People Operations Coordinator

MountainTrue is a non-profit organization that works with communities across 26 mountain counties in Western North Carolina and North Georgia and champions resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities. We are committed to keeping our mountain region a beautiful place to live, work and play. Our members protect our forests, clean up our rivers, plan vibrant and livable communities, and advocate for a sound and sustainable future for all.

MountainTrue is seeking a highly motivated People Operations Coordinator to join our River Clean-Up team. The People Operations Coordinator is primarily administrative in nature, focused on coordinating processes, maintaining accurate records, supporting staff throughout the employment lifecycle, and escalating issues as appropriate. The ideal candidate for this role will have at least 1 year of foundational Human Resources/People Operations experience, preferably with payroll and onboarding experience.

What we offer:

• 20 vacation days per year
• 12 holidays per year
• 12 sick days (96 hours) per year
• a paid two-month sabbatical after five years of employment
• health dental and vision insurances
• a simple IRA with an employer contribution of up to 3%

Position Summary

Reporting to the River Clean-Up Operations Manager, the People Operations Coordinator provides administrative and operational support for human resources and payroll functions for MountainTrue’s River Clean-Up program. The role works closely with Team Leaders, the Program Assistant, the Logistics Manager, the Director of Finance, and external HR and payroll partners to support compliant, consistent, and mission-aligned people operations. The role does not interpret policy or serve as the final authority on employee relations or compliance matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources Support

• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring activities for River Clean-Up staff, in accordance with established policies and applicable employment laws
• Coordinate and administer onboarding and orientation for all River Clean-Up staff
• Maintain electronic and physical employee files, including tracking and updating records, forms, and required documentation, while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with recordkeeping requirements.
• Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions, directing more complex issues to the Operations Manager or external HR partners
• Coordinate benefits administration activities with brokers and vendors, including enrollments, waivers, terminations, and open enrollment
• Support workers’ compensation administration, including documentation, reporting, and coordination with insurance partners and leadership
• Assist with compliance-related tracking and documentation in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements
  
  

Payroll Support

• Support payroll processing for River Clean-Up staff using MountainTrue’s payroll system
• Audit employee timesheets for accuracy and policy alignment prior to biweekly approval by the River Clean-Up Operations Manager
• Track and communicate with staff regarding time-off requests and balances, ensuring accurate recording through collaboration with supervisors to complete review procedures as needed.
• Maintain working knowledge of payroll processes and deadlines to support timely and accurate payroll administration, year-end preparation and W-2 audits
  
  

Communication and Coordination

• Provide routine updates to the River Clean-Up Operations Manager regarding people operations activities, issues, and progress
• Relay staffing needs, scheduling considerations, and administrative concerns from Team Leaders and crew members to management
• Maintain assigned administrative records, including property access agreements, in accordance with program procedures
  
  

Safety and Compliance Support

• Follow and support established safety standards and organizational policies
• Assist with insurance-related documentation and reporting as assigned
• Escalate safety, compliance, or risk-related concerns to appropriate leadership
  
  

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with regular use of a computer and other standard office equipment, and periodic field or job-site presence. The position may require prolonged periods of sitting or standing; frequent use of a computer, including visual acuity sufficient to read screens, review documents, and enter data; and effective verbal and written communication.

An in-person presence is generally required to support program operations; however, limited remote work may be approved on a case-by-case basis based on operational needs and job responsibilities.

The role may also involve periodic local travel to job sites and program locations, including driving, walking on uneven terrain, navigating outdoor environments, and moving about work sites as needed to support program operations. Occasional lifting or carrying of materials weighing up to 25 pounds may be required.

MountainTrue is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable laws.

An in-person presence is generally required to support program operations; however, limited remote work may be approved on a case-by-case basis based on operational needs and job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience supporting payroll processing and/or timekeeping
• At least 1 year of administrative experience supporting human resources functions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel to job sites and program locations as required.
  
  

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for this role is $27/hour and full-time (32 to 40 hours per week). A flexible schedule may be required to meet the needs of Debris Clean-Up projects. This position is eligible for MountainTrue benefits, including health insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick leave, jury duty, and bereavement leave), and participation in the organization’s retirement plan.