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Position Title:
Human Resources Associate
Reports To:
Human Resources Manager
Department:
Human Resources
Location:
NYC Midtown Manhattan
Work Arrangement:
Hybrid; in office at least 3 days per week with flexibility to work from home up to 2 days, and in accordance with business needs
Work Hours:
9:30 – 5:30, Monday - Friday
Salary:
$67,000
About the Open Space Institute
The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats climate change, while curbing its devastating effects. OSI has an operating budget of $59 million, of which $39 million is derived through philanthropy, and is engaged in several multi-year campaigns and initiatives to support its mission.
Position Overview
The Human Resources Associate is a newly created role, reflecting OSI’s recent growth - staffing has expanded significantly over the past 18 months and will reach 85 employees by year’s end, across 10+ jurisdictions. The organization’s growth brings exciting challenges and opportunities on the HR side, making this the perfect time to join the team.
As the Human Resources Associate at the Open Space Institute (OSI), you will play a key role in supporting all facets of talent management, payroll, benefits, and organizational culture. Reporting directly to the Manager of Human Resources, you will be integral in ensuring smooth operations and ultimately enhancing the overall employee experience.
Primary/Essential Responsibilities & Duties
Payroll Administration
- Prepare and submit semi-monthly payroll.
- Review timecards, resolve exceptions, and update employee data (new hires, salary changes, tax jurisdictions, retirement contributions, benefit deductions).
- Process reimbursements, overtime, and supplemental pay.
- Conduct payroll previews and audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinate with appropriate staff to verify payroll data and liaise with PEO for support.
General HR Administration
- Provide administrative support for new hire orientations, onboarding tasks, and I-9 documentation.
- Respond to basic employee HR questions and refer complex matters to senior staff.
- Assist with scheduling and coordinating external HR vendors, consultants, and agencies.
- Support the offboarding process by preparing materials and updating records.
- Provide clerical support for performance management activities (e.g., reminders, document tracking).
- Maintain personnel files and update employee information in HR systems.
- Assist with leave administration by preparing forms, tracking requests, and updating records.
- Help review and organize HR invoices and credit card expenses for submission to Finance.
- Draft and distribute routine HR communications as directed.
- Perform other administrative HR tasks as assigned.
- In collaboration with the HR Manager, keep labor law posters and other required postings up-to-date in each jurisdiction, and maintain compliance of Employee Handbook and employee files.
Talent Acquisition
- Assist with recruitment processes such as posting jobs, reviewing resumes, scheduling interviews, and communicating with candidates.
- Coordinate with hiring managers to arrange interviews and gather feedback.
- Help maintain candidate files and ensure applicant tracking systems are updated.
- Provide administrative support for recruitment reports and metrics.
This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Commitment to OSI’s mission, vision, and values in land protection and conservation.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel files.
- Effective written and verbal communication, with strong listening skills.
- Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Collaborative and collegial working style, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, Planner).
- Undergraduate degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and 1–2 years of HR or administrative experience (internships accepted).
- Authorization to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to recruitment processes and applicant tracking systems.
- Basic understanding of payroll processes; experience with payroll systems.
- Familiarity with HR Information Systems and maintaining employee data.
- General knowledge of leave and benefits administration.
- Prior experience in the nonprofit sector.
- Knowledge of conservation issues or experience supporting environmental causes.
Location & Physical Requirements
- This position is based out of our midtown New York office
- Hybrid work arrangement with at least three days per week in office expected weekly
- Frequently sits for long periods of time
- Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard
- May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, and bending
Please note: If you do not wholly meet the above qualifications but believe you are otherwise well-suited to meet the needs of this position, we encourage you to apply.
Application
Apply here! Provide your resume and cover letter that includes where you learned of the position. Applications without a cover letter are not likely to be considered.
We will be actively reviewing applications on a rolling basis from the time of posting in November 2025, with earlier submissions receiving priority consideration. Please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in the role. We will contact you if we would like to schedule an interview.
This is a full-time position requiring 37.5 hours per week within regular business hours, typically 9:30am - 5:30pm, with one half-hour meal break. The role involves working onsite at our midtown Manhattan office at least three days per week.
Pay for this position is $67,000. The recruiting team is committed to sharing details regarding compensation based on the candidate's qualifications during the interview process.
OSI is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize that our conservation mission is best advanced by the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and cultures. We are committed to cultivating and retaining a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters belonging.
OSI offers accommodations for individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
Consistent with New York State law, OSI does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, height, weight, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
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