Human Resources Benefits Coordinator

Smith Gardens, Inc. offers an onsite Human Resources Benefits Coordinator role in Bellingham, WA with a competitive hourly range of $28-$30. This position supports a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, retirement options, leave, and wellness initiatives. You will help ensure accurate enrollment, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience, working with a team that values collaboration, development opportunities, and community involvement.

As the Benefits Coordinator, you will administer the day-to-day operations of our employee benefits programs, serve as the primary contact for benefits inquiries, and partner with brokers and vendors to resolve issues and improve service delivery. Your work will help ensure timely enrollments, accurate data across systems, and transparent communication for employees at multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Administer day-to-day benefits operations including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and retirement plans.
• Serve as the main point of contact for benefits questions, eligibility, claims, and coverage.
• Collaborate with benefits brokers and vendors to resolve issues and enhance service delivery.
• Perform monthly determinations of benefit-eligible employees and share results with Site HRGs.
• Coordinate and process enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS and carrier systems.
• Reconcile monthly benefits billing and align with Finance/Payroll for accurate premium deductions.
• Lead benefits orientations for new hires at Home Office and Merchandisers.
• Manage annual Open Enrollment, including presentations and travel to five sites.
• Conduct biweekly payroll benefit reviews.
• Support annual 401(k) census and audits, EEOC reporting, and medical census efforts.
• Develop and maintain benefits communications, guides, and employee resources.
• Track premium payments during leaves of absence and ensure timely reimbursement.
• Run weekly termination reports and coordinate COBRA notifications as needed.
• Maintain accurate benefits records and ensure data integrity across HRMS, payroll, and vendor platforms.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ACA.
• Contribute to HR projects related to benefits enhancements and system improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information at all times and participate in meetings with occasional presentations.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of experience in HR with a focus on benefits administration.
• Experience coordinating benefits for a seasonal workforce is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with HRIS/HRMS systems.

Technologies

• HRIS/HRMS systems
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Word

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement plan options with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off for full-time employees, accruing immediately
• Annual profit sharing
• Generous employee Flower/Plant Discount Program
• Development opportunities
• Paid time off for volunteering and community service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness program
• Fun employee events throughout the year

Competencies

• Ability to articulate ideas clearly, provide direction, and foster open dialogue with teammates and stakeholders
• Relationship building, teamwork, and leveraging diverse skills for shared success
• Growth-minded mindset with a willingness to learn and adapt to industry changes
• Commitment to safety culture and compliance
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Capability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Discretion handling sensitive information
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Problem-solving abilities for complex benefits issues
• Professional presence with comfortable interactions with employees, vendors, and HR team members
• Willingness to attend meetings and deliver presentations as needed

Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based with extended periods of sitting and computer use
• Occasional lifting up to 15 pounds
• Travel between sites for 401(k) and annual open enrollment meetings

Education and Experience

• 2–4 years of experience in HR with a focus on benefits administration
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field preferred
• Experience coordinating benefits for seasonal populations highly desirable
• Working knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements
• Experience with HRIS/HRMS systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)