Job Summary North Dakota Grain Inspection (NDGI) is a federally designated official grain inspection agency committed to providing accurate, reliable, and professional inspection services across 11 states in the Midwest. As our organization continues to grow, we remain dedicated to maintaining high standards of operational excellence, regulatory compliance, employee support, and professional integrity. We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead our HR department and oversee employee relations, recruitment, employment law compliance, payroll, workplace safety, and daily HR operations. This position also provides limited recruiting, HR, and payroll support to our smaller affiliated companies, including AIT ND and AIT MN, which operate in the hemp and cannabis inspection industry. The ideal candidate is a confident, proactive leader with a strong foundation in human resources management, exceptional problem-solving abilities, sound judgment, and outstanding attention to detail. We value someone who takes ownership of their department, independently navigates complex situations, and approaches their work with initiative, accountability, and a genuine commitment to doing things right. Equally important are strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust, listen with empathy, and handle sensitive employee matters with confidentiality, professionalism, and care. We are looking for someone who takes pride in supporting employees, embraces opportunities for improvement, and is excited about building a long-term career while contributing to NDGI's continued growth and success. As a federally regulated organization operating in a unique industry, NDGI provides industry-specific training and does not require previous agricultural experience. However, candidates must bring established HR knowledge and practical experience to the position. The HR Manager directly supervises the HR Coordinator and works closely with the Director of Administration, department managers, and company leadership. This position requires a full-time, on-site presence at our Fargo Headquarters office, with no remote or hybrid work arrangements available. Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with flexibility to adjust start and end times by up to one hour, depending on what works best for the candidate. As a salaried leadership position, occasional additional hours may be necessary to meet deadlines, address urgent employee matters, or support business needs. Duties and Responsibilities HR Leadership & Employee Relations Lead daily HR operations, including supervising, training, and evaluating the HR Coordinator, setting priorities, and ensuring work is completed accurately and on time. Serve as a trusted resource for employees and management, addressing workplace concerns with professionalism, empathy, confidentiality, and sound judgment. Manage employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, performance issues, and terminations. Provide guidance on federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, discrimination, harassment, and other applicable regulations. Identify potential legal risks, maintain appropriate documentation, and involve leadership when necessary. Develop, review, and maintain company policies, procedures, and employee handbooks. Support employee engagement, retention, and positive workplace relationships. Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, efficiency, and employee support. Recruitment, Onboarding & Employee Development Coordinate recruitment and hiring activities, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews for select positions, collaboration with hiring managers on candidate selection, and preparation of employment offers. Work with department managers to identify staffing needs and support workforce planning. Oversee employee onboarding, orientation, and required employment documentation. Coordinate employee training, performance management, and professional development. Support staffing transitions, employee retention, and company growth. Payroll & Benefits Administration Oversee biweekly payroll preparation for
NDGI, AIT
ND, and AIT MN, ensuring payroll information is accurate and submitted on time. Review payroll information prepared by the HR Coordinator, including timeclock records, time-off requests, paid holidays, pay adjustments, and other payroll changes. Assist with payroll preparation as needed and provide coverage when the HR Coordinator is unavailable. Export payroll data, make necessary adjustments, and submit finalized information to the company's payroll provider. Review the pre-process payroll register for accuracy, communicate any corrections to the payroll provider, and authorize final processing. Ensure compliance with applicable wage-and-hour laws, payroll requirements, and company policies. Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee questions, and other payroll-related issues. Serve as a primary contact for employee benefits questions, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and other company-sponsored benefit plans. Work with the Payroll/Benefits Specialist to coordinate benefit enrollments, eligibility, employee changes, and ongoing benefits administration. Assist with annual benefits renewals and open enrollment, including employee communications, enrollment meetings, and ensuring elections are completed accurately and on time. Workplace Safety & Regulatory Compliance Oversee NDGI's companywide workplace safety program in collaboration with the HR Coordinator and location managers, supporting compliance with applicable OSHA requirements and other workplace safety regulations. Guide the HR Coordinator in managing safety documentation, compliance tracking, inspections, and employee training. Oversee quarterly safety inspections conducted by the HR Coordinator at Fargo headquarters, reviewing findings and ensuring identified issues are addressed by the appropriate individuals. Coordinate annual companywide safety training each summer through the Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring training is assigned, completed, and documented by established deadlines. Monitor Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Hazard Communication requirements to ensure records are current, accessible, and properly maintained at applicable locations. Manage workers' compensation claims from initial reporting through resolution, including submitting First Reports of Injury (FROI), communicating with employees, location managers, and claims adjusters, and coordinating work restrictions, modified duty, and return-to-work arrangements. Maintain required OSHA injury and illness records, including Forms 300, 300A, and 301, as applicable, and ensure annual posting and electronic submission requirements are met, when applicable. Coordinate workplace accident and incident investigations with location managers, including documentation, corrective actions, and follow-up. Work with location managers across NDGI's operating regions to address safety concerns and ensure company safety procedures are followed. Identify opportunities to improve workplace safety and reduce risks. HR Administration, Compliance & Operational Support Maintain accurate and organized employee records, personnel files, and required HR documentation. Track employee licensing, qualifications, and required training to ensure compliance with NDGI's federal regulations. Maintain accurate HR reports and provide employee information to management as needed. Use HR systems, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and other technology to manage daily responsibilities and improve efficiency. Stay current on employment law changes and HR best practices, updating company procedures as needed for all operating states. Assist with special projects, organizational changes, and other duties as assigned. The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not all-inclusive and may change or expand as NDGI grows, based on business needs and the individual's skills and abilities. Required Qualifications and Skills Minimum of five years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including independently handling employee relations, employment compliance, and complex personnel matters. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a closely related field, OR an active professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR. Experience independently managing HR responsibilities, with demonstrated leadership ability and the initiative to take ownership of department operations. Strong knowledge of federal employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, discrimination, and harassment regulations, with the ability to understand and apply state-specific requirements. Experience handling workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, terminations, and other sensitive employee matters. Working knowledge of employee benefits administration, including insurance plans, enrollment processes, and employee benefits questions. Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to independently assess situations, identify risks, and develop effective solutions. Outstanding attention to detail, organizational skills, and a strong commitment to accuracy and follow-through. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build trust, listen with empathy, and handle difficult conversations professionally. Strong initiative, accountability, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate professionalism and integrity. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn HR systems and other business technologies. Preferred Qualifications Seven or more years of progressive HR experience, including experience supervising employees or leading an HR department. Both a bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field and an active professional HR certification, preferably SHRM-SCP or SPHR. Experience supporting employees across multiple states or in agricultural, industrial, or other regulated industries. Experience coordinating workplace safety programs, workers' compensation claims, OSHA recordkeeping, or employee safety training. Experience coordinating payroll through an outside payroll provider. Experience supporting annual benefits renewals, open enrollment, and employee benefits administration. NDGI provides industry-specific training, ongoing mentorship from the Director of Administration, and opportunities for professional development. While candidates must bring a strong foundation in human resources, we recognize that not every applicant will have experience in all aspects of the position. We are committed to helping the successful candidate develop additional skills and grow into the full scope of the role. Physical Requirements Primarily sedentary work, with much of the workday spent at a desk or computer workstation. Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, computer navigation, and handling documents. Regular movement throughout the office, bending, and reaching to access files, supplies, or office equipment. Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving lightweight office materials, generally weighing up to 15 pounds. Work is performed in an ADA-accessible office environment at NDGI's Fargo Headquarters. No travel is required to other offices or locations. Benefits Paid Time Off 8
Paid Holidays:
New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Contributions BCBS Health Insurance with Employer Contributions Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance through The Standard Short-Term Disability, Cancer, Accident, and Hospital Plans through The Standard Health Savings Account (HSA) Employer-Supported Professional Development and Training Opportunities Equal Employment Opportunity NDGI is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance