Talent Acquisition Specialist

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. is a multi-disciplinary firm offering full-service engineering, landscape architecture, and land surveying expertise. Our mission is simple: Enhance Communities through our commitment to TERRA's values: Excellence, Integrity, Stewardship, and Collaboration.

About the role

This temporary, part-time Talent Acquisition Specialist role in our Chicago office supports current hiring needs for 6–9 months. The position may extend or convert to a long-term, full-time role based on business needs and performance. You will partner with hiring managers to attract and hire qualified talent while ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle recruitment activities for assigned positions.
• Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs, position requirements, and candidate qualifications.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to attract qualified active and passive candidates.
• Review applications, conduct initial candidate screenings, and present qualified candidates to hiring managers.
• Coordinate interviews and facilitate candidate communication throughout the hiring process.
• Assist with preparing employment offers within established guidelines.
• Maintain a positive and professional candidate experience.
• Source candidates through job boards, professional associations, employee referrals, networking events, educational institutions, and other recruiting channels.
• Build and maintain talent pipelines for current and future hiring needs, including specialized and difficult-to-fill positions.
• Develop relationships with universities, industry organizations, referral sources, and recruiting partners.
• Monitor labor market trends and recruiting best practices to improve sourcing effectiveness.
• Maintain applicant tracking system records and candidate documentation.
• Track recruiting activity, hiring metrics, and sourcing effectiveness.
• Ensure recruitment activities comply with applicable employment laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Assist with recruiting process improvements and special projects.
• Follow all TERRA standards, policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of recruiting, talent acquisition, or staffing experience.
• Experience recruiting engineering, environmental, surveying, construction, or professional services positions strongly preferred.
• HR and/or Recruiting certification a plus.
• Knowledge of recruiting and candidate sourcing practices.
• Ability to identify and engage passive candidates.
• Strong networking, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple open positions and competing priorities.
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems, Microsoft Office, LinkedIn Recruiter, and recruiting technologies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a part-time environment.
• Ability to uphold workplace safety and follow TERRA's health & safety protocols.
• Maintain a work schedule and location conducive to team collaboration and project-specific requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package.
• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid basic life/ADD and short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Flexible Spending Account (health and dependent care).
• Supplemental insurance options (voluntary life/ADD, accident, hospital, critical illness).
• Retirement plan options with safe-harbor match and profit-sharing.
• Annual bonus potential.
• Paid holidays and time off.
• Hybrid/flexible work arrangements for most positions.
• A personable culture conducive to growth and professional development.

Pay

Estimated salary range: $27–$31/hour + performance-based hiring incentives. Compensation will vary based on experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. was founded in 1992 and has grown to include offices in Chicago, Peoria, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Bolingbrook. We are proud of our 115+ employees who contribute their talent and skills to our success, with a strong focus on team development through mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.