Human Resources Intern

POSITION: Human Resources Intern

REPORTS TO: HR Generalist

HOW TO APPLY: Submit resume, Letter of Interest and Unofficial Transcripts to the email address shown after clicking on the “Learn How to Apply” button below

STATEMENT OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION: Operation Fresh Start is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Operation Fresh Start is committed to building a community of equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ groups, sexual minority groups and any other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of other’s life experiences and perspectives.

ORGANIZATION/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Our Vision:  All youth ages 16–24 are assets in our community.

Our Mission: Operation Fresh Start empowers emerging adults on a path to self-sufficiency through education, mentoring and employment training. OFS programs offer youth and young adults opportunities to gain meaningful, supported work experience, earn a high school diploma or occupational credential, and continue on to higher education and/or self-sustaining employment.

ABOUT OPERATION FRESH START: OFS programs are designed for a critical time in life: the transition to adulthood. They provide a path forward for emerging adults through mentoring, education, and employment training. OFS program participants earn their high school diploma, driver’s license, certifications in the construction and conservation fields, and gain college/career readiness skills. Program participants are all also giving back to the community – building affordable homes for low-income families, completing conservation projects and environmental justice work in city and county parks. After program completion, OFS staff continue to support program graduates as they transition into post-secondary education and/or self-sustaining employment.

PURPOSE: We are seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented HR Intern to join our Human Resources team. This role is ideal for a student or early‑career professional looking to gain hands‑on experience in HR operations, employee engagement, HR Policies, and compliance. The HR Intern will work closely with HR staff to support daily administrative tasks and contribute to meaningful HR projects.

HOURS: This position has some opportunity for flexible scheduling M-F.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This is an on-site position located at 2670 Milwaukee St, Madison, WI, 53704 with a typical office environment setting.

COMPENSATION: Unpaid Internship

What We Offer: Hands-on experience in professional HR setting.  Exposure to multiple HR disciplines.  Mentorship from a HR Professional.  Opportunity to contribute to real HR projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Records & HR Operations

• Support the maintenance and internal auditing of employee files (digital and physical)
• Assist in updating HR databases, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality
• Help track HR metrics such as PTO and training completion
• Provide general administrative support to the HR team
• Support surveys and feedback collection, including data summarization

Compliance & HR Policies

• Assist with updating HR documents, templates, and SOPs
• Help with research related to labor laws, HR best practices, and policy development
• Support compliance with organization procedures during internal audits and documentation processes

Other Duties

• Opportunity to identify and recommend areas for personal and professional growth

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational ability
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Interest in HR as a career path