HR Onboarding & Compliance Specialist

RIGID; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

RIGID is seeking an HR Onboarding & Compliance Specialist to coordinate the end-to-end employee lifecycle for new hires and ensure strict regulatory compliance across all programs. The role includes managing DOT and USCG requirements, drug screening pools, and fleet card administration while aligning HR, logistics, and operations for safe, compliant staffing.

The ideal candidate will support I-9/E-Verify processing, background checks, and multi-site onboarding, with bilingual capabilities

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal abilities and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Discretion and ethical handling of sensitive information.
• Familiarity with HRIS, ATS, and compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate end-to-end onboarding lifecycle for new hires, including I-9/E-Verify processing.
• Oversee DOT and USCG compliance tasks: DQ files, CDL verifications, MVRs, HOS tracking, and clearinghouse queries.
• Administer drug and alcohol program across DOT and Non-DOT staff, including scheduling and TPAs.
• Manage equipment, fleet cards, security clearances, and asset tracking for field personnel.
• Deliver orientation sessions, explain benefits, safety policies, and compliance standards.
• Maintain audit-ready records for regulatory reviews and support multi-site operations.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal/state/local employment laws and regulations.
• Translate onboarding materials and lead bilingual orientations when needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Discretion/Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Bilingual English/Spanish

Organizational skills

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s in HR/Business/Construction/ Occupational Health & Safety

CTSS/SHRM-CP/PHR or DOT Compliance Training certificates

Tools

MS Office

HRIS

ATS

Excel

Job description

The HR Onboarding & Compliance Specialist coordinates the end-to-end employee lifecycle for new hires while maintaining strict compliance across all workforce programs. This role manages both Non-DOT and specialized Department of Transportation (DOT) regulatory programs—including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) mandates. In addition to regulatory oversight, this position administers key operational programs, including company fleet fuel cards, equipment logistics, and comprehensive drug screening pools. The ideal candidate bridges human resources, logistics, and compliance to ensure all field and marine personnel are fully credentialed, equipped, and ready to work safely.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with HR leadership to establish, implement, and continuously improve HR processes, policies, and best practices
• DOT & USCG Compliance Management: Oversee Driver Qualification (DQ) files, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) verifications, Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) checks, Hours of Service (HOS) tracking, and FMCSA Clearinghouse queries. Maintain Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC), TWIC cards, licenses, and medical clearances for marine personnel and vessel crews. Maintain audit-ready records for regulatory reviews
• Non-DOT & Site-Specific Onboarding: Lead the onboarding lifecycle for non-DOT field labor, craft workers, and administrative staff, including I-9/E-Verify processing, background checks, badging, site-specific safety clearances, and client-required vetting (e.g., DISA, ISTC, or third-party clearinghouses)
• Drug & Alcohol Screen Program Management: Administer the company-wide drug and alcohol testing program for both DOT (FMCSA/USCG under 49 CFR Part 40) and Non-DOT employees Manage the random selection pools, schedule pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion testing, and coordinate directly with collection sites, MROs, and third-party administrators (TPAs)
• Equipment & Asset Coordination: Request, track, and coordinate all employee equipment needs throughout the employment lifecycle. Manage pre-hire allocations and post-separation collections for field gear, PPE, laptops, mobile devices, keys, badges, and company assets in tandem with IT, Operations, and Fleet teams
• Fuel Card Program Management: Serve as the primary administrator for the company fuel card program. Issue and deactivate fleet cards, set spending limits, monitor daily usage, reconcile receipts/invoices, audit for policy compliance, and resolve fraudulent or unauthorized activity
• New Employee Orientation: Deliver engaging orientation sessions covering company safety culture, benefits overviews, operational policies, and compliance standards
• Assist with day-to-day HR operations, including employee inquiries, documentation, and transactional processing
• Assist with processing employee transactions such as transfers, promotions, pay increases, and terminations
• Ensure compliance with all hiring and onboarding policies and procedures in coordination with operations leadership for W-2 direct hires and 1099
• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Participate in HR projects and cross-functional initiatives
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee, company, and customer information
• Flexibility: Perform additional duties as assigned to support team objectives and enhance operational efficiency, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to evolving responsibilities
• If applicable: Translate onboarding materials, lead bilingual orientations, and communicate expectations to Spanish-speaking team members as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical practice
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth familiarity with FMCSA guidelines (49 CFR Parts 382, 383, 391) and USCG marine personnel credentialing (46 CFR)
• Program Administration: Direct experience managing random drug testing pools (DOT & Non-DOT) and fleet fuel card systems (e.g., Retif)
• Compliance Clearinghouses: Hands-on experience with FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, E-Verify, and third-party contractor management software (e.g., DISA)
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), and Excel/spreadsheet tracking tools
• Language: Bilingual fluency (English / Spanish) in speaking, reading, and writing is strongly preferred
• Soft Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, strong administrative organization, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Construction Management, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience) preferred
• 3–5 years of experience in onboarding, HR, asset tracking, or compliance management within the construction, maritime, transportation, or industrial services industries
• Experience supporting multi-site or jobsite-based operations preferred
• Certified Transportation Safety Specialist (CTSS), SHRM-CP/PHR, or formal DOT Compliance Training certificates preferred
• Experience working in construction, industrial, or project-based environments preferred