Temporary HR Transaction Specialist

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world. In a team and service-oriented environment within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Human Resources Office, serve as the Temporary HR Transaction Specialist. Handle temporary employment transactions within Cornell’s Human Resources Information System, Workday, including monitoring and processing temporary reappointments through the Term Appointment System. Provide interpretation and application of human resource policies, laws and practices. Assist with the onboarding experience for temporary employees and other new hires in the College and provide direct customer service in a busy environment. Develop effective working relationships with all members of the CALS community. Maintain strict confidentiality at all times. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely two days per week and on-site in Ithaca, New York, three days per week. The University reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time No visa sponsorship No relocation costs are available The pay for this temp role is $24.30 per hour. Required Qualifications: Associate’s Degree in business or management and 2+ years of HR or payroll experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Solid comprehension of local, state, and federal HR laws. Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience in handling confidential information with utmost discretion and integrity. Demonstrated record of successfully providing exceptional customer service. Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral. Experience that demonstrates creativity, reasoning, and solution-finding techniques. Knowledge of how to balance conflicting priorities, make informed choices, and use sound judgment in completing urgent tasks. Must be able to work independently while assisting the efforts of an overall team while fostering a respectful work environment. Excellent organizational experience. Aptitude to identify opportunities for process improvements and then implement them. Must be flexible and receptive to new ideas and approaches. Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing. Preferred Qualifications: Ability to effectively report on various HR software applications and databases. Aptitude to learn Cornell University policies and human resource systems, including Workday. Obtain and/or maintain a New York State Notary Public License. Experience in developing effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and students University Job Title: Temporary Human Resource Assistant Job Family: Temporary Human Resources Level: No Grade - Hourly Pay Rate Type: Hourly Pay Range: Refer to Posting Language Remote Option Availability: Hybrid Company: Contact Name: Carolyn Chow Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Job Titles and Pay Ranges: Non-Union Positions Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position Unique applicable skills Academic Discipline To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator. Union Positions The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates. Current Employees: If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell. Online Submission Guidelines: Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. Employment Assistance: For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email View email address on click.appcast.io. If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice View phone number on click.appcast.io, or email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant. EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-05-11 Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave and flexible work options.