ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The Human Resources Department (formerly known as the Personnel Department) provides support and administers programs and services to attract, develop, and retain a high performing, diverse workforce that is prepared to provide exceptional services to the City’s residents. Human Resources staff work with all City departments to perform outreach and recruitment, provide information about City employment opportunities, administer collective bargaining agreements and City employment policies, ensure that fair labor practices are followed, offer competitive benefits to employees and retirees, and foster a productive and inclusive work environment. The HR Department also strives to provide learning and development opportunities for employees, with particular attention paid to expanding on the City’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The HR Generalist will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department by overseeing, reviewing, and processing HR-related activities to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and organizational policies. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, a strong foundation in human resources principles, and the ability to efficiently manage diverse responsibilities related to HR transactions and vacancy management while providing strong customer service.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type 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.
Monitor and process employee HR transactions (new hires, promotions, transfers, terminations, pay changes), liaison to Payroll for PeopleSoft system upgrades and testing.
Collaborate with payroll and finance teams to ensure accurate payroll processing and reporting.
Review all Employment paperwork (I-9, tax forms, Retirement /OBRA enrollment, policy acknowledgements, backup documentation etc.) for completeness at time of employment.
Run queries in PeopleSoft to extract employee data, track HR transactions, and generate reports for compliance, auditing, and strategic decision-making.
Conduct and complete compensation studies (US Census, MMA benchmark and external requests).
Prepare and submit required compliance reports (e.g., EEO-4, Labor Statistics, etc.) through PeopleSoft/HRIS or related systems.
Monitor and process job vacancy requests, and part of the approval process of vacancies on Taleo system, update and maintain HRIS position management module.
Coordinate Mayor Summer Youth Program/HR Department function (scheduling, compliance, data input), primary liaison to MSYEP staff.
Assist the Election Commission with Poll Worker hires/terminations/changes during Elections seasons, connect on scheduling, data input, compliance, cost center changes.
Advise employees regarding personnel policies, procedures, and compliance record requirements.
Provide back-up to Civil Service record keeping and job posting function.
Act as liaison to Transportation Division/CDD, confirm eligibility for employee transportation benefits including approving applications for Bluebikes.
Provide intermittent back-up for the Front Desk.
Provide advice and counsel to City departments to comply with federal reporting requirements, state civil service procedures, collective bargaining agreements and the City of Cambridge classification structure.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent and 3+ years of experience in Human Resources, HRIS Administration or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and multi-task.
Demonstrated skills in planning with a good knowledge of human resources functions, preferably in a public sector and/or unionized environment.
Ability to work independently in a confidential environment.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and negotiate priorities with multiple supervisors.
Strong knowledge and experience using MS Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Proficiency with HRIS Systems, preferably PeopleSoft.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with diverse populations.
Ability to manage recurring project cycles.
Commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Answer telephones and maintain multiple files. May require minimal lifting of up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: General office environment with air conditioning and fluorescent lighting. Noise level can be high as the office is active with phone calls and walk in applicants.
