HR Associate

Classification: Full-time

Department: Administration

Work Location:  Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (Mahomet, IL)

FSLA:  Non-Exempt

IMRF: Eligible

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Benefits:  Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, life, STD/LTD, IMRF pension plan, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, 13 paid holidays, paid sick and vacation time, and more here: https://www.champaignforests.org/Portals/0/adam/Content/cRunMBJYv0GNpoUB4aZ3QQ/Link/2025EmployeeBenefits.pdf 

Pay: $42,293 - $61,252 starting pay at base of range

The Champaign County Forest Preserves offer a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of ~130 mission-driven staff members, who in turn steward over 4,000 acres of beautiful natural and recreational areas throughout Champaign County. 

Position Summary

The Human Resources Associate supports Human Resources operations by administering benefits, overseeing onboarding and offboarding, managing risk management processes, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and safety regulations. This role also plays a key part in employee engagement initiatives and serves as a primary point of contact for benefit-related and risk management inquiries.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports to the HR Manager and does not supervise other staff.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions

HR & Benefits Administration

• Oversee the administration of a comprehensive benefits package, including IMRF pension management, reporting, and employee support.
• Coordinate Open Enrollment and assist employees with benefits-related inquiries.
• Audit and process monthly benefits invoices for accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with ACA and COBRA legal requirements.
• Manage job postings and recruitment logistics.
• Oversee the onboarding and orientation for new employees including conducting reference checks, tracking introductory period assessments, and processing new and rehired employees in the HRIS and payroll system.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to the HRIS and payroll system, benefits sites, and other HR systems.
• Order and distribute uniform items for staff.
• Assist with planning and executing employee engagement activities.
• Administer employee recognition programs, including service awards and appreciation initiatives.

Risk Management & Safety Compliance

• Serve as the Forest Preserves’ representative to the PDRMA Board for matters relating to property/liability, health, worker’s compensation and unemployment and accreditation activities.
• Maintain OSHA compliance and submit required reports. 
• Lead monthly risk management meetings 
• Serve as key member of the Safety Committee. Coordinate development, revision and distribution of safety manuals and forms. Distribute, explain and review submitted forms for property loss/damage; file claims promptly and maintain records.
• Assist in incident investigations and maintain records of claims and safety incidents.
• Conduct risk management training for full-time and part-time staff, along with affiliate groups as requested and oversee facility safety inspections. 
• Manage compliance for the CDL driver program, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, coordinating training and drug testing, and maintaining accurate records.

Secondary Functions

• Provide documentation and report preparation support for annual audit activities.
• Assist HR Manager with unemployment claims processing when necessary.
• Provide general HR administrative support as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in HR, benefits administration, or risk management.
• Proficiency in Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), preferably Paylocity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) claims and loss control review and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension system.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations, and workers' compensation processes.
• Experience managing benefits administration and compliance.