Temporary Human Resources Generalist

Taleo; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cambridge is seeking a Temporary Human Resources Generalist to support HR operations under the Director of HR Administration. The role focuses on managing employee accruals, retirement processing, leave management, and payroll accuracy, requiring meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in HR or related field and 1–2 years of HR admin experience, preferably with HRIS like PeopleSoft.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of administrative experience in a human resources capacity focused on HRIS administration.
• Experience with HR records, payroll, benefits administration, municipal employment information, or HRIS platforms such as PeopleSoft is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cover key HR functions impacting accrual balances, retirement processing, leave management, and payroll accuracy.
• Assist with verification letters and service history research for retirement be buyback requests.
• Process weekly accrual submissions, validate data, and log entries to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Add benefit and accrual codes for new hires and rehires with correct eligibility and dates.
• Run leave processes twice weekly aligned with payroll deadlines.
• Support proficiency testing coordination and provide information to Payroll per CBAs.
• Maintain accurate tracking records and follow up as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Spreadsheets

Policy interpretation

Interpersonal

Confidentiality

Diversity & Inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

1–2 years HR admin experience

Tools

HRIS (PeopleSoft)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of HR Administration, the Temporary Human Resources Generalist will provide essential support to the Human Resources department by covering key HR functions that directly impact employee accrual balances, retirement-related processing, leave management, and payroll accuracy. This temporary role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, comfort working with spreadsheets, and the ability to interpret and apply established policies, HR procedures, and collective bargaining guidelines.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Research employee service history for Retirement Board buyback requests and prepare corresponding employment verification letters.
• Process weekly employee accrual submissions by reviewing departmental requests, logging entries into tracking spreadsheets, validating provided information, and calculating accrued time to ensure accuracy before submission to Payroll.
• Add appropriate benefit and accrual codes for new hires and rehires, ensuring eligibility and effective dates are correct.
• Run required leave processes twice weekly in alignment with payroll deadlines.
• Coordinate processes related to employee proficiency testing and provide required information to Payroll in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Maintain accurate tracking records and follow up with departments when submissions are incomplete or require clarification.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• One to two (1-2) years of administrative experience in a human resources capacity focused on HRIS administration.
• Experience with HR records, payroll, benefits administration, municipal employment information, or HRIS platforms such as PeopleSoft is strongly preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Comfort working with spreadsheets and maintaining electronic tracking tools.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements accurately.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to conduct independent research.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with the public, City employees, and City officials.
• Ability to handle problems and unexpected situations effectively.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and organize records accurately.
• Commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Director of HR Administration, receiving guidance on priorities and policy interpretation while exercising independent judgment in day-to-day HR operations. Work is reviewed for accuracy, timeliness, compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures, and overall effectiveness of results.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities but may provide functional guidance to colleagues on routine HR processes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with air conditioning, fluorescent lighting, and regular use of computers and other office equipment. The position involves frequent interaction with employees, internal departments, and external stakeholders. Noise levels are typically low to moderate and may increase due to phone calls, meetings, and routine office operations. The employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily sedentary and office-based, requiring prolonged periods of computer use and the ability to access, input, and retrieve information electronically. The position requires attention to detail when reviewing records and reports, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone. The employee may be required to lift and carry files or office materials weighing up to 10 pounds.

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.