Human Resources Generalist

About the role

The Human Resources (HR) Generalist supports the HR Department in providing day-to-day operations. This role adheres to City policies and regulations, as well as State and Federal guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Implements HR policies and procedures, as directed by the Director, Deputy Director or HR Manager
• Maintains compliance with State and Federal regulations concerning employment
• Maintains knowledge of HR best practices and trends, existing and new legislation
• Maintains positive employee relations
• Performs department financial functions (i.e., budget, payroll, contracts & invoices), under direction
• Prepares fiscal reports, public records requests, and other administrative reports & documents
• Provides assistance and information to outside agencies, as directed
• Provides assistance with the administration of FMLA and other forms of leave
• Supports Civil Service processes to hire and promote public safety employees
• Provides general information and assistance to City Department managers and staff regarding HR policies and practices, including the posting of all current employment laws and updates; coordinates City website updates for HR pages
• Affords assistance with new hire onboarding and orientation; processes new hires, employee transfers, promotions and terminations; schedules pre-employment physicals as needed
• Oversees unemployment compensation and payment of invoices
• Maintains employee data records, current and archived in accordance with department protocols and federal and state retention regulations and schedules
• Conducts annual I-9 audit and maintains I-9 records in accordance with Federal regulations
• Oversees the schedule and work of seasonal and part-time staff
• Oversees and maintains office supply inventory
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Associates Degree and three to five (3-5) years of Human Resources experience; 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.
• HRCI PHR Or SHRM-CP Certification Preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of standard office procedures, software, and office equipment; thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local regulations applicable to HR administration, employment and record-keeping.
• Ability: Ability to handle inquiries and emergencies effectively; ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing; ability to maintain confidential information and act with integrity and professionalism; ability to maintain, manage, and organize records; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate; ability to interact effectively and appropriately with City employees, City officials, job applicants, vendors, Civil Service (HRD) staff and members of the general public.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; excellent communication skills both verbal and written; excellent negotiation, and conflict resolution skills; excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and attention to detail; strong analytical, problem-solving and independent research skills; proficient computer skills for all office software programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and Outlook calendar/scheduling; ability to learn applicant tracking system software and other HRIS applications. Experience with MUNIS software preferred.

Work Environment

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments.

Physical And Mental Requirements

• Physical Skills: Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs.). Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Motor Skills: Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer and/or most other office equipment including word processing, filing and sorting of papers.
• Visual Skills: Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.

Hours

Full-time, City Hall Hours

Salary

$75,000-$78,000 annualized, plus benefits.

Union

Non-Union

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Date Posted

July 29th, 2026

City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category.

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
• Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Overview of Total Rewards:

• 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions.
• Union positions vary by contract.
• Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
• Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Long term disability through Sun Life
• Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
• Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
• Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
• Annual cancer screening & wellness release
• Somerville Retirement Pension System
• Tuition reimbursement
• MBTA pass program
• FREE Blue Bikes membership
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.