Position Title: Benefits Specialist
Position Summary
As Equinox Gold continues to grow, we are seeking a Benefits Specialist to join our team. This role is critical to delivering a positive employee experience, supporting workforce retention, and ensuring employees have access to the benefits resources and information needed throughout their employment lifecycle.
You will also administer employee benefit programs and ensure accurate and timely pay for a workforce that includes mine-site employees, shift workers, salaried staff, and employees in remote locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.
- Administer ancillary benefit programs such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, and pet insurance.
- Coordinate annual open enrollment activities.
- Resolve claim issues and enrollment discrepancies.
- Coordinate leave and disability programs for occupational and nonoccupational injuries and illnesses.
- Support programs related to occupational health, wellness, and employee assistance services.
- Oversee the preparation and processing of biweekly payrolls.
- Review payroll data for accuracy before final submission.
- Ensure proper calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, deductions, and taxes.
- Verify timekeeping and attendance records.
- Work closely with the finance department to reconcile payroll accounts and general ledger transactions.
- Supervise, train, and mentor payroll staff.
- Develop and maintain payroll procedures and internal controls.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations affecting benefits programs.
- Maintain required documentation and conduct audits of benefits data.
- Prepare reports related to benefit participation, costs, and trends.
- Explain benefit options and eligibility requirements.
- Respond to employee questions regarding medical coverage, retirement plans, leave programs, and claims.
- Conduct new-hire benefit orientations and employee education sessions.
Required Experience & Skills
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in human resources, payroll, and benefits.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in the mining industry.
- Strong understanding of benefits regulations and compliance requirements.
- Familiarity with payroll regulations, payroll systems, and HRIS platforms.
- Strong leadership and employee relations capabilities.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
- Working knowledge of U.S. and Nevada employment and labor laws.
- Effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Familiarity with data protection regulations and protocols.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
- Must possess a valid driver's license
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business, or a related field.
