HR Assistant Position at Friends of the Earth – Washington, DC (hybrid role with $27.18 to $29.23 per hour)
Overview of the HR Assistant Role
Friends of the Earth, a progressive environmental advocacy organization, is hiring an HR Assistant to support its Administration & Culture department.
Based in Washington, District of Columbia, this is a full-time hybrid position designed for early-career professionals seeking experience in human resources and nonprofit operations.
The organization is part of Friends of the Earth International, a federation working across more than 70 countries to address urgent environmental and social justice challenges. The HR Assistant role contributes directly to ensuring smooth internal operations that support this global mission.
About Friends of the Earth and Its Mission
Friends of the Earth is an environmental organization focused on protecting the planet while advancing social justice and equitable economic systems. For over five decades, it has worked at the intersection of environmental protection, economic policy, and human rights.
The organization’s approach emphasizes systemic change, advocating for policies that challenge environmental degradation and social inequality. Its work spans climate justice, biodiversity protection, sustainable development, and corporate accountability.
The HR Assistant role supports this mission by ensuring that internal people operations are efficient, organized, and aligned with the organization’s values of inclusion and accountability.
Key Responsibilities of the HR Assistant
The HR Assistant provides essential administrative and operational support across the employee lifecycle. The role focuses on maintaining accurate records, supporting HR processes, and enhancing employee experience within the organization.
HR Operations and Administrative Support
The HR Assistant supports day-to-day HR operations, including:
- Providing administrative assistance to the Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Coordinating meetings, scheduling, and document preparation
- Assisting with HR calendaring and internal workflow improvements
- Supporting HR projects through documentation and coordination tasks
- Managing HR SharePoint systems, ensuring proper organization and confidentiality
This function ensures that HR processes run smoothly and efficiently across the organization.
HR Information Systems and Records Management
A core responsibility of the role involves maintaining accurate employee records and supporting HR information systems (HRIS). This includes:
- Processing employee changes such as role updates, compensation adjustments, and personal information updates
- Maintaining secure and organized personnel files
- Generating standard HR reports, including headcount and anniversary tracking
- Assisting with benefits and compensation administration through data entry and reporting
Attention to detail and data accuracy are essential in this area, as HR records support compliance and organizational planning.
Employee Support and Internal Communications
The HR Assistant serves as a key point of contact for employee inquiries related to HR policies and processes. Responsibilities include:
- Responding to general HR questions with professionalism and confidentiality
- Supporting internal HR communications such as announcements and reminders
- Assisting with planning and coordination of HR-related events and activities
This role helps strengthen communication between employees and the HR team, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
Recruitment and Hiring Support
The position also supports recruitment activities, ensuring smooth hiring processes across departments. Duties include:
- Posting job openings internally and externally
- Supporting hiring managers with recruitment logistics
- Assisting with applicant tracking and coordination tasks
This ensures consistency and efficiency in attracting and onboarding new talent.
Required Skills and Qualifications
The HR Assistant role is designed for early-career professionals with foundational experience in HR or administrative environments.
Minimum requirements include:
- 1–3 years of experience in HR, administration, or related fields
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
- High attention to detail and confidentiality standards
- Experience managing calendars and scheduling
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with HR tools or systems
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
- Ability to travel to the Washington, DC office at least two days per month
These requirements reflect the need for a reliable and detail-oriented professional capable of supporting multiple HR functions simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
While not required, the following qualifications are considered advantageous:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- Experience with HRIS or applicant tracking systems (such as BambooHR)
- Basic understanding of HR compliance processes
- Strong customer service or employee support experience
These additional qualifications may enhance a candidate’s ability to contribute effectively from the outset.
Compensation and Employee Benefits
Friends of the Earth offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $27.18 to $29.23 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
In addition to compensation, the organization provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance. Key benefits include:
- A 37.5-hour work week to promote balance
- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (including partial coverage for dependents)
- Disability and life insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
- Generous paid time off, including:
- 25 vacation days
- 15 paid holidays
- 20 sick days
- 3 floating holidays
- Summer Fridays and a winter holiday office closure
- Parental leave and sabbatical opportunities
- Professional development and IT support stipends
- Education reimbursement and employee assistance programs
These benefits reflect a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional growth, and long-term retention.
Work Environment and Organizational Culture
The HR Assistant role is hybrid, combining remote work with occasional in-office attendance in Washington, DC. The position requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic nonprofit environment.
Friends of the Earth is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women and people of color. The organization prioritizes equity and inclusion both internally and in its global advocacy work.
As an equal opportunity employer, Friends of the Earth emphasizes fair hiring practices and a respectful workplace culture grounded in environmental and social justice values.
Conclusion
The HR Assistant position at Friends of the Earth offers an entry-level opportunity to build a career in human resources within a mission-driven environmental organization. The role combines administrative support, employee engagement, and HR systems management in a fast-paced nonprofit setting.
For candidates interested in environmental advocacy, organizational culture, and people operations, this position provides a pathway to contribute to meaningful global work while developing foundational HR expertise.
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