Human Resources Specialist

Katbus; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement with employer match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid holidays

Paid personal days

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation time

Job summary

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is seeking a Human Resources Specialist to support payroll, benefits, and leave programs such as FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, and Short‑Term Disability. This role maintains records, assists employees with questions, and upholds confidentiality while ensuring accurate HR operations.

The position also focuses on policy implementation, regulatory compliance, HR reporting, and cross‑department projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of directly related HR experience; military experience may count.
• Preferred: 4+ years of HR experience and unionized environment exposure.
• Knowledge of payroll, benefits, FMLA, Workers’ Comp and disability programs.
• Strong communication, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process daily payroll and manage benefits-related AP.
• Administer FMLA, workers’ compensation, and short-term disability.
• Maintain complete personnel files in compliance with laws.
• Generate HR reports and support process improvements.
• Serve as primary HR contact for veteran employees and ERG support.
• Communicate policy changes to employees and managers.

Skills

Payroll processes

Benefits administration

Leave administration

Regulatory compliance

HRIS

Payroll systems

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title

Human Resources Specialist

Department

Human Resources

Reports To

Director of Human Resources

Salary

$50,000.00 – $58,000.00

Classification

Exempt

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Date Posted

07/09/2026

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to apply by 07/09/2026.

Job Description

The HR Specialist at Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) supports a smooth and compliant human resources operation by administering daily payroll, employee benefits, and leave programs such as FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, and Short‑Term Disability. This position serves as a key resource for employees, providing accurate information, timely support, and clear guidance on HR processes while ensuring all records and transactions are handled with precision and confidentiality.

In addition to core payroll and benefits responsibilities, the HR Specialist assists with policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and the maintenance of personnel documentation. The role also supports HR reporting, administrative workflows, and departmental projects that contribute to efficient and consistent HR operations. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment are essential to effectively support employees, supervisors, and organizational goals.

Veteran Commitment Statement

We proudly hire Veterans and value the dedication, discipline, and leadership they bring to our workforce. We encourage Veterans and transitioning service members to apply and are committed to supporting their continued career growth in the civilian workforce.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Benefits, Payroll, and Leave Administration (70%)

• Prepare and process daily payroll for all KAT employees, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
• Manage accounts payable related to employee benefits and payroll expenses.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits, providing guidance on enrollment, eligibility, and plan details.
• Administer FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, and Short‑Term Disability programs in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain complete and accurate personnel files in accordance with legal and organizational standards.
• Identify and resolve HR-related issues by collaborating with employees, supervisors, and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal employment laws.
• Communicate HR information, updates, and policy changes to employees and managers.

Policy Implementation and Compliance (15%)

• Interpret and execute HR policies, procedures, and methods to support departmental operations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new or revised HR policies and procedures.
• Promote adherence to KAT policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Support internal audits and compliance reviews related to payroll, benefits, and personnel documentation.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and staff on policy interpretation and application.

HR Operations and Administrative Support (15%)

• Generate HR reports and documentation to support decision-making and compliance needs.
• Assist with process improvements to enhance efficiency in payroll, benefits, and leave administration.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure alignment of HR processes with organizational goals.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure secure handling of sensitive employee information.
• Support general HR office operations, including correspondence, recordkeeping, and document management.
• Assist with special projects and initiatives to support departmental and organizational priorities.
• Serve as the primary HR point of contact for veteran employees by assisting with veteran‑related inquiries, supporting veteran‑related policies and resource navigation, and providing administrative support to the Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) to ensure employees have access to relevant internal and external resources.
• Perform other duties, as assigned, to support HR operations and KAT’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• One (1) to Three (3) years of directly related human resources experience.
• Military experience may be accepted in lieu of equivalent experience or education.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field.

Experience

• Four (4) or more years of directly related human resources experience.
• One (1) or more years of experience in a unionized environment or transportation industry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of payroll processes, benefits administration, and leave programs including FMLA, Workers’ Compensation, and Short‑Term Disability.
• Understanding of HR policies, regulatory requirements, and general compliance practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effectively conveying HR information to employees, supervisors, and leadership.
• Ability to analyze issues, identify solutions, and apply sound judgment in resolving HR‑related concerns.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and manage confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to collaborate with internal departments and support process improvements across HR functions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• The employee is required to sit, talk, and hear.
• The employee may experience repetitive motion of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, and the ability to focus.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a standard office environment with a moderate work pace.
• Duties are performed at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• The role involves frequent interaction with employees.
• Noise level is typically quiet.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement with competitive employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid holidays
• Paid personal days
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation time

Equal Employment Opportunity

KAT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We enforce a strict substance abuse policy providing for a safe drug‑free / alcohol‑free work environment. Full EEO Policy here.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm