HR Assistant

Florida Crystals is a leading domestic sugar producer and North America’s first fully integrated cane sugar company, guiding our sugar from farm to table.  We are America’s first and only producer of certified organic sugar, grown and harvested in the United States. Our renewable energy facility is the largest of its kind in North America and provides clean energy that powers our sugar operations, which helps us reduce our use of fossil fuels.  Florida Crystals also sustainably farms rice, sweet corn and other vegetables in rotation with our sugarcane.  Our rice mill is the only rice mill in Florida. 

Overview

As a member of the Human Resources Operations Team, the HR Assistant plays a vital role in advancing the people and organizational agenda at Florida Crystals Corporation This position assists with the daily HR functions to ensure smooth workforce management, compliance with labor regulations, and the promotion of a positive workplace culture. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in an industrial environment. The HR Assistant supports both the HR and Operations teams at the Okeelanta facility, ensuring strict adherence to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. This position is based in an industrial or manufacturing facility. The HR Assistant must be comfortable interacting with production staff, management, and union employees in both office and operational areas. The role may require wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during facility walkthroughs.

Detailed Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide daily administrative support to the Human Resources Department.
• Address employee inquiries related to employment, benefits, payroll, and other HR matters.
• Assist in recruitment processes, including posting job openings, screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and conducting background checks, and medical examinations for union positions.
• Facilitate new hire onboarding and orientation, ensuring all required documentation and safety training are completed.
• Support investigations and resolution of employee relations issues, escalating complex matters to HR management as needed.
• Maintain accurate employee records and manage personnel files and all HR-related administrative records with strict confidentiality.
• Support organizational HR communication initiatives, and contribute to the continuous improvement of HR processes and procedures in alignment with the organization objectives.
• Verify documentation I-9 and assist with compliance audits as required.
• Coordinate employee engagement initiatives and training sessions tailored to operational staff.
• Assist with paperwork to ensure compliance with EEOC, EEO, ADA, FMLA, and COBRA regulations.
• Represent the organization at career fairs, high schools, colleges, and universities to support recruitment efforts.

Work Experience & Skills

• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage emotions to foster a positive organizational climate.
• Proven trustworthiness with highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience in creating and maintaining management reports.
• Proficiency in SAP, EWM, and all Microsoft Office products.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in HR processes.
• Ability to coordinate special projects and events as required.
• Participation in community affairs activities as needed.
• Minimum of one year of experience in Human Resources or related administrative/operations roles.
• Ability to work independently with strategic direction and collaborate with a geographically dispersed workforce.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through to resolve outstanding issues.
• Experience working in a union environment is preferred.
• Team-oriented with a positive attitude, strong customer service orientation, and a focus on delivering outstanding results.
• High energy and persistence to address complex business challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Education Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in an HR support role, preferably within manufacturing, logistics, or industrial operations.
• Knowledge of labor regulations and HR best practices relevant to the industrial sector.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, industrial environment, including occasional visits to plants or warehouse areas.
• Must be able to speak, read, and communicate effectively in both English and Spanish.

Location

• Okeelanta Facility

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.