Human Resources Specialist - College of Engineering

University of Nebraska – Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee and dependent scholarships

Robust retirement plans with match

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking an HR Specialist in the College of Engineering to provide expert guidance across HR and payroll functions. You will advise departments, manage appointments, payroll, recruitment, onboarding, and reporting, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

After an initial onsite training, a hybrid schedule with one remote day per week may be possible. We value collaboration, integrity, and a service-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years in HR/payroll administration or equivalent.
• Experience with HRIS, payroll processing, or applicant tracking systems.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office or equivalent.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in compliance with laws and policies.
• Strong communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Advising faculty, staff, and students on HR and payroll policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Managing employee appointments and complex personnel actions including compensation, funding, organizational changes, leaves, work authorization, and separations.
• Overseeing payroll administration, including review of complex payroll transactions and resolution of payroll and time reporting issues.
• Developing position descriptions and applying classification, compensation, and FLSA knowledge for informed recommendations.
• Managing recruitment and search processes with hiring managers and search committees for equitable hiring.
• Managing onboarding and offboarding to ensure a positive employee experience and compliance with university requirements.
• Preparing reports and analyzing workforce and payroll data.
• Supporting process improvement, training, records management, and standardized HR and payroll practices.

Skills

HRIS

Payroll processing

Applicant tracking

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Job description

Human Resources Specialist - College of Engineering

The business team within the College of Engineering provides specialized services to advance the teaching, research, and extension missions of the College.
As an HR Specialist, you will serve as a trusted resource to departments, providing expert guidance and support across a broad range of human resources and payroll functions.

Responsibilities Include:

• Advising faculty, staff, and students on HR and payroll policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Managing employee appointments and complex personnel actions including compensation, funding, organizational changes, leaves, work authorization, and separations.
• Overseeing payroll administration, including the review of complex payroll transactions and resolution of payroll and time reporting issues.
• Working with supervisors to develop position descriptions and apply a working knowledge of classification, compensation, and FLSA to make informed recommendations, consulting with central Human Resources for final decisions.
• Managing recruitment and search processes for open positions, partnering with hiring managers and search committees to ensure efficient and equitable hiring practices.
• Managing employee onboarding and offboarding by coordinating activities to ensure a positive employee experience and compliance with university requirements.
• Preparing reports and analyzing workforce and payroll data.
• Supporting process improvement, training, records management, and standardized HR and payroll practices.

Following an initial onsite training period of up to six months, this position may becomeeligible for a hybrid work schedule with up to one remote day per week. All hybrid arrangements are subject to supervisor approval and are determined based on operational needs.

Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and certified as a Family Friendly Workplace. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match

Learn more about UNL benefits and your total compensation at: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

EEO Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See Notice of Nondiscrimination

Department

College of Engineering-0907

Requisition Number

S_260815

Posting Open Date

10/06/2026

Application Review Date

10/19/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Work Location (City, State)

Lincoln, NE

Job Type

Full-Time

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

No

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

No

Physical Required

No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Criminal History Background Check Required

Yes

Posted Salary

$50,328/year minimum

Contact

Cathy Norquest
[e-mail]

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years of related experience in human resources or payroll administration. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience with an HRIS, payroll processing, applicant tracking, or similar system.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with SAP or another large integrated human resources and finance system.
• PHR or SHRM-CP Certification.

We seek a collaborative, service-oriented professional with strong analytical and problem-solving skills The successful candidate exercises sound judgment to interpret policy, resolve complex issues, and communicate difficult decisions with confidence and professionalism.