Job Title:
Human Resources Generalist
Company: Vangst
Location: Cortland, NY
Created: 2026-03-14
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Position Overview Our Client is seeking a dynamic and people-focused HR Generalist to support and elevate the full spectrum of Human Resources operations with a strong emphasis on talent acquisition. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy and service: balancing compliance and data precision with authentic employee connection. Success in this role means building trust across teams, streamlining HR processes, strengthening culture, and ensuring every stage of the employee lifecycle is handled with professionalism, empathy, and operational excellence. Youll serve as both a strategic partner and a highly approachable resource for leaders and employees alike. What Youll Lead & Support Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning Partner with leadership to develop and execute creative, values-aligned recruitment strategies Provide guidance on hiring best practices and continuously improve recruiting processes Manage company recruiting platforms and job postings Collaborate with managers to craft compelling job descriptions and engaging job advertisements Guide departments through the full hiring lifecycle: screening, interview scheduling, interview prep, background/reference checks, and offer management Manage both high-volume hiring and specialized recruitment needs Partner with Marketing to create engaging recruiting collateral and represent Our Client at job fairs and hiring events Employee Experience & Performance Facilitate engaging onboarding experiences that introduce culture, expectations, and growth opportunities Conduct 30-day and 90-day check-ins to ensure successful integration Serve as a trusted resource for employee questions and concerns Advise managers on compliance, employee relations, and performance management best practices Coordinate and track 90-day and annual performance evaluations to ensure timely completion Support disciplinary processes, investigations, and terminations when needed HR Operations & Compliance Maintain compliant and organized personnel records Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement initiatives Complete Workers Compensation payroll audits Manage employee lifecycle documentation (promotions, pay changes, terminations, etc.) Support payroll and 401(k) administration Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold the highest ethical standards What Makes You Successful Here Highly adaptable with the ability to pivot in a fast-paced environment Strong communicator with exceptional interpersonal and conflict resolution skills Detail-oriented with outstanding organizational and time management abilities Analytical and solution-driven mindset Ability to prioritize effectively and manage multiple projects simultaneously Deep understanding of NYS and federal employment law Proficiency in Google Suite and ability to quickly learn HRIS systems Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelors degree strongly preferred 3+ years of progressive HR experience 3+ years of Talent Acquisition experience SHRM-CP or PHR certification preferred Core Expectations Sound Judgment Take ownership of responsibilities and decisions Align actions with business priorities and company values Problem Solving Proactively identify challenges and present thoughtful solutions Communicate clearly and transparently Continuous Growth Embrace feedback and remain coachable Seek new ways to improve processes and outcomes Flexibility Support cross-functional needs as business priorities evolve Our Clients Core Values Selfless Collaboration We succeed as one team and prioritize collective success. Data-Driven, Nimble Problem Solvers We think critically, embrace challenges, and use data to guide decisions. Real Integrity We build trust through honesty, accountability, and consistency. Driven, Passionate Innovators We love what we do and continuously push to improve ourselves and the business. Positive Mindset We bring energy, resilience, and a solutions-focused attitude to our work. Built for Long-Term Success Structure, accountability, and professionalism are foundational to how we operate and grow. About Vangst: Vangst is the cannabis industry's hiring platform. Vangst helps cannabis companies find the talent they need to grow their business. From on-demand gig workers to trained & credential full-time employees, Vangst has built the industry's go-to talent marketplace for all cannabis hiring. Vangst is proud to work with 1,200+ of the cannabis industry's leading businesses. Since raising their seed round in 2018, Vangst has become one of the fastest growing companies in the cannabis industry and was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. Today, over 300,000 people have full-time jobs in the cannabis industry and this number is expected to triple over the next five years. Vangst is on a mission to fill every job in the cannabis industry. Vangst's headquarters is in Denver, CO. Vangst is a Series B company and backed by Lerer Hippeau, Colle Capital, Level One Fund, Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital, and others. Vangst provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.