Temporary HR Generalist December 2025 - May 2026 chez Sterling Labs

Description

Position: Temporary HR Generalist 

Coverage Term: Dec 1, 2025 – May 1, 2026.  

Hourly compensation: $28.00

Location: On-site, Des Plaines, IL, 60016 

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday  

Hours per week: 40 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Employment Type: Temporary 

Reports To: CEO 

Sterling Labs invests in the success of our team. We are seeking highly motivated individuals who want to invest in their skill sets and careers, be rewarded for their initiative, and thrive in a collaborative environment. Our analytical data have a tremendous impact on the protection of human health and the environment. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and growth, as well as empowered ethical decision-making.

Sterling Labs' growth has been directly tied to our clients’ needs for 40 years. We are a growth-oriented organization that prioritizes our clients. We partner with manufacturers, engineering firms, and government agencies to provide environmental laboratory data that helps protect the environment. From wastewater sampling and analysis in greater Chicago to nationwide service with Department of Defense partners, our commitment to our clients drives our growth.

WE PRESERVE THE PLANET TO PROTECT THE FUTURE

Our Core Values:

· We strive for Integrity in Everything We Do. We're honest and transparent in our actions and decisions.

· We are Customer-Focused. We prioritize our customers' needs and value their feedback.

· We are Never Satisfied and are dedicated to continuous improvement. We always seek ways to improve and adapt to changing needs.

Role Summary

Provide hands-on HR support to ensure that daily operations at Sterling Labs run smoothly. Own orientation and onboarding processes and HR and personnel documentation, support payroll and benefits workflows, maintain compliance, coordinate training, and serve as the first point of contact for routine HR requests. 

Key Responsibilities

• Post openings, screen resumes, conduct phone interviews, schedule on-site interviews, coordinate pre-employment screens, and manage candidate communications.
• Coordinate full new-hire first day orientation (I-9/E-Verify, W-4, direct deposit, policy acknowledgments).
• Administer benefits changes (medical, disability, voluntary life, 401(k) coordination)per plan rules; respond to routine benefits inquiries.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for routine HR inquiries (timekeeping, PTO balances, and policy FAQs).
• Maintain personnel files and the HRIS (Paylocity), including updates, terminations, and records retention in accordance with local and federal laws.
• Conduct exit documentation and support exit interviews; process unemployment claims.
• Partner with the accounting team to review/resolve timecard issues before the cutoff, ensuring accurate HR data flow to payroll before final submission.
• Coordinate COBRA notices/eligibility with vendor; track enrollments and timelines.
• Conduct and document employee-relations investigations (harassment, discrimination, workplace concerns) and advise leaders on corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with federal/IL, MO, WI, MI, and internal policies; monitor employment-law updates relevant to Sterling Labs.
• Prepare HR metrics (headcount, turnover, time-to-fill) and compliance reports (e.g., EEO, ACA where applicable); maintain annual related postings.
• Track mandatory and non-mandatory trainings (safety, harassment prevention); run periodic completion reports and follow-ups.
• Communicate policy updates and support managers in the consistent application of policies and implementation of corrective actions in accordance with HR guidance.
• Partner with Safety & Site coordinators on safety documentation and corrective-action tracking.

Requirements

• Bachelor's in Human Resources / Organizational Behavior/ Psychology or another related field.
• Two (2) years of Generalist HR experience is preferred. 
• aPHR/PHR or SHRM-CP certification is preferred
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Working knowledge of HRIS systems, preferably Paylocity.
• Clear, professional communication with technicians, team leads, and management.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods.
• Safely lift and move up to 40 pounds.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Sterling Labs offers a variety of benefits: 

• 5 Days of PTO
• 5 Days of Sick Time Off
• Health insurance 
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance 
• Short-Term Disability 
• Long-Term Disability
• Paid Holidays

EEO STATEMENT:
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sterling Labs does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local law