Human Resource Business Partner

Join the City of Lovington NM as a full-time, onsite Human Resource Business Partner. This role supports a 140-employee workforce, reporting to the City Manager, and anchors core HR operations and HRIS administration. The position offers a competitive salary of USD 56,000 per year and a benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, vision coverage, a retirement plan, and paid time off. Based in Lovington, NM, this role emphasizes reliable service to employees and strong collaboration with city leadership.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Responsibilities

• Coordinate pre-employment steps, including background checks, reference verification, and documentation.
• Prepare and distribute offer letters, employment agreements, and onboarding materials.
• Conduct or coordinate new hire orientation to explain policies, benefits, and expectations.
• Ensure I-9 compliance and timely completion of required federal and state forms.
• Process voluntary and involuntary separations in line with policy and law.
• Prepare separation documents, final pay calculations, and COBRA or benefits continuation notices.
• Coordinate with the Payroll Clerk to ensure accurate final paycheck timing and processing.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits questions, enrollment, and changes.
• Maintain records of plan documents and agreements.
• Administer annual open enrollment by preparing materials and coordinating with carriers.
• Process qualifying life event changes within required timeframes.
• Maintain accurate benefits elections in the HRIS and reconcile with carrier invoices monthly.
• Liaise with benefits brokers and carriers to resolve claims issues and coverage discrepancies.
• Serve as the primary HRIS administrator and uphold the integrity of employee records.
• Enter and update all employee information in the HRIS, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, job changes, and demographics.
• Input payroll-relevant data into the HRIS prior to each bi-monthly payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy before submission to the Payroll Clerk.
• Run standard HR reports from the HRIS (headcount, turnover, benefits enrollment, etc.) as requested.
• Maintain both physical and electronic employee files in compliance with recordkeeping requirements.
• Adhere to public records retention requirements and municipal policies.
• Assist with developing, communicating, and maintaining HR policies and the employee handbook.
• Support management with employee relations, performance documentation, and corrective action processes.
• Monitor federal and state employment law changes and advise management on compliance obligations.
• Perform other HR-related duties as assigned by the city manager.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 to 4 years of HR generalist or HR coordinator experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with HRIS platforms.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, EEO, etc.).
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail, especially with data entry and records.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Extremely detail-oriented.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to travel, sometimes overnight.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Strong customer service skills at all times.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Technologies

• HRIS
• Microsoft Office Suite

Performance expectations

• Uphold principles of confidentiality and respect for colleagues at all times.
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards inherent to the Public Sector.
• Interact honestly, dependably, and with integrity with citizens and city employees.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in daily work.
• Maintain a current, insurable driver’s license.