while maintaining

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive HR generalist experience or equivalent.
• Solid knowledge of California wage/hour rules and CFRA/FEHA/Cal/OSHA.
• Experience supporting employees in California is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line HR support across recruitment, onboarding, performance, and employee relations.
• Coach managers through corrective action and assist with workplace investigations.
• Support compensation, benefits, payroll inputs, and HRIS data accuracy.
• Administer leaves (CFRA, FMLA, CFRA) and ensure compliance with California laws.
• Assist with audits, reporting, and adherence to wage and hour requirements.

Skills

HR generalist experience

California employment law knowledge

Payroll familiarity

Communication & discretion

HRIS/payroll systems

MS Word/Excel/Outlook

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR or SPHR a plus

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Office software

Job description

# Human Resources GeneralistHot JobWing Inflatables Arcata - Arcata, CA 95521## OverviewSalary Range$55,000.00 - $68,000.00 Salary/yearPosition TypeFull TimeJob ShiftDayEducation Level4 Year DegreeTravel PercentageNegligibleCategoryHuman Resources## Description## About the RoleThe People & Culture Generalist provides broad-based HR support across the employee lifecycle at Wing Group. You'll be a trusted, front-line resource for employees and managers on recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, engagement, compensation, benefits, payroll, HRIS, compliance, leaves, and workplace programs — ensuring practices are consistent, well documented, and fully compliant with California employment law.## Who We Are Looking ForWe're looking for a versatile, people-first HR generalist who thrives on variety and can move confidently between strategic support and hands-on execution. You bring strong judgment, discretion, and a genuine desire to make work better for employees and managers alike. You're comfortable juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-border environment, and you know when to solve a problem yourself and when to escalate. If you enjoy being the go-to person for HR questions, take pride in accurate documentation, and want a role where your day-to-day genuinely varies, this is for you.## What You'll Do**Employee Relations & Manager Support*** Provide front-line guidance on policy, performance, conflict, and employment processes* Coach managers through corrective action, documentation, and difficult conversations* Support workplace investigations and offboarding processes (terminations, exits, final pay, equipment returns)**Recruitment & Onboarding*** Manage full-cycle recruitment for hourly and salaried roles* Support new-hire compliance documentation, including I-9/E-Verify and California-specific new-hire notice requirements (e.g., Wage Theft Prevention Act notice)* Own and improve onboarding, orientation, and new-hire check-ins**Performance, Engagement & Development*** Support performance management cycles, goal setting, and PIPs* Coordinate engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and events* Track required and developmental training completion* Spot people trends and recommend practical fixes**Compensation, Benefits, Payroll & HRIS*** Support job evaluations, wage benchmarking, and annual increase processes* Assist with benefits administration and vendor coordination* Prepare and submit payroll inputs; support audits and reconciliations* Maintain accurate HRIS data and produce standard/ad hoc reports**Compliance, Leaves & Safety (California-Focused)*** Support compliance with California Labor Code wage/hour rules, including meal and rest break requirements, overtime, and final pay timing* Administer leaves under CFRA, FMLA, PDL, and California paid sick leave; manage accommodations and interactive process requirements under FEHA and the ADA* Support Cal/OSHA reporting, injury and illness prevention program (IIPP) administration, and workers' compensation claims and return-to-work coordination* Maintain compliance with California-specific requirements such as wage statement/pay stub rules, required postings, PAGA exposure areas, and pay transparency/pay data reporting obligations* Assist with audits, agency inquiries (e.g., CRD, DLSE), and employment-related proceedings**Office & Site Support*** Coordinate office services, vendors, and workplace logistics as needed#### Qualifications## What You Bring* 3+ years of progressive HR generalist/advisor/coordinator experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)* HR degree, diploma, or certificate preferred; SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR, or SPHR a plus* Solid working knowledge of California employment law, including wage/hour rules, FEHA, CFRA, and Cal/OSHA requirements* Experience supporting employees in California strongly preferred; multi-state experience an asset* Payroll experience or payroll certification is an asset* Strong communication, organization, and discretion with confidential information* Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and HRIS/payroll systems* Empathy, resilience, and a continuous-improvement mindset