Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Specialist

The Human Resources Specialist supports the day-to-day delivery of human resources services across the organization, with responsibilities spanning recruiting, on-boarding, benefits support, leave administration, employee engagement, employee records, and general HR operations. The position serves as an accessible first point of contact for routine employee questions, maintains a visible and approachable presence across company departments, and works closely with the Human Resources Manager on matters requiring policy interpretation, employee-relations support, or additional guidance.

This is a hands-on HR position with the opportunity to gain progressively broader experience and responsibility across multiple areas of human resources.

Key Responsibilities

Recruiting and on-boarding, including but not limited to:

• Manage hourly recruiting from position posting through offer, including applicant review, screening, interview coordination, candidate communication, and pre-employment activities
• Partner with hiring managers and the Human Resources Manager to understand staffing needs and maintain timely, organized recruiting processes
• Represent the company at job fairs, career events, and other recruiting activities
• Maintain relationships with community and educational partners as appropriate
• Coordinate and conduct on-boarding/orientation and assist new employees with required employment, policy, payroll, and benefit documentation

Benefits and leave administration, including but not limited to:

• Assist with employee benefit administration and respond to routine questions regarding eligibility, enrollment, and available resources
• Guide employees through new-hire enrollment, qualifying-life-event changes, and annual open enrollment
• Administer FMLA and other employee leaves within established procedures, including issuing notices, tracking documentation and deadlines, maintaining records, and communicating with employees
• Refer complex benefit, leave, accommodation, policy, or compliance questions to the Human Resources Manager

Employee support and workplace culture, including but not limited to:

• Serve as an approachable first point of contact for routine employee questions and connect employees with the appropriate resource when additional review is needed
• Maintain regular visibility throughout the workplace, including routine visits to laboratories and departments, to remain connected with employees and aware of workplace needs
• Lead and coordinate the Workplace Culture Committee, including meeting preparation, communication, activity planning, and follow-through on approved initiatives
• Support employee communication, recognition, engagement activities, and other efforts that strengthen the employee experience
• Responsible for drafting, preparing, and distributing limited internal HR communications, announcements, and employee updates

HR records and administrative support, including but not limited to:

• Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized personnel files and other HR records in accordance with company practices and applicable retention requirements
• Maintain and continue developing the electronic employee-record database, including organizing, scanning, indexing, updating, and auditing records
• Enter and update employee information in HR systems and assist with routine reporting, tracking, audits, correspondence, and document preparation
• Provide administrative support for HR projects, meetings, employee communications, policy acknowledgments, and other departmental priorities
• Identify opportunities to improve the accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and efficiency of HR processes and records
• HR SOP Development and Maintenance
• Assist employees as needed with HR Technology
• Conduct and monitor results of employee exit interviews
• Maintain quarterly Motor Vehicle Reporting for employee drivers and ensure compliance with fleet safety policy.

Education & Experience

Two to four years of human resources experience, including hands-on experience with recruiting, on-boarding, and benefits administration, required

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered

Experience independently coordinating a recruiting process or another HR function strongly preferred

Desired Skills and Attributes

Must possess strong organizational skills and follow-through, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and detailed documentation

Must possess clear, professional, and approachable communication skills with employees, applicants, managers, vendors, and community partners

Must demonstrate sound judgment and the ability to distinguish routine matters from issues requiring escalation

Must exercise a high degree of discretion and protect confidential employee and company information

Must be able to work independently within established procedures while seeking guidance when circumstances are unclear or sensitive

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn HRIS, applicant-tracking, benefit, and record-management systems. Experience with ADP Workforce Now preferred

Must demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in developing progressively broader human resources knowledge and responsibility

Must be comfortable working in both office and laboratory environments and maintaining regular contact with employees throughout the workplace

Reporting Relationships

Human Resources Manager

Supervisory Requirements

This position has no direct reports and does not independently provide manager coaching, conduct workplace investigations, determine corrective action, or make final policy or employee-relations decisions

Employee-relations, investigation, corrective-action, and complex policy matters are referred to and handled in partnership with the Human Resources Manager

Job Type and Compensation

Regular full-time, non-exempt position; Monday through Friday

Anticipated pay range of $22.00 to $25.00 per hour; actual starting pay will be commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications.

Occasional local or regional travel to job fairs, recruiting events, and other company locations may be required

Physical Requirements

Physical Ability

Must be able to move regularly between office, laboratory, technical, and operational work areas; use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods; and occasionally lift or move files, supplies, or recruiting materials

Visual Ability

Visual accommodation necessary for reading documents and using computer systems required to perform the functions of the job

Hearing and Communication Ability

Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic systems

Work Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with regular interaction in laboratory and operational areas where standard site and safety requirements apply