Job Description
Job DescriptionHR Generalist / Payroll (Temporary – Leave Coverage)
Sonoma County, CA | Temporary – Approx. 3 Months | $100,000 – $110,000 Annualized
About the Opportunity
Our client is a well-established Sonoma County winery with a strong legacy and a collaborative culture. They are seeking an experienced HR Generalist with hands-on payroll experience to provide coverage during a leave of absence. This is a fully standalone role with broad responsibility across all core HR and payroll functions — ideal for a self-sufficient professional who can step in quickly, learn existing processes, and keep operations running seamlessly.
Key Responsibilities
Human Resources
• Serve as the day-to-day HR point of contact for all employees and managers
• Manage employee relations matters including performance coaching, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution
• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure a smooth employee experience
• Administer leave of absence programs including FMLA, CFRA, and other state and federal leaves
• Ensure compliance with California employment law and applicable federal regulations
• Support recruiting efforts including job postings, screening, and coordination with hiring managers
• Maintain accurate HRIS records and employee files
• Provide HR guidance to supervisors on policies, procedures, and best practices
Payroll
• Process bi-weekly or semi-monthly payroll for hourly and salaried employees using systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Paychex Flex, Rippling, or similar
• Ensure accurate timekeeping data collection and approval workflows prior to each payroll cycle
• Handle payroll for a mixed workforce including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees
• Administer garnishments, deductions, and voluntary benefit withholdings
• Reconcile payroll registers and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
• Coordinate with accounting/finance to ensure proper coding and GL posting of payroll entries
• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and direct deposit
• Generate payroll reports as requested by management
Qualifications
• 5+ years of combined HR Generalist and payroll experience — candidates must be comfortable owning both functions independently
• Strong working knowledge of California employment law, including wage and hour rules — this is a must
• Hands-on payroll processing experience; not just oversight — must be able to run payroll start to finish
• Experience with a mixed workforce including seasonal and agricultural employees strongly preferred
• Proficiency with HRIS/payroll platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, Paychex Flex, Rippling, or comparable systems
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred given workforce demographics
• Ability to onboard quickly, work independently, and maintain continuity with minimal transition time
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or CPP certification a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
Compensation & Details
• Pay Rate: $100,000 – $110,000 annualized (hourly equivalent based on 40-hour week)
• Duration: Approximately 3 months — leave coverage assignment
• Location: On-site in Sonoma County — remote work not available for this role
• Start: Immediately available candidates preferred
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply promptly — this search is active and moving quickly.