Human Resources Generalist

Job Description

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking an entry level Human Resources Generalist to serve as a key Human Resources point of contact for employees at all levels including faculty, students, volunteers, research staff, and administrative personnel at DRI’s Reno, NV campus.

This role provides timely and accurate benefits, record keeping, recruiting, orientation, performance tracking, HR information system management, and employee guidance. The position will be responsible for compiling data reports, surveys, and HR metrics; and providing consistent policy administration, interpretation, and communication aligned with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).

• Serve as liaison for DRI employees with payroll, HR, and division business staff.
• Ensure confidentiality of HR related information is maintained at all times.
• Assist with recruitment for hourly employees and technologists; provide support for faculty and postdoctoral recruitments.
• Maintain recruitment dashboards on Linked In, Indeed, and other large recruitment websites.
• Post advertisements in strategic locations to attract broad pools of applicants.
• Actively source potential candidates to provide a diverse pool for search committees.
• Complete onboarding and orientation for hourly employees and volunteers.
• Conduct candidate benefit summary meetings and refer employees to benefits subject matter experts as needed.
• Support DRI’s Learning Management System, Bridge, and ensure compliance with employee training requirements.
• Review applicants for minimum qualifications; download and combine resumes; contact candidates for missing information; create scoring spreadsheets for search committee.
• Handle employee relations matters with confidentiality and professionalism, providing resources and next steps.
• Lead graduate student support including onboarding, orientation, and coordination with divisions regarding ongoing student status and compensation.
• Process HR purchasing and requisition transactions, reimbursements, and verify documentation.
• Lead, assist, or support special projects as needed.
• Perform other general HR duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a closely related field.
• Six months of professional human resources experience or one year of related work experience.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with team members, leaders, employees, other NSHE institution contacts, and vendor points of contact.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving at the lowest possible level using creative, win‑win solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to multi‑task and prioritize.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Experience handling personnel matters and information with discretion and confidentiality.

• Experience with applicant tracking, HR information systems, databases, or electronic filing and tracking tools.
• Technical knowledge of Federal and State employment laws, and application of policy and procedure manuals.
• Experience with recruiting methods focused on broadening the applicant pool.
• Human Resources Certification (e.g., PHR, SHRM, HRM, CHRP).

• Employment contingent upon a successful background check.
• Eventual travel to DRI’s Las Vegas campus or conferences for recruiting may be required.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs., move, lift, or pack files; sit for extended periods; and stoop or bend periodically.

Minimum starting salary is $57,000, with advancement based on experience and education. Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 19.25% retirement match; 24 days of annual leave; 30 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays; educational benefits; and three health insurance plan options supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts. No state income tax and no social security deduction.

This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E‑Verify.