HR Associate

Job Title: Human Resources Associate

Description:
The Champaign County Forest Preserves offer a unique opportunity to contribute to the lives of ~130 mission-driven staff members, who steward over 4,000 acres of beautiful natural and recreational areas throughout Champaign County.

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

Responsibilities:

• Administer 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 a 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 the HR Manager with unemployment claims processing when necessary.
• Provide general HR administrative support as needed.

Requirements:

• 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.