Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Senior Human Resources Assistant

About PFI

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit organization that has worked to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities since 1985. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities.

This work has always been rooted in our value of welcoming everyone and creating a culture of mutual respect. We believe that a diversity of people, ideas and perspectives strengthens our ability to find creative solutions, enriches our understanding and broadens our impact. At Practical Farmers, we celebrate this diversity and are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices create an equitable and inclusive workplace. We take equal opportunity seriously and seek to empower and support all applicants and teammates.

Practical Farmers offers a flexible, supportive and fast-paced work environment. Professional development is a core part of our culture and team members are encouraged to take independent initiative to help fulfill our mission.

About the Position

As a member of the human resources team, you’ll provide support and guidance to our talented and hardworking staff, and to the organization as a whole, to ensure that Practical Farmers of Iowa is providing a safe, welcoming work environment while remaining compliant and ethical.

In this position, you will play a key role in helping PFI attract qualified applicants, supporting new staff members and fostering a culture of care for employees. You will serve as a vital resource for assisting current employees and helping the operations department stay organized. In partnership with the human resources team, you will also coordinate a range of projects.

If you are compassionate, attentive and motivated to contribute to a cohesive, responsive work culture, this position is for you.

Duties

• Coordinate recruiting, onboarding, benefits and employee recognition projects, including:
• Posting jobs to various job boards
• Evaluating job applicants based on required qualifications
• Scheduling and conducting interviews
• Corresponding with applicants and the hiring team through our applicant tracking system
• Preparing and implementing onboarding checklists and tasks
• Creating and launching events and surveys in PFI’s human resources information system
• Coordinating with benefit providers and employees to ensure accurate benefits administration
• Processing benefits and employment enrollments, changes and terminations
• Helping to plan staff and professional development events
• Processing human resources bills and balancing with carriers
• Administrative projects and maintenance relating to file organization and clean-up
• Support the crafting and editing of job descriptions and other hiring and onboarding documents from across the organization
• Provide guidance and technical assistance across the organization on human resources-related questions and platforms
• Prepare materials and information for human resources-related projects
• Procure and maintain supplies related to onboarding, offboarding and employee engagement
• Organize and record information for human resources-related projects and compliance
• Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support the operations department or team projects

Required Qualifications and Characteristics

• Minimum of three years of professional work experience in an office setting
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Strict commitment to confidentiality
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Basic math skills
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing
• Dependable, and able to work independently and with a team
• Able to give and receive constructive feedback
• Ability to take initiative to solve problems
• Efficient and effective in fast-paced environments
• Ability to organize work, set goals and adhere to deadlines

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

• Basic human resources knowledge or education
• A mindset of continuous improvement
• Talent acquisition experience

This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with a minimum requirement of two days per week in the office. The position also requires seasonal travel around Iowa and surrounding states. The beginning pay rate for this position is between $22.12 and $24.04 per hour ($46,000-$50,000 annually) with annual opportunity for merit salary increases and position advancement.

PFI values its employees and is a flexible and supportive work environment. We offer employees a competitive benefits package that includes employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium, generous paid time off, flexible hours, six weeks of fully paid parental leave and 5% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment.

We also encourage employee professional development and offer a range of specialty benefits employees can use to support their wellness, sustainability and financial goals. Examples of our specialty benefits include contributions towards spouse or dependent health insurance, stipends for remote or hybrid workers and reimbursements for wellness costs, local food purchases or CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases. Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer.

Please apply by completing an application (including contact information, cover letter, resume and references). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.