Human Resources Generalist

West Yost; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

West Yost, a water resources engineering firm in Davis, CA, seeks an HR Generalist to deliver broad HR support across benefits, performance management, employee relations, compliance, and culture initiatives.

You will guide benefits programs, manage employee relations, and ensure HR processes align with regulatory requirements while fostering a positive workplace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 5 years of related HR experience.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in written and verbal communication.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS and accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to design, implementation, and maintenance of HR programs (benefits, compensation, engagement, development, performance management, retention, systems).
• Manages onboarding and offboarding processes for new hires and leavers.
• Oversees surveys related to employee life cycle to improve HR processes.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Administers HR systems, data integrity, reporting, and process improvements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written & verbal communication

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

HRIS

Accounting software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

West Yost is a water resource management and engineering firm focused exclusively on water. Since our founding in 1990, we have partnered with public agencies, including cities, counties, utilities, and water districts to plan, design, and deliver water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions that support safe, reliable, and resilient communities.

Our team of more than 260 professionals brings together expertise in groundwater, water supply, treatment, infrastructure, recycled water, stormwater, construction management, and operations technology. We support projects from early planning and permitting through design and construction and complement our engineering services with program management and public outreach to help clients move work forward and engage their communities.

We are proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work®, and to be recognized among Fortune’s® Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services from 2023 to 2025, as well as a top-ranked firm in the AEC Advisors Diversity Index. At West Yost, we are committed to being the water firm of choice for our clients and our team, advancing water resources for future generations through strong partnerships, practical solutions, and a shared commitment to quality.

Compensation Range: $75,000- $85,000. Based on our Davis office location.

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Location(s): https://www.westyost.com/locations/

After an initial two-month in-office onboarding period, this position will be eligible for a hybrid work schedule. The hybrid schedule requires a minimum of three days per week in the office, with the option to work remotely for up to two days per week.

Human Resources Generalist

Position Overview

Responsible for applying business knowledge and human resources expertise, providing a wide range of HR support and advice. The HR Generalist will play a key role in the success of the organization by offering guidance on benefits, performance management, employee relations, HR compliance, and HR best practices while facilitating a positive and engaging culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Contributes to the design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of HR programs aimed at enhancing employee experience. Areas of focus include benefits, compensation, employee engagement, professional development, performance management, recognition and retention, systems management, and training.
• Manages the onboarding process for new hires and offboarding procedures for departing team members.
• Oversees the creation, distribution, and analysis of surveys related to the employee life cycle to improve HR processes.
• Stays current with emerging trends, best practices, and regulatory developments in human resources, talent management, and employment law. Ensures company policies and practices remain compliant with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Administers the company’s HR systems, including system maintenance, data integrity, reporting, module creation, and process enhancements to support HR functions efficiently.
• Prepares and delivers HR related company communications and maintains HR pages of the company intranet.
• Serves as a point of contact for employee inquiries, concerns, and workplace issues.
• Assists with training and professional development initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, responsibilities, and activities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without written notice.

Required Qualifications

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 5 years of related Human Resources experience required
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated effectiveness in written and verbal communication
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Human Resources Information Systems and accounting software

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• HR Certification
• Knowledge of compensation strategy, performance management, employee relations, safety practices, and talent acquisition, and the ability to apply this information in a manner that is compliant with relevant employment law
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Human Resources Information Systems
• Experience with creating a culture of engagement, collaboration, and teamwork
• Capable of compiling and analyzing employment data

Travel Requirements

This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices.

Standard Benefits

We provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and even pet insurance.

Other Unique Benefits

You’ll be provided with support in on-going education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, and Leadership Academy programs. You’ll be recognized for your contributions at West Yost through milestone anniversary benefits, peer to peer recognition programs, the potential for employee stock ownership, annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, performance-based bonus eligibility, merit increase eligibility, and employee referral bonuses. We also offer a wellness reimbursement.