First West Insurance

First West Insurance is seeking a dedicated, proactive Human Resources Generalist to join our team. This individual will play a key role in supporting the agency’s human resources operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, strengthening employee relations, and fostering a positive and productive work environment. Confidentiality is essential to this role.

This is a full-time, exempt position that may occasionally require work beyond 40 hours per week. This requires regular on-site presence in our Bozeman, MT office.

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, the Human Resources Generalist is responsible for leading and managing all Human Resources functions. This position will work collaboratively across departments to ensure the effective execution of HR initiatives, promote a healthy organizational culture, and enhance employee engagement. Core responsibilities include overseeing recruitment, employee development, compliance, and overall employee well-being while upholding the highest standards of HR practice throughout the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS RESPONSIBILITIES, TASKS, AND DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform these essential duties satisfactorily:

Recruitment & Onboarding

Manage the full recruitment cycle, including posting job openings, screening resumes, conducting interviews, and recommending candidates for hire.

Oversee new employee onboarding, including orientation, benefits enrollment, and coordinating training schedules.

Maintain a proactive talent pipeline to ensure timely fulfillment of staffing needs.

Employee Relations & Engagement

Serve as a trusted resource for employees, addressing concerns, conflicts, and performance issues with professionalism and confidentiality.

Support and enhance the agency’s culture by fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

Demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills to support employee and organizational needs.

Compliance & Policy Administration

Ensure all HR policies, processes, and procedures comply with federal and state employment regulations.

Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation.

Assist with internal HR audits and assessments to support compliance and continuous process improvement.

Benefits Administration

Administer and communicate employee benefits programs, including health insurance, open enrollment, retirement plans, and other company offerings.

Act as a liaison between employees and insurance providers, addressing questions and resolving benefits–related issues.

Training & Development

Identify training needs and support career development initiatives across the agency.

Track and monitor employee continuing education and licensing requirements.

Payroll & Compensation Support

Research and maintain competitive wage and benefits structures to support market competitiveness.

Assist with compensation management, including salary recommendations, bonuses, and incentive program support.

Performance Management

Support the performance review cycle by assisting managers with evaluations, performance documentation, and constructive feedback processes.

Help develop employee performance improvement plans (PIPs) and support employees in reaching their professional goals.

Job Description Development

Develop and refine job descriptions to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with organizational needs.

Third-Party Labor Coordination

Serve as the primary point of contact for managing outsourced or third‑party labor services.

Additional Duties

Perform other duties as assigned to support HR operations and organizational goals.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Maintain information/resources on shared electronic file

Creating recruitment content

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

A competitive compensation package based on experience.

Benefits, including paid cafeteria plan (election options: health insurance, day care, medical reimbursement, and vision/dental), retirement plan, employer‑provided life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and holidays.

Our company offers hybrid work options depending on experience, job duties, and each team member's ability to meet the goals and expectations set for them by First West leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 2+ years of experience in human resources, preferably in a small to mid‑sized organization or insurance agency.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience with ACA/ADA/EEOC/FLSA/FMLA 50+ employees STD/LTD leave.

Skills:

Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws in multiple states, and regulations.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Proficiency in HR software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.