HR Generalist (Ag Operations)

Job Title: HR Generalist (Ag Operations)

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: HR Supervisor, with dotted line to Sr. Director, Human Resources & Payroll Compliance

Location: Salinas, CA and Imperial Valley, CA

Seasonal Relocation Required: Imperial Valley (Nov. –Apr.)

Compensation: $27+ DOE

COMPANY

Church Brothers Farms is a vertically-integrated, family-owned and operated company that produces a full line of fresh vegetables year-round through our in-house farming and harvesting programs and state of-the-art processing facilities. As a grower-owned processor, we farm the majority of our raw product, adhering to the highest standards of food safety and quality. The Church family legacy is rooted in service, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The HR Generalist serves as a field-based Human Resources partner supporting CBH+ and Farms, with a primary focus on employee relations, workplace investigations, WVPP compliance, proactive field communication, and onboarding of safety-sensitive leadership roles. This role maintains a strong onsite presence and works directly with employees, forepersons, supervisors, and HR leadership to address workplace concerns, reduce risk, and ensure fair and consistent application of company policies.

While this role collaborates closely with Safety and Risk Management on WVPP-related matters, all direction, escalation, and reporting remain within the Human Resources function.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Employee Relations & Workplace Investigations
• Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) Identification & HR Escalation
• Field-Based HR Support & Onsite Presence
• Proactive Communication with Field Leadership
• Onboarding of Safety-Sensitive Positions (e.g., Jr. Foremen, Foremen, Supervisors)
• Risk Identification, Escalation & HR Compliance
• HR Documentation & Personnel Records Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration (HR-led, with Safety/Risk support as applicable)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Relations & Investigations

• Serve as the primary HR contact for field-based employee relations matters, including complaints, misconduct, policy violations, performance concerns, and workplace conflicts.
• Conduct thorough, timely, and objective investigations by gathering statements, asking direct questions, documenting timelines, and identifying risk or exposure.
• Properly classify and escalate WVPP-related matters through HR leadership when thresholds are met.
• Prepare clear, factual investigation summaries and recommendations for HR leadership review.
• Maintain neutrality and avoid subjective framing or premature conclusions during investigations.

WVPP & Safety Coordination (HR-Led)

• Identify potential WVPP matters and escalate immediately to HR leadership in accordance with company protocols.
• Coordinate with Safety and Risk Management as directed by HR leadership to support investigations, trainings, tailgates, and follow-up actions.
• Ensure WVPP-related documentation and HR-required acknowledgements are completed accurately and timely.

Field Presence & Proactive Communication

• Maintain a consistent onsite presence in the fields, especially during peak seasons.
• Communicate proactively with forepersons and supervisors regarding employee reassignments, sensitive placements, and HR actions that impact staffing or crew dynamics.
• Ensure required notifications occur before the start of shifts.
• Utilize escalation or HR backup support when time constraints prevent direct communication.

Onboarding & Safety-Sensitive Role Support

• Coordinate and conduct onboarding for safety-sensitive leadership positions, including Jr. Foremen, Foremen, Supervisors, and other designated roles.
• Ensure completion of required HR, policy, and WVPP acknowledgements prior to independent assignment.
• Provide HR-led guidance to newly onboarded leaders regarding employee relations responsibilities, reporting obligations, and escalation protocols.
• Coordinate with Safety for required training components, as applicable.

HR Operations & Documentation

• Prepare and issue employment status update letters and related HR documentation.

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• Monitor and respond to requests received through the shared inbox, ensuring timely follow-up and escalation to HR leadership.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and defensible personnel records and documentation.
• Assist with SOP development, updates, and HR training initiatives.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and HR experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive HR Generalist or Employee Relations experience, preferably in agriculture.
• Demonstrated experience conducting employee relations investigations and managing sensitive workplace issues.
• Experience working with safety-sensitive roles, field leadership, or high-risk ER environments strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with California employment law and WVPP requirements preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an emphasis on documentation quality.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong judgment and ability to assess risk and escalate appropriately.
• Comfort asking direct questions and managing difficult conversations.
• Ability to work independently in the field while maintaining alignment with HR leadership.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple active cases.
• Ability to work onsite in a fast-paced, operational environment.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, after hours, and occasional weekends based on operational needs.
• Willingness to relocate seasonally as required.

Church Brothers Farms is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.