What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resource Specialist, Payroll & Benefits position at Ostara?
About Ostara
Ostara is passionate about changing the way the Ag and T&O industry thinks about phosphate management. Our continuing mission is, and will remain, “Feeding the World While Protecting It.”
We believe that passionate people can make a real difference, and we are building a culture around innovation, sustainability, efficiency, nimbleness, honesty, compliance, and a sense of urgency to make a positive difference and create real value. Ostara’s Crystal Green® fertilizers are the first granular phosphate fertilizers to release nutrients in response to plant demand. Using Crop Driven Release™, Crystal Green is proven to increase yields, enhance soil health and significantly reduce phosphate tie-up and runoff, thereby improving food security while protecting local waterways from nutrient pollution.
Position summary
The Human Resource Specialist, Payroll & Benefits will facilitate the daily functions of payroll and benefits for the company as well as support the Human Resources (HR) department. This role will report to the Director of Human Resources and will work as a team member in collaboration to provide services to the employees of the company while utilizing best practices and legal requirements. The position also requires developing resources to educate employees about their benefits on an ongoing basis and supporting HR technology improvements.
Essential functions:
Payroll:
- Process payroll for four payroll groups on a bi-weekly payroll schedule (3 salary groups 1 week, 1 hourly group the next week). Multi-state, Canadian employees.
- Maintain payroll records, including auditing time sheets, and ensuring data integrity.
- Document and maintain reimbursements, process garnishments, support orders, etc.
- Generate payroll reports and work with finance on tax documents for management.
- Research issues, answer questions, and resolve problems with any payroll matter and request guidance as needed promptly.
- Stay up to date on payroll laws and regulations and ensure compliance with tax laws.
- Answer employee inquiries about payroll and address payroll-related issues.
- Become a super-user of payroll software (Paycor) to maintain schedules, holidays, time off, etc. to ensure a seamless employee experience.
- Ensure new hires are properly set up in Paycor and ADP COS.
- Maintain Paycor data and employee records.
Benefits
- Coordinates benefit programs for the company including but not limited to the US and Canada as applicable; medical, dental, vision, ancillary, Life/AD&D, FSA, HSA, Wellness, and liaison with TPA for offboarding benefits (ie. COBRA.)
- Perform ongoing benefits and medical administration and monthly reconciliation for the US and Canada.
- Organizes the annual policy renewals with the insurance broker for management review.
- Coordinates open enrollment process including but not limited to; meetings, communication, documentation, changes, audits, deployment, EDIs, etc.
- Assists with LOA including STD and LTD coordination.
- Maintain 401k program and compliance as well as end-of-year reporting.
HR
- Maintain SOPs for HR processes including but not limited to Payroll processing, Benefits Administration, and Benefit Programs.
- Complete or assist with yearly transitions (beginning and year end) in payroll, benefits, and HR areas.
- Assists and facilitates recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
- Assists with background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
- Assists with new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
- Assists with the onboarding/offboarding process.
- Knowledgeable with company policy and procedures and assist with policy development and documentation as requested.
- Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
- Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required skills/abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills as well as customer (employee) service skills.
- Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, initiative, and ability to know when to ask for help and guidance.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to change directions, support the needs of the department, and be reactive.
- Maintain integrity, professionalism, and strict confidentiality for the company and employees.
- Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws, regulations, and best practices.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Ability to be a ‘culture builder’ in an agile environment.
- Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS, benefits internal systems and external portals, and talent management systems.
Education/experience
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
- At least three (3) to five (5) years of payroll experience is preferred with hourly payroll processing experience.
- At least two (2) years of benefits experience preferred.
- SHRM or HRCI credential a plus.
- Manufacturing experience preferred.
Physical requirements and work environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk on the phone, speak with the public, hear on the phone, hear in person, and use hands and fingers. This job requires the employee to sit for prolonged periods with minimal exposure to hot and cold temperature extremes that could be encountered at Ostara’s job sites. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. This job requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the office environment is usually low.
Location, travel, and availability
This position is located in St. Louis, Missouri. (Exceptions will be made for current employees in that they may stay at their existing work site). The position requires minimal travel but will be required to travel to the granulation facility on a regular basis. This position also requires availability to work evenings and on weekends as well as hybrid work is available.
EEO statement
Ostara is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, parental status, gender identity or national origin.
Other duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Ostara reserves the right to change duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice.
Pay DOE
