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The Role
Oasia Farms is looking for an experienced Fractional HR Specialist to own the day-to-day HR operations of a growing California-based startup. This is a hands-on, compliance-first role: payroll, benefits administration, California employment law, and employee relations, carried out as an independent contractor at approximately 4 to 5 hours per week on average.
The right candidate knows California employment law and is comfortable being the sole HR resource for a small, founder-led company.
About Oasia Farms
Oasia Farms cultivates fresh spirulina, a nutrient-dense edible microalgae, in greenhouse ponds on California’s Central Coast. We sell direct to consumers via our online store and have built a loyal following through organic content on TikTok and Instagram.
We are a team of approximately 10 employees and contractors, with more roles planned across the organization in 2026. We are at a meaningful inflection point: large enough to need proper HR infrastructure, and at a stage where getting it right will have a lasting impact on the business and the people who work here.
The Engagement
You will work directly with the founder and CEO, who sets priorities and provides context on the business. He is not an HR expert and is not trying to be. The expectation is that you work independently, surface issues proactively, and own the HR function without day-to-day oversight.
Outside legal counsel is in place and available for escalation on compliance matters, which is a genuine asset for a solo HR practitioner navigating complex California requirements.
One scope note: Oasia has engaged a dedicated recruiter and people partner to manage all active hiring in 2026. Sourcing, screening, and interview coordination are handled through that engagement. Your role begins at onboarding once candidates are placed.
As an independent contractor, you will determine your own methods, hours, and equipment, and invoice for services delivered.
Key Terms
- Hourly rate: $50
- Role type: Independent contractor (1099)
- Hours: Approximately 4 to 5 hours per week on average, with peaks during payroll cycles, open enrollment, onboarding, and compliance-intensive periods
- Schedule: Flexible, with availability for periodic syncs during Pacific Time business hours
- Location: Remote
What You’ll Be Working On
Your work falls across five areas. Several items are one-time projects.
1. Payroll and Timekeeping
- Process payroll through Paychex and verify that employees have clocked in and out properly
- Maintain payroll records and ensure ongoing accuracy
2. Benefits Administration
- Manage the benefits program, including sick leave, vacation, and 401(k) enrollment
- Audit and correct any inaccuracies in current new hire materials, including benefits information
- Ensure employees are informed of the 3% 401(k) contribution and automatic enrollment
- Maintain an emergency contacts list
3. California Compliance
- Conduct a California labor law and Cal/OSHA compliance audit; Oasia operates a food production environment governed by agricultural and food production standards rather than general industry requirements
- Lead the completion of the transition of 6 market staff from 1099 contractor to W-2 employee status
- Keep the employee handbook current with California employment law as it changes
- Set up and manage California unemployment (EDD) accounts; respond promptly to unemployment claims
4. Documentation and Onboarding
- Complete the employee handbook started by a prior consultant
- Create standardized forms for dismissal, resignation, write-ups, and corrective action
- Process new hire onboarding paperwork for approximately 5 new hires planned in 2026
5. Employee Relations
- Serve as the primary, confidential HR resource for the team
- Advise the founder on employee performance issues and write-ups
- Design and implement an annual or biannual employee performance review process
- Explore the feasibility of an employee profit-sharing program and advise on implementation if Oasia decides to pursue it
What Success Looks Like
In the first 90 days
- Payroll is processing accurately and on schedule through Paychex
- The benefits audit is complete and any inaccuracies in new hire materials have been corrected
- Standardized HR forms are created and in active use
- Personnel files and emergency contacts are organized and current
At six months
- The employee handbook is finalized, legally reviewed, and distributed to all staff
- California EDD accounts are set up and the response process is documented
- A performance review process is designed and ready to launch
- New hire onboarding for 2026 hires has been processed cleanly through the improved process
- A California labor law and Cal/OSHA compliance audit is complete with a prioritized remediation plan
- The 1099-to-W-2 transition for market staff is either complete or has a clear, legally reviewed timeline
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a practitioner with deep California HR experience who is comfortable in a hands-on, independent role, brings genuine interest in supporting early-stage companies, and demonstrates reliability, flexibility, and a collaborative work style. You will work alongside a dedicated recruiter and people partner and have access to legal counsel as needed. We value clear communication, continuous improvement, and a thoughtful, disciplined approach to work. If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to apply.
Qualifications
- 5 or more years of HR generalist experience, with substantive California employment law work
- Direct, hands-on Paychex experience (required: this is the platform you will use from day one)
- Demonstrated California compliance fluency: wage and hour, leave laws, AB5 contractor classification, Cal/OSHA agricultural standards, and EDD administration
- Comfortable owning an HR function independently, without a team beneath you
- Strong written communication: most collaboration happens via documents, email, and async messaging
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience considered
How You Work
- Trustworthy and discreet: you will have access to sensitive compensation, performance, and benefits data for every member of the team
- Performs all work personally: given the confidential nature of the data involved, delegation to or involvement of third parties is not appropriate for this engagement
- Approachable: employees need to feel comfortable bringing HR concerns to you directly; in a small company, how accessible you are determines whether the HR function works for the people it is meant to serve
- Detail-oriented: payroll accuracy, compliance documentation, and benefits enrollment are areas where errors have real consequences
- Self-directed: you surface issues proactively and follow through without waiting to be asked
- You ask before proceeding when you are unsure of compliance matters: you do not guess
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting startups, food production, agricultural operations, or manufacturing environments
- Prior fractional, freelance, or consulting HR experience
- SHRM certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP)
Oasia Farms is an equal opportunity employer.
Compensation
$ 50 per hour
