HR Program Assistant II

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan with 6% match

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Tuition assistance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking dedicated Human Resources professionals to join our team as HR Program Assistant II. This Brookings-based role focuses on onboarding, I-9 validation, EPAF processing, and timekeeping support within a Shared Service Center.

The position emphasizes confidentiality, customer service, and collaboration across campus departments. The university offers comprehensive benefits including medical/dental, retirement plans with 6% matching, paid holidays,

Qualifications

• Experience in human resources functions and practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide support on HR functions and partner with employees, supervisors, and departments.
• Assist with onboarding, I-9 validation, EPAFs, and timekeeping support.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Support recruitment activities and respond to employee inquiries.
• Deliver excellent service in a Shared Service Center environment.

Skills

HR functions

Customer service

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Adaptability

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

South Dakota State University (SDState) is actively seeking highly dedicated, people-centered Human Resources professionals to join our team! Be a part of a dynamic team and provide exceptional customer service to the campus community. We are currently hiring for multiple HR Program Assistant II positions.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

In this role, you will provide support on a variety of human resource functions while partnering with employees, supervisors, and departments on campus in a Shared Service Center environment. Some of the duties include, onboarding, validating I9s, originating Electronic Personnel Action Forms (EPAFs), enhanced recruitment support, and timekeeping assistance. This position supports complex personnel transactions and employee inquiries and is well suited for a professional with experience interpreting policies, exercising sound judgment, managing confidential information, and providing exceptional customer service.

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Human Resource functions and practices
• Computer software applications and systems, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
• Customer service principles and best practices

Skill & Ability to:

• Apply strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills to identify discrepancies, resolve issues, and proactively address potential concerns
• Develop and implement processes that support program objectives and operational efficiency
• Exercise independent judgement when evaluating situations and making decisions
• Effectively utilize technology and software applications to manage and process information
• Communicate information clearly, concisely and professionally, both verbally and in writing
• Handle high volume of work during peak times and adapt quickly to changing priorities without disrupting productivity and meeting competing deadlines and timelines
• Understand the impact of HR actions on employee access, benefits, leave, and pay while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to easily adapt to changing business needs in a dynamic work environment

Deadline: 11/23/2026

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [e-mail]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].