Human Resources Associate

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is a government contracting firm which specializes in fisheries and oceanographic staff augmentation work. OAI is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Human Resources Associate.  The Human Resources Associate will report to the company president and perform human resource responsibilities for a 150-employee women-owned small business government contractor.  Areas of responsibility include hiring and terminations, employee benefits selection and administration, federal and multi-state employment law research, tracking and compliance, navigating diverse employee needs including workplace issues and leave requests, workplace safety and workers compensation administration, all areas of payroll oversight, work within company’s portal in ADP including personnel records.  The ideal candidate will have prior experience working with compliance requirements for a government contracting firm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research various compliance requirements for all states (approximately 30) in which OAI has employees, including areas of employment law, employment tax law, workers compensation, ADA, medical and family leave, employee benefits, state registrations, federal government contracting requirements, etc.


• Verify OAI’s compliance with Federal (including government contracting) and state requirements. Work with the Director of Finance to set up appropriate processes, payments, and reporting to ensure continued compliance. 


• Ensure compliance with pay transparency laws, last paycheck laws, pay data reports, EITC notices, etc.


• Work with OAI’s insurance broker to select benefit plans.


• Respond to employee questions regarding leave accommodations, benefits, workplace issues, workplace injuries. 


• Work with employees, project managers, insurance companies (WC or personal), etc., to ensure best possible outcomes for employee leave, injury, or illness.


• Track requirements for, prepare, and submit reports including EEOC, VETS, PCORI, 5500, OEWS, OSHA, etc. 


• Review employee training requirements. Prepare, and/or select and preview training materials. Track, document, and maintain records on employee compliance with various policies and training.


• Monitor and report on any HR procedures with legal requirements.


• Update, add to, and modify, as needed Employee Manual and other necessary or desirable company policies.


• Work with company Program Managers to update and modify, telework agreements for all employees. 


• Other administrative tasks as needed. 

Start Date: ASAP

Work Hours: 40 hours/week

Location: Work will be performed remotely

Salary Range: $120,000-$140,000

Benefits: This is a full-time position with excellent benefits. 

Required Skills /Education/ Certifications & Qualifications:

• Bachelors in business, HR, social sciences or related field. 


• Knowledge of Federal and state labor law.


• Ability to develop custom reports and prepare statistical and narrative reports.


• Organizational skills which enable tracking and meeting specific deadlines.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.


• Experience in diverse HR duties.


• Support Business Development as needed.


• Strong writing skills.


• Experience with Project Management software (Unanet) and Payroll software (ADP)


• Certifications (e.g., PHR/SPHR) is nice-to-have

Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:

• Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education.


• Education level.


• Previous experience or training with similar requirements.


• Three professional references. 


• Include your name in the document file name.


• Upload your resume in readable (not scanned) PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred). 

• NOTE: A cover letter that describes how your skills, experience and education meet the required qualifications of the position must be included with your resume when submitting the application and is mandatory.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. Ocean Associates Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. 

OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to self-identify their race, gender, national origin, disability status and veteran status. The information is collected anonymously by computer and is not connected to your application. You will see a place to check certain boxes in OAI's online application. Even though the information is anonymous, self-identification is voluntary. You can always check the box that says you decline to self-identify. 

Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work, we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application.