Job Details

Nelson ygaard Consulting Associates is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and organized Human Resources Coordinator to join our team in either our Portland, OR or Boston, MA office. In this role you will serve as a trusted partner, proactively anticipating needs and providing critical support to the HR Manager and colleagues across the firm. Your primary focus will be enhancing the employee experience through onboarding, human resources support projects and tasks, and maintaining accurate databases and spreadsheets. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, is great at problem solving, is a critical thinker, and has exceptional communications skills. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are passionate about supporting people and processes, we'd love to hear from you!

About Us

Nelson ygaard has led the transportation planning field for more than 35 years with a values‑driven approach. We've always been guided by the principle of putting people first—designing transportation systems for people, not just cars. This principle also extends to how we operate as a firm. We were founded by two women who believed in the benefits of a more egalitarian workplace, where leadership and creativity can blossom at all levels and where diversity is a core strength. Today, we are 170 talented and dedicated people in 15 offices across the U.S. and Canada who continue to live by those values. What unites us at Nelson ygaard is our steadfast commitment to make the world more just, more sustainable, more connected, and more beautiful.Nelson ygaard offers a dynamic and self‑directed work environment that is fast‑paced, congenial, and supportive. This is your opportunity to work with one of the most innovative groups of planners and engineers in North America, including highly talented junior and support staff. Our firm culture is built upon diversity and creativity.

About You

• You're resourceful, curious, and communicate proactively.
• You bring energy and a commitment to do great work, together.
• You have knowledge of HR requirements and regulations in Canada and/or the U.S.
• You are a creative problem‑solver who can streamline HR workflows and introduce technology‑driven improvements.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for the Human Resources Manager in all aspects of HR, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, employee recognition, record keeping, and administration.
• Support the hiring process through recruitment ad placement, researching and sourcing potential candidates for job opportunities, coordinating interviews, and supporting offer letters.
• Maintain the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) database.
• Assist the Human Resources Manager with onboarding coordination, staff integration plans, and new hire orientation.
• Respond to employment verification requests.
• Support and engage employees to help enhance the employee experience.
• Field benefit, payroll, and general employee inquiries.
• Stay organized and plan accordingly to execute tasks.
• Complete special projects assigned, including conducting salary market research to support compensation strategies.

Qualifications And Requirements

Above all, we are looking for someone who:

• Is an inquisitive self‑starter and a natural problem solver.
• Is detail‑oriented, process‑driven, and organized.
• Is service oriented and an excellent communicator with great interpersonal skills who fosters positive relationships even in virtual settings.
• Has a commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse staff.
• Has exceptional capability to learn and quickly put new skills into play.
• Has the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrates strong ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
• Has strong computer skills, especially with the MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); graphic skills are desirable.
• Has a demonstrated ability to improve HR processes through creative thinking, innovation, and the effective use of new technologies.
• Has experience with Canadian employment law, including compliance and regulatory requirements (preferred, but not required).
• Has interest in growing their Human Resources career.
• Flexibility to work across many time zones and offices.

Candidates Must Also Have

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in human resources or a related field
• SHRM certification or PHR (preferred, not required)

Salary And Benefits

The annual salary for this position depends on location, qualifications, and years of experience.

Salary Range

• Boston: $68,595 - $87,649
• Portland: $66,597 - $85,097

Nelson ygaard offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, STD, LTD, life insurance, pre‑tax transit and bicycling benefit, a 401k program, and paid time off. Additionally, we offer opportunities for in‑person collaboration and flexibility for work from home up to three (3) days per week.

Applying for the Position

• Cover letter
• Resume

At Nelson ygaard we believe that inclusion spurs creativity, and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people and ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status, we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities. We're committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to hear from anyone who is passionate about our work.