Peterson Cat has an immediate opportunity for an experienced Human Resources Representative to join our team in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Are you an HR professional who enjoys being a trusted resource for employees and leaders? Do you thrive in a role where you can balance day‑to‑day HR support with recruiting, employee relations, HR technology, and process improvement?
As a Human Resources Representative, you’ll play an important role in supporting our employees and leaders across a variety of HR functions. This is a hands‑on generalist position with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the employee experience while helping Peterson attract, develop, and retain talented people.
What You’ll Do
You’ll work closely with employees, managers, and the HR team in several key areas of Human Resources. Depending on assigned responsibilities, your work may include:
HRIS & HR Technology
- Serve as a resource for HRIS questions, troubleshooting, data integrity, reporting, and system maintenance.
- Research and resolve HRIS issues and help identify opportunities to improve HR processes and systems.
- Assist with reviewing, testing, and implementing HR software solutions.
- Develop and maintain reports and queries to support HR and business needs.
- Help create user procedures, process documentation, and job aids.
- Train managers and employees on HR systems and processes.
- Provide payroll‑related reports and time exports and assist with audits and data reviews.
- Support HRIS activities related to focal reviews, data uploads, and manager support.
- Assist with Affidative Action Plan (AAP) data mapping and administration.
HR Generalist Support
- Manage background and medical screening processes for new hires and ensure candidates meet established employment requirements.
- Conduct new employee orientations and help create a positive onboarding experience.
- Create and update job descriptions.
- Participate in compensation and salary surveys.
- Respond to unemployment claims and employment/reference verification inquiries.
- Partner with managers on routine employee relations matters, including performance reviews, attendance issues, and other employee concerns.
- Support department training initiatives, including event coordination and co‑leading internal training programs.
- Assist with employee recognition programs, service awards, and company events.
- Support managers with Employee Opinion Survey initiatives and follow‑up activities.
Talent Acquisition
- Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs, develop job descriptions, determine recruiting strategies, and create compelling job advertisements.
- Conduct candidate phone screens, coordinate interviews, complete reference checks, and provide hiring recommendations and documentation to the HR Manager.
- Prepare offer letters and coordinate the offer process with hiring managers.
- Build Peterson’s talent pipeline through college, high school, community, industry, and professional recruiting initiatives.
- Represent Peterson at job fairs, networking events, conferences, and other recruiting activities.
- Conduct exit and stay interviews to help identify opportunities to improve the employee experience and retention.
- Maintain accurate candidate records and recruiting activity in the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
- Keep candidates informed throughout the recruitment process and provide a positive candidate experience.
- Partner with IT, Operations, Payroll, and other internal teams to ensure a smooth onboarding and first‑day experience for new employees.
- Track and document recruiting outreach to support Affidative Action Plan compliance.
- Travel to Peterson branch locations as needed to support interviews, recruiting activities, and hiring‑manager meetings.
What You Bring
We’re looking for an HR professional who combines sound judgment, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in helping employees and leaders succeed.
Required qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business, or a closely related field, plus at least one year of directly related HR experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Previous experience working with HRIS, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and/or time and labor management systems is strongly preferred.
- Basic knowledge of employment and labor laws, with a commitment to continued professional development.
- Understanding of Affidative Action and its role in supporting a fair and inclusive workplace.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a company or personal vehicle as needed.
- Ability and willingness to pursue a professional HR certification such as PHR or SHRM‑CP.
Experience in a heavy industrial environment and/or a unionized workforce is preferred.
Why This Role Matters
At Peterson, HR is more than policies and paperwork. Our HR team partners with leaders and employees to create a workplace where people can do their best work, feel supported, and build meaningful careers.
This role offers the opportunity to work across multiple areas of HR, build strong partnerships throughout the organization, and help shape the employee experience from recruitment and onboarding through career development and beyond.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate is a collaborative HR professional who:
- Builds trusted relationships with employees and managers.
- Communicates clearly and professionally, even in challenging situations.
- Protects confidentiality and exercises sound judgment.
- Takes initiative and looks for ways to improve HR processes.
- Works effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
- Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and alignment with Peterson’s core values.
- Remains calm, courteous, and solution‑focused under pressure.
Peterson is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and professional workplace where employees have the opportunity to grow and succeed.