HR & Benefits Specialist POST NUMBER: 450590
Job Title: HR & Benefits Specialist – Union Experience Required
Location: Somerville, NJ – Onsite
Job Type: Full-Time
Industry: Construction
We are seeking a skilled and knowledgeable HR & Benefits Specialist with hands-on experience in unionized environments. This role is critical to supporting human resources operations, managing union-related benefits, and ensuring compliance with all applicable collective bargaining agreements.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of union contracts, health & welfare benefits, pension plans, and union-specific HR processes. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment with a company that values integrity, fairness, and accountability.
- Administer and manage union benefit programs, including health, welfare, pension, and annuity plans
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all union-related HR matters, including contract interpretation and employee inquiries
- Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), federal/state labor laws, and internal policies
- Support labor relations functions and assist with grievance resolution and contract negotiations
- Maintain accurate records of employee eligibility, benefit enrollments, and contribution reporting
- Collaborate with payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions and remittance to union funds
- Assist in the onboarding and offboarding of union employees, ensuring proper documentation and benefit transitions
- Partner with union reps and internal stakeholders to ensure positive working relationships
- Monitor changes in union benefit plans and advise management accordingly
- Participate in audits and reporting related to union plans and HR compliance
- 3 years of experience in HR or benefits administration, with a strong focus on union environments
- Solid understanding of union benefits, including multiemployer plans and trust fund reporting
- Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and union HR procedures
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., ADP, UKG, Paycom, etc.)
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
- Experience working with multi-union workforces
- Knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, and ACA as they pertain to union benefit plans
- Bilingual (Spanish or another language) is a plus
We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement plan contributions. Specific union-related benefit details will be provided upon interview.
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
EEO Notice
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.