Human Resources Specialist

Position Overview

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:

o Manage hourly recruiting from position posting through offer, including applicant review, screening, interview coordination, candidate communication, and pre-employment activities

o Partner with hiring managers and the Human Resources Manager to understand staffing needs and maintain timely, organized recruiting processes

o Represent the company at job fairs, career events, and other recruiting activities

o Maintain relationships with community and educational partners as appropriate

o 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:

o Assist with employee benefit administration and respond to routine questions regarding eligibility, enrollment, and available resources

o Guide employees through new-hire enrollment, qualifying-life-event changes, and annual open enrollment

o Administer FMLA and other employee leaves within established procedures, including issuing notices, tracking documentation and deadlines, maintaining records, and communicating with employees

o Refer complex benefit, leave, accommodation, policy, or compliance questions to the Human Resources Manager

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

o Serve as an approachable first point of contact for routine employee questions and connect employees with the appropriate resource when additional review is needed

o Maintain regular visibility throughout the workplace, including routine visits to laboratories and departments, to remain connected with employees and aware of workplace needs

o Lead and coordinate the Workplace Culture Committee, including meeting preparation, communication, activity planning, and follow-through on approved initiatives

o Support employee communication, recognition, engagement activities, and other efforts that strengthen the employee experience

o Responsible for drafting, preparing, and distributing limited internal HR communications, announcements, and employee updates

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

o Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized personnel files and other HR records in accordance with company practices and applicable retention requirements

o Maintain and continue developing the electronic employee-record database, including organizing, scanning, indexing, updating, and auditing records

o Enter and update employee information in HR systems and assist with routine reporting, tracking, audits, correspondence, and document preparation

o Provide administrative support for HR projects, meetings, employee communications, policy acknowledgments, and other departmental priorities

o Identify opportunities to improve the accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and efficiency of HR processes and records

o HR SOP Development and Maintenance

o Assist employees as needed with HR Technology

o Conduct and monitor results of employee exit interviews

o 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