Hourly role that sounds like it should be salaried? [GA]

Hi everyone! I’m interviewing for a role next week and had a question. Basic job info below:
-posted title is HR Generalist
-company size 100-150 ees
-prev HR person (unsure of title) was an HR & Talent team of 1; was there for ~10 years but separated after not knowing how to ask for help/delegation
-hiring team looking for someone to make something great from the HR skeleton in place; start small, then give more responsibility (HR items currently held in Ops) over time
-items mentioned in initial call were talent acquisition, employee retention, ability to make tough calls and have tough conversations, occasional travel to offices outside of HQ, I-9s, etc.
-mentioned willingness and “happiness” to eventually grow the department, but previous person never asked, so they’re beginning from scratch and trying to hone in on what they really need in the role

The person I spoke to mentioned that it was hourly, and when I asked to confirm that later in the call, it was confirmed. I just don’t know that I’ve ever heard of an hourly department head role. Is that.. legal? Not standard but happens sometimes? Just a little weird but fine?

Thanks in advance!