Maritime HR Generalist

Harbor Docking and Towing; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable marine services company in Houston is seeking a Maritime HR Generalist to support key HR functions including employee onboarding, benefits administration, and payroll support. The role requires 5-7 years of experience in Human Resources within the maritime industry, along with knowledge of Jones Act claims and recruiting processes. This position offers the chance to join a long-standing organization and contribute to vital HR operations. Apply now for this meaningful opportunity!

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of Human Resources experience in the maritime industry is required.
• Previous experience handling Jones Act claims and recruiting licensed mariners is required.
• Must be comfortable serving as a backup to payroll.

Responsibilities

• Recruit licensed mariners and manage their onboarding process.
• Oversee Jones Act claims and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Support employee benefits administration and payroll processes.

Skills

Strong organization and problem-solving skills

Flexible, adaptable, and self-motivated

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent experience

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Are you a Human Resources professional with a maritime background? We are looking for an HR Generalist with maritime industry experience to support essential HR functions including employee relations, recruiting, compliance, onboarding, benefits administration, and payroll support. This is a great opportunity to join a reputable, century-old company where you can grow your expertise and make a meaningful impact.

The Company:

Harbor Docking & Towing is a family-oriented marine services company providing vital harbor docking and ship assist services in the port of Lake Charles, LA, Calcasieu Shipping Channel, LA, and Port of Point Comfort, TX. Harbor Docking & Towing specializes in safe and efficient maneuvering, towing, and escorting of vessels through some of the most active energy and industrial corridors in the country. Our employees are committed to safe and cost-effective operations, as well as vessel maintenance, crew training, and environmental stewardship.

Location of Position:

Houston, TX

The Position:

The Maritime HR Generalist supports key HR functions, including employee onboarding, benefits administration, staffing changes, and payroll support. This role serves as a primary point of contact for employees and leadership on HR-related matters, oversees Jones Act claims, ensures compliance with legal requirements, leads recruiting initiatives, and supports general administrative tasks to maintain smooth HR operations.

Position Responsibilities:

• Recruit licensed mariners through sourcing, screening, and interviewing, and manage their onboarding process, including credential verification and coordination of pre-employment requirements in compliance with maritime regulations.
• Oversee Jones Act claims, including managing documentation, tracking claims, and serving as a liaison between employees, insurance carriers, and legal counsel to ensure timely and accurate handling.
• Create, maintain, and preserve sensitive and confidential information, including employee records ensuring completion and accuracy of details.
• Manage employee onboarding, including initiating offer letters, background checks, physicals, drug screenings, credit checks, payroll onboarding documents, and benefits enrollment.
• Coordinate creation and termination of system access with the internal access management team.
• Maintain accurate records and perform administrative tasks related to staffing changes, including promotions, demotions, resignations, terminations, and leaves of absence.
• Support employee benefits administration by collecting and submitting information and status changes to insurance carriers or brokers.
• Post, close, and refresh job openings as needed across recruiting platforms.
• Provide payroll support as needed, including reviewing timesheets, processing payroll, and responding to employee payroll questions.
• Conducts audits and reporting to ensure compliance.
• Provide support with 401(k) administration as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment laws and legal requirements.
• Respond to state unemployment inquiries and complete necessary documentation.
• Coordinate and participate in approved industry-related recruiting events.
• Support employees with various HR related inquiries and questions.
• Conduct employment verifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5-7 years of Human Resources experience in the maritime industry is required.
• Previous experience handling Jones Act claims and recruiting licensed mariners is required.
• Experience working across multiple states and companies is a plus.
• Must be comfortable serving as a backup to payroll, with prior experience in payroll processes strongly preferred.
• Prior payroll system transition experience a plus.
• Knowledge of benefits administration, specifically self-funded plans, is a plus.

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Strong organization and problem-solving skills
• Flexible, adaptable, and self-motivated

Interested?

• Apply today and let us know why you would be a great fit for our Maritime HR Generalist position!

Harbor Docking & Towing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected status established by federal, state, or local laws.