Human Resources Generalist Salary $66,634.04 Annually
Location: Waukegan, IL Job Type: Full-Time Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 02885 Department: Human Resources Opening Date: February 18, 2026 Closing Date: March 11, 2026 11:59 PM Central Salary Grade: Hourly.8
Description Benefits General Description Seeking a challenging role in an organization that offers rewarding compensation, an excellent benefits package, and opportunities for career growth? Lake County Government could be your ideal destination! With nearly 3,000 employees, our mission is to serve the residents of Lake County with dedication and purpose. We take pride in our work and foster a collaborative environment that our employees respect and value.
The Human Resources Generalist provides key support to the Human Resources Departments daily operations while contributing to the enhancement and effectiveness of its HR initiatives and services. Under general supervision, this position requires a collaborative professional who thrives in a team environment and is capable of performing a wide range of professional and technical HR functions across the departments full scope of services.
Responsibilities • Responding courteously and efficiently to internal and external inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and benefits • Preparing and posting recruitment materials • Maintaining accurate and confidential employee records • Coordinating onboarding documentation and supporting the onboarding process • Ensuring the timely and precise entry of employee information within the HRIS/Payroll system
Essential Functions Depending on the assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties, and perform related duties as assigned:
• Timely and professionally responds to inquires from and provides assistance along with advice to employees, retirees, and applicants on a wide range of topics including, but not limited to: • Recruitment processes • IMRF/SLEP (retirement benefits) • 457 Plans • Personnel Policies • Medical, dental, optical, and life insurance and other employee benefit plan provisions
• Provides technical and professional assistance in the administration of Human Resources functions; develop program revisions and procedural changes when asked; participate on and facilitate committees to provide input and recommendations.
• Conducts research on topics when asked, taking the steps to determine appropriate methodology. Gathers, compiles, and analyzes raw data from a variety of sources. Transforms data into reports for technical and non-technical audiences. Uses statistics to analyze data to answer specific questions or provide information for potential changes.
• Conducts surveys, analyzes results, and provides recommendations.
• Successfully works with team members and supervisors to identify and successfully resolve Human Resources issues.
• Develops and maintains Human Resources-related data in information systems, databases, records, and files.
• Implements recruitment and selection strategies; provide guidance and assistance to improve the recruitment processes to enable the County to recruit and retain the most highly qualified and diverse workforce.
• Participate in the new hire onboarding processes and annual open enrollment processes.
• Consults with existing and separating employees regarding benefit changes and options.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely inputting of changes to employee benefits (IMRF/SLEP, insurance, 457) into the appropriate systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Education Required Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions applicable to Human Resources.
Knowledge of or the ability to learn the principles, practices, and techniques of public human resources administration including recruitment, testing, selection, classification, and compensation, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), employee relations, labor relations, employee development, and performance planning and appraisal.
Ability to learn Lake County Human Resources Policies and labor contract provisions.
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and when necessary focus on detail and detailed-oriented tasks.
Knowledge of trends in Human Resources program development and the ability to implement new programs successfully.
Knowledge of and the ability to apply research methods and data analysis techniques.
Skill in change management, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality handle information, records, and issues.
Ability to accept and follow direction.
Ability to successfully use Lake County-specific technology and general office software.
Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively both verbally and in writing; ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, correspondence, and documents.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, colleagues within the team/department, and throughout the organization, representatives of other governmental agencies, the public, and others encountered in the course of work.
Ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people, including constituencies which may have been underrepresented.
Ability to facilitate inclusive participation in programs and activities; communicate cross-culturally.
Knowledge of Workday is desirable for this role.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, human resources, or a related field is preferred; Between 2 - 3 years of progressively responsible experience in the development and delivery of human resources services or general office administration with the ability to learn human resources functions; Or any combination of education and experience that provides the candidate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties prescribed to the position (above).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION Requires mainly office work, involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis, and high dexterity in operating office equipment, including a keyboard, phone, copier, etc.
The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision and the ability to hear and speak to understand, respond to, and build relationships with a diverse clientele.
Supplemental Information Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee Page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam.
Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The County offers an extensive benefits package to eligible employees including health, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, deferred compensation plans, and so much more!
Below are resources for the Countys current benefits.
You can find additional details on our benefits at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/lake-county-illinois-recruitment-sm/p/benefits and https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2678/Current-Employees.
Employer Lake County Department of Human Resources Address: 18 N County Street, 7th Floor Waukegan, Illinois, 60085 Phone: 847-377-2700 Website: http://www.lakecountyil.gov