Human Resources Specialist

Primary Objective of Position

The HR Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of human resource support and technical duties including, but not limited to, talent acquisition, onboarding, benefits, leaves of absence, and data and records management in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and Metro Bus policies, practices and collective bargaining agreements.

Essential Functions Of The Position

• Assist with talent acquisition and employee onboarding
• Actively initiates and processes recruitment for all open positions
• Maintains accurate recruitment and applicant records in ATS/HRIS software
• Assists with the management of internal and external job postings
• Participates in interviews of applicants for various positions throughout the organization
• Conducts or acquires background checks and employment eligibility verifications including CFR; schedules pre-employment screenings and tests
• Participates in employee onboarding
• Conducts Day 1 Orientation for all new employees
• Affords assistance with completion of all required paperwork and benefit enrollment
• Affords assistance with administration of employee benefits, leaves of absence, and/or accommodations
• Serves as first point of contact for employee leave, accommodation and benefit questions
• Captures the annual benefit open enrollment process
• Affords assistance with the day-to-day activities of leaves of absence, including but not limited to FMLA, MNPFML, MN Parental Leave, Military Leave, etc.
• Affords assistance with requests for accommodation and the interactive process
• Affords assistance with processing disability claims
• Affords assistance with maintaining human resource and employment records according to policy and record retention requirements
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date human resource files, records and documentation
• Affords assistance with maintaining accurate employee records within and processing report requests from the HR software system
• Affords assistance with administration of the Workers Compensation Program
• Affords assistance with administration of the drug and alcohol program
• Schedules random DOT testing by preparing the random list and testing orders
• Affords assistance with standard operations of the HR department and projects as assigned
• Answers frequently asked questions from applicants and employees relative to standard policies, benefits, hiring process, etc.; refers more complex questions to Human Resource Generalist and/or Chief Administration Officer
• Affords assistance with the employee offboarding process
• Affords assistance with employees with questions regarding HRIS Software
• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains respectful working relationships with coworkers and customers in carrying out job functions
• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss
• Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work
• When potentially unsafe conditions are observed, makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent, two-years of post-secondary education, and two years of progressively related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of effective recruitment processes and principles/practices of human resource administration
• Knowledge and experience working with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience and knowledge working in HRIS Software
• Ability to interpret and work efficiently from written and oral instructions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of critical records and information
• Must be able to read and speak English well enough to read technical documents and effectively communicate with team members.
• Bilingual a plus
• Must possess a valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility
• Ability to work flexible work schedules including early mornings and evenings as necessary
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees, committees and groups and to diffuse situations/conversations that have escalated beyond normal limits

Desirable Qualifications

• Two-year Associates Degree
• Transit Experience
• Knowledge and experience working with UKG Recruitment and HRIS Software
• Experience providing administrative support
• Work and/or intern experience in Human Resources

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Predominately in a office environment requiring extended periods of sitting
• Utilizes personal computer, phone and other office equipment on a regular basis
• Will require limited travel to Metro Bus facilities. Will primarily utilize a Metro Bus vehicle for travel
• Physical Requirements: Balancing, Far Vision, Pushing, Carrying, Feeling, Reaching, Climbing, Keyboarding, Sitting, Close Vision, Handling, Smelling, Color Vision, Hearing, Stooping, Crawling, Kneeling, Talking, Crouching, Lifting (up to 30#), Walking, Depth Perception, Pulling, Standing, Working Conditions: Atmospheric Conditions, Maintenance Shop, Vehicle, Extreme Cold, Noise Vibration, Extreme Heat, Office, No Substantial Exposure Hazards, Outdoors to Adverse Environmental Conditions