Prairie Land Electric is dedicated to serving our members by providing safe, reliable energy and education to enhance their quality of life. We are seeking individuals who align with our mission and embody our core values: Safety, Respect, Integrity, Unity, and Accountability. If you share these values and are committed to our mission, we want to hear from you!

At Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, we’re on the lookout for an enthusiastic and dedicated HR/Payroll Specialist who is eager to learn and contribute to our dynamic team. This position is a key role in supporting the PLE mission and obtaining the cooperative’s operational and strategic goals.

The HR/Payroll Specialist will be responsible for all personnel information management, payroll data processing, and benefit information updates. The HR/Payroll Specialist will assist with compliance, including state and federally mandated procedures and processes. This position will require positive working relationships, personal integrity, a high level of confidentiality, and dedication to the cooperative principles.  

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
The following are essential responsibilities of this position and do not include marginal functions that are incidental to the performance of the fundamental job duties. The scope and duties of this position may change or be altered based on the business needs of the cooperative. The basic requirement of every position is to perform all tasks as assigned by the supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

Customer Service

• Deliver world-class service to employees, retirees, and trustees positioning the Human Resource department as a trusted and reliable organizational resource.
• Build and sustain positive, respectful, and cooperative relationships across the organization to support effective collaboration.
• Provide education, information, and assistance for employees, retirees, and trustees regarding pay and benefits.
• Provides and communicates prompt, professional problem resolutions.

Human Resource Database 

• Assists in the administration of the HRIS systems, including UKG-Ready, IVUE Financials, and IVUE Connect Financials. 
• Maintain an up-to-date and accurate employee database.
• Maintain employee and dependent health coverage database for Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance, including issuance of annual form 1095. 
• Initiate enrollments and maintain benefits and deductions through 3rd party sites, including BCBS, NRECA, and WageWorks.

Payroll/Labor 

• Executes all functions related to a bi-weekly payroll, including maintaining and reconciling deductions and benefits.
• Process period-end for the Payroll/Labor module including monthly reconciliation of all PTO accruals, benefits, and deductions between the Payroll/Labor module, vendor billings, and the General Ledger. 
• Administer taxable employee benefits, including personal use of vehicles, group life over 50k, taxable gifts, and other reportable benefits.

Benefits Administration

• Conduct annual open enrollment including coordination with benefit vendors, employees, retirees, and trustees.
• Initiate benefit updates for employees, retirees, and trustees upon eligibility changes due to life events.
• Distribute benefits information to employees, retirees, trustees, COBRA participants, and long-term disability participants to remain compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide retirement benefit estimates upon request.
• Coordinate annual health fair.
• Monitor employees’ years of service and issue service awards per Prairie Land policy.
• Assist the PLE Wellness committee with program coordination and accounting wellness benefits.

CDL Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date CDL and medical certificate records, including tracking expirations, organizing driver files, and conducting annual record reviews; obtain required training and support Operations in meeting Kansas CDL and CMV compliance requirements.

Apprentice Program

• Set up apprentices in the Kansas Department of Labor RAPIDS system.
• Enroll apprentices in Northwest Linemen College, order apprentice books, and assist in administering tests upon request.
• Assist in tracking apprentice on the job training (OJT) hours.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Requirements

• Reliable and consistent attendance during business hours.
• Must be able to practice the highest level of confidentiality of personnel information.
• Must have the ability to focus and possess great attention to detail.
• Develop and maintain foundational knowledge of applicable HR and payroll regulations and apply established guidelines under the direction of the HR Manager.
• Must be able to travel, sometimes overnight, to different locations for training, meetings and conferences.
• Occasional overtime may be required to meet department objectives and goals.

Education and Experience:

Required: Associate degree in a human resources or business?related field and two years of experience in the field, or four years of experience in human resources or payroll administration. Must be able to obtain a Federal ID.me profile to access required databases for regulatory filings.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a human resources or business?related field and four years of experience. Experience in the cooperative business model, Kansas Notary Public appointment, and Human Resource certifications. 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Works in a climate-controlled office environment. Noise levels are low with occasional heightened phone activity. Physical exertion is minimal. Normal activity requires sitting, standing, or walking. Lifting is limited to the normal office routine, and items carried or lifted generally range from 1 to 20 pounds. To successfully carry out the duties of the position, the use of computer equipment, calculators, and copiers is required. Occasional travel by automobile or airplane is necessary.   

About Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned rural electric cooperative serving over 24,000 members in parts of 18 Northern Kansas Counties. Headquartered in Norton, Kansas, Prairie Land Electric's 84 employees maintain and operate approximately 7,000 miles of line. The mission of Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc. is: To improve the quality of life for our members and support our communities by providing safe, reliable energy services and education. We strive to uphold our Core Values of Safety, Respect, Integrity, Unity and Accountability.

Connections working at Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc.