HR Specialist in Wailuku, Hawaii at Pacific Whale Foundation

About Pacific Whale Foundation & PacWhale Eco-Tours

Pacific Whale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to protecting the ocean through science and advocacy. Since 1980, we have made a significant impact on marine environments and wildlife across the Pacific region, including Hawaii, Japan, and Australia. Our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship and promote ocean conservation.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay with potential earnings through commission sales (role dependent)
• Comprehensive benefits including PTO, health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and much more for eligible employees
• Free Eco-Tours and discounted friends & family rates

About the role:
The Human Resources Specialist coordinates and administers day-to-day HR services for PacWhale Eco-Adventures and Pacific Whale Foundation. Working under the general direction of the HR Director, this position follows established processes in Rippling to carry out routine workflows across recruitment, employee lifecycle activities, benefits, HR systems, and compliance coordination. The Specialist keeps employee information accurate, monitors automated processes, follows up on exceptions, and provides responsive support to employees and managers.

Success in this role requires initiative, organization, proactive communication, and reliable follow-through. Policy interpretations, employee relations matters, and HR decisions outside established procedures are referred to the HR Director.

Qualifications

• At least three years of relevant experience in HR administration, operations, or coordination across multiple HR functions.

• Hands-on experience with recruitment coordination, onboarding, benefits and leave processes, employee records, or HR information systems.

• Strong organization, accurate recordkeeping, professional written and verbal communication, discretion with confidential information, and a service-oriented approach.

• Comfort using HR technology and business software; ability to learn new systems quickly and follow up on issues until resolved.

Preferred: Rippling or comparable HRIS experience; familiarity with Hawaiʻi employment practices; experience supporting an operational workforce or a small HR team; relevant education or HR certification.

Work is performed primarily in an office setting and involves extended computer use. The role may include occasional visits to harbor, retail, and other operational locations. Additional hours may occasionally be needed during peak hiring periods, with overtime paid in accordance with applicable law.

The expected pay range is $28.85 to $32.69 per hour, based on qualifications and experience. This position is hourly and nonexempt, and it is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable law. Eligible employees have access to medical and dental plan options, a retirement savings plan, paid time off, and employee assistance resources, subject to plan terms and eligibility.

Employment is contingent on successful completion of applicable pre-employment checks. Any inquiry into conviction records takes place only after a conditional offer of employment, consistent with Hawaiʻi law.

PacWhale Eco-Adventures and Pacific Whale Foundation are equal opportunity employers. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and hiring process.

This description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties may change with organizational needs and HR system capabilities, with or without written notice.