Employee Relations Associate Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Overview
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System seeks a collaborative, customer-focused Human Resources Generalist I/II/III to support a diverse workforce across the state of Alabama. This position serves as a key HR resource for payroll administration, leave management, compliance initiatives, employee support, training coordination, and organizational projects that impact ACES employees and leaders.
This position focuses on serving over 600 full-time and part-time employees and over 200 temporary employees located throughout the state, allowing the opportunity to travel across Alabama to interact with staff and support HR functions. Serving as a member of a dynamic Human Resources team, this position supports the core values of Alabama's Cooperative Extension System through service excellence, teamwork, accountability, and integrity.
Special Instructions
Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter

Combine into one document and upload your cover letter and resume under the "Resume Upload" section (maximum file size: 5 MB).
Responsibilities
1. Oversees all payroll processes for the division and serves as the primary contact for ACES payroll. Interacts with employees on payroll and leave issues and provides guidance on policies and procedures. Regularly monitors employee use of LWOP, comp time, overtime, and/or leave balances along with communication to employees and supervisors.
2. Coordinates communication efforts to ensure compliance with University requirements and processes to include Statement of Economic Interest, Conflict of Interest, the Driver Qualification Policy, and Youth Protection Policy. Processes background checks in alignment with Auburn's Youth Protection Policy and serves as the secondary point of contact for the organization's Civil Rights initiatives, attending Civil Rights reviews and assisting to facilitate the review process.
3. Responsible for overseeing, processing, and tracking leaves of absence for the division. This includes providing necessary FMLA, PPL, and SCP paperwork to employees, working collaboratively with AUHR partners, sending out leave approvals, and ensuring time is properly coded in the Kronos timekeeping system.
4. Collaborates on efforts pertaining to the ongoing implementation of an ACES safety program emphasizing employee safety and well-being in the office, on the road, and in the field. Oversees and administers tasks associated with the management and execution of safety initiatives launched as part of the program.
5. Collaborates closely with ACES leadership to support the planning, coordination, and execution of the Annual Administrative Associate Training and Annual County Extension Director Training to include garnering feedback, conducting surveys, developing an agenda, and coordinating logistics.
6. Cross trains with other HR Generalists across HR functions to offer continuous coverage of services, performing other roles and responsibilities as needed.
7. Integrates metrics into all major job functions as a means to accurately track, manage, and report activity and improvement within each area. Uses data to drive decision-making and foster continuous improvement within functional areas.
8. In collaboration with the HR Manager, assists with employee relations and investigations for the division. Ensures consistent application of policies and procedures, facilitates conflict resolution, and promotes a positive and compliant work environment aligned with organizational values and legal standards.
9. Maintains a high-level of customer service focus and maintains respectful, cooperative, and productive working relationships through positive and responsive communication. Effectively communicates within ACES HR to foster collaboration and improvement. Timely, professional, and accurate communication with all ACES and University partners as well as constituents, vendors, and customers outside of the university.
Qualifications
Level I:
Bachelor's degree - no specific discipline
Level II:

• Bachelor's degree- no specific discipline and 2 years of experience in 2 or more areas of human resources management including compensation, benefits, employment, employee relations, payroll, training and/or development

Level III:

• Bachelor's degree- no specific discipline and 4 years of experience in 2 or more areas of human resources management including compensation, benefits, employment, employee relations, payroll, training and/or development

Contract Type
Continuing
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Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Posted Date
8/3/2026