People Operations Specialist Jobs in Maryland

Position Overview

The HR Specialist serves as a key partner to branch and operational leaders, providing hands-on HR support across assigned regions. This role focuses on executing core HR programs, resolving employee relations issues, supporting frontline leaders, and ensuring consistent, compliant HR practices in a multi-state, field-based environment.

This position acts as a strong extension of the HR function in the field—translating HR strategy into practical application—while partnering closely with HR leadership and Centers of Excellence (Recruiting, Training, HR Operations).

Key Responsibilities

Field HR Support & Execution

• Serve as the primary day-to-day HR contact for assigned branches or regions
• Support implementation of HR programs, policies, and initiatives in the field
• Ensure consistency in HR practices across locations
• Partner with branch leaders to address workforce challenges in real time

Employee Relations & Issue Resolution

• Handle routine to moderately complex employee relations matters (performance, attendance, conduct, policy questions)
• Conduct investigations and document findings
• Provide guidance to managers on appropriate corrective actions
• Escalate complex or high-risk issues to HR leadership as needed

Frontline Leadership Support

• Coach supervisors and branch managers on:
• Performance management basics
• Employee communication and conflict resolution
• Policy application and documentation
• Reinforce leadership expectations and consistency across teams

Talent & Workforce Support

• Partner with Recruiting on hiring needs, especially for high-volume and seasonal roles
• Support onboarding execution and early employee experience
• Monitor turnover and identify basic retention opportunities
• Assist in identifying and developing high-potential employee

Performance Management Execution

• Support managers with performance documentation and improvement plans
• Ensure timely and consistent use of performance management processes
• Reinforce accountability aligned with operational metrics

Compliance & HR Operations Support

• Ensure adherence to company policies and multi-state employment laws
• Partner with HR Operations on audits, documentation, and reporting
• Support proper use of HR systems (UKG) for employee data, timekeeping, and reporting

HR Data & Reporting

• Pull and review basic workforce data (turnover, attendance, overtime trends)
• Identify patterns and flag concerns to HR leadership
• Support data accuracy within HR systems

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Support engagement initiatives at the branch level
• Help identify drivers of employee turnover and morale issues
• Reinforce company culture and values across locations

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 4–7+ years of progressive HR experience
• Strong employee relations and compliance experience
• Experience supporting hourly or field-based workforces
• Ability to travel to branch locations (approximately 25%)

Preferred

• Experience in lawn care, landscaping, construction, or similar service industry
• Experience in multi-state environments
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP)
• Experience with UKG or similar HRIS

Key Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and execution skills
• Ability to build trust with frontline leaders
• Practical, hands-on approach to HR
• Sound judgment in employee relations situations
• Organizational and follow-through discipline
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Virginia Green is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or other legally protected status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Pay

• $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location

• In person