Human Resources Generalist

Position Overview

The City of Destin is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to handle professional HR functions across the organization. This role works independently on core human resources activities such as benefits and compensation administration, employee relations and compliance, payroll processing, onboarding and offboarding, performance management, HRIS data quality, recruitment and workforce planning, and employee records management. The position also helps ensure legal and policy compliance, supports accurate HR data and systems, and contributes to the creation and rollout of HR policies and procedures.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay for this position ranges from $23.24 to $27.31 per hour, based on qualifications. This is a full-time role and includes an employer-paid benefits package with medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits.

Key Duties

• Represent the City in a professional manner while supporting Team Destin’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
• Apply working knowledge of relevant policies, codes, ordinances, regulations, and statutes.
• Support the HR Director with training and development efforts.
• Oversee the complete onboarding process, including pre-boarding, orientation, post-orientation, and probationary-period follow-up.
• Manage the full recruitment cycle from requisition through hiring.
• Create and refresh payroll and timekeeping standard operating procedures to strengthen continuity and compliance.
• Assist with preparation of the annual budget.
• Monitor and track key HR metrics.
• Help plan and carry out employee events and team-building activities.
• Ensure all pre-employment reference checks are completed for new hires.
• Keep HRIS data current, along with job postings and other public-facing HR communications.
• Provide employees and applicants with information about policies, job responsibilities, working conditions, pay, promotion opportunities, and benefits.
• Administer talent management and performance management processes.
• Handle payroll-related personnel updates and benefits changes.
• Lead citywide wellness initiatives and serve as the main resource for wellness programming, education, and employee engagement activities.
• Assess training needs and help design employee development, language training, and health and safety programs.
• Schedule appointments, respond to inquiries, and work with internal and external customers.
• Review and reconcile benefits billing invoices.
• Serve as the organizational point of contact for UKG systems, including TLM, HR, and Recruitment modules.
• Prepare purchase requests and maintain inventory of HR office supplies.
• Maintain HR files and support records retention and disposition activities.
• Build productive relationships with partners, city leaders, and other staff members.
• Stay informed about changes in HR regulations and requirements.
• Recommend improvements to existing HR policies and practices using creativity and professional judgment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, although additional relevant experience may be accepted in place of a degree. Candidates should have 1 to 3 years of experience at the HR Generalist level or similar professional experience. Experience with UKG (Kronos) is preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements

A valid driver’s license is required. PHR or SHRM-CP certification is preferred. No special requirements were listed beyond those noted above. A background check is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
• Knowledge of public-sector HR policies, classification systems, and labor contracts.
• Familiarity with HR best practices across daily operations.
• Ability to use office equipment such as copiers and multi-line phone systems.
• Comfort using computers for data entry and word processing or accounting tasks.
• Strong active listening skills for handling employee and manager concerns, grievances, and needs.
• Ability to prepare clear policies, reports, job descriptions, and correspondence.
• Capability to produce well-formatted written materials with correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to learn new subject matter, principles, and techniques quickly.
• Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive personnel and organizational information.
• Sound judgment for making informed decisions based on policy, law, and best practices without direct supervision.
• Ability to learn additional job-related topics as needed.
• Skill in using basic math operations and calculating percentages.
• Strong interpersonal ability to communicate tactfully, mediate conflicts, and work effectively with staff, supervisors, the public, and elected officials.
• Ability to function effectively under pressure, tight deadlines, heavy workloads, competing priorities, and high customer demand.
• Strong organization and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

The role requires the ability to operate a range of office equipment and to move or carry job-related items and materials as needed.

Career Development

• Ongoing education through seminars, job-related coursework, and continuing education credits/CEUs.
• Participation in training as either a learner or instructor.
• Involvement in relevant professional or technical associations.
• Volunteering for special projects and cross-training opportunities.

Additional Information

The City may update this position description at any time. This description is not an employment contract.