Human Resources Specialist

St. Cloud Metropolitan Transit Commission; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 37,250 - 41,493; Full time

Job summary

St. Cloud Metropolitan Transit Commission is seeking an HR Specialist in Minnesota to perform a range of HR duties including talent acquisition, onboarding, benefits administration, leaves of absence, and records management in compliance with laws and policies.

The role serves as a central contact for internal and external customers and supports HR projects. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of post-secondary education, and prior HR/Recruitment experience.

Qualifications

• The job requires a high school diploma or equivalent, two-years of post-secondary education, and two years of progressively related experience.
• Knowledge and experience with recruitment processes and HR administration principles/practices.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS software; ability to interpret and follow written/oral instructions; maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist with talent acquisition and employee onboarding; initiate and process recruitment for all open positions.
• Conduct background checks and employment eligibility verifications, coordinate pre-employment screenings.
• Assist with onboarding, including Day 1 orientation and benefit enrollment for new employees.
• Help administer benefits, leaves of absence, and accommodations; respond to benefits questions and coordinate open enrollment.
• Maintain HR records in compliance with policy and retention requirements; document DOT and driver records.
• Assist with Workers' Compensation and drug/alcohol programs; schedule DOT testing and document results.
• Support HR operations and projects; answer questions, coordinate light duty, assist with offboarding and HRIS inquiries.
• Communicate professionally and maintain respectful relationships; follow safety guidelines in all duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Recruitment processes

Interpersonal communication

Confidentiality

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two-year post-secondary education

Two-year Associates Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

HRIS software

UKG Recruitment

UKG HRIS

Job description

Position will remain open until filled with preference given to those candidates who apply by July 20, 2026

Pay Range: 27.04-30.12

No Remote Option Available

Resume and Cover Letter Required, incomplete applications will not be accepted.

HR Specialist

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: Human Resources Manager

Revision Date: July 2026

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. Serves as central point of contact for internal and external customers and provides general support of human resource projects as assigned.

Essential Functions of the Position

1. Assist with talent acquisition and employee onboarding
   1. Actively initiates and processes recruitment for all open positions
   2. Maintains accurate recruitment and applicant records in ATS/HRIS software
   3. Assists with the management of internal and external job postings
   4. Participates in interviews of applicants for various positions throughout the organization
2. Conducts or acquires background checks and employment eligibility verifications including CFR; schedules pre-employment screenings and tests
3. Participates in employee onboarding
   1. Conducts Day 1 Orientation for all new employees
   2. Assists new employees with completion of all required paperwork and benefit enrollment.
4. Assists with administration of employee benefits, leaves of absence, and/or accommodations
   1. Serves as first point of contact for employee leave, accommodation and benefit questions
   2. Coordinates the annual benefit open enrollment process
   3. Assists with the day-to-day activities of leaves of absence, including but not limited to FMLA, MNPFML, MN Parental Leave, Military Leave, etc.
   4. Assists with requests for accommodation and the interactive process
   5. Assists with processing disability claims
5. Assists with maintaining human resource and employment records according to policy and record retention requirements
   1. Maintains accurate and up-to-date human resource files, records and documentation
   2. Maintains the integrity and confidentiality of human resource files and records
   3. Assists with maintaining accurate employee records within and processing report requests from the HR software system.
      1. Documents DOT Certifications and valid driver’s license records and monitors expirations
      2. Documents all employee records in their electronic employee file
6. Assists with administration of the Workers Compensation Program
7. Assists with administration of the drug and alcohol program
   1. Schedules random DOT testing by preparing the random list and testing orders
   2. Documents all administered tests and test results in preparation for completion of the annual MIS report
8. Assists with standard operations of the HR department and projects as assigned
   1. 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
   2. Coordinates the light duty program
   3. Assists with the employee offboarding process
   4. Assist employees with questions regarding HRIS Software
9. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains respectful working relationships with coworkers and customers in carrying out job functions
10. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices
    1. Knows and follows safety rules and guidelines as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss
    2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work
    3. 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
11. Performs other duties and activities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires 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

1. This position is predominately in an office environment requiring extended periods of sitting
2. Utilizes personal computer, phone and other office equipment on a regular basis
3. 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

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the organization and requirements of the job change.

Metro Bus is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Position Indicators

Employment Type/Status: Non-Union, Exempt, Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Benefit Eligibility: Health & Welfare Benefit, Vacation/Sick Leave

License Required: Must have access to a reliable mode of transportation to perform job-related travel.

Pay Grade: Non-Union Grade 4