Human Resources Specialist - College of Engineering

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

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Engineering invites an HR Specialist to provide expert guidance across HR and payroll functions for faculty, staff, and students.

You will advise on policies, manage appointments and complex personnel actions, oversee payroll, support recruitment and onboarding, and prepare workforce reports, contributing to process improvements and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years in HR or payroll.
• Experience with HRIS, payroll processing, and applicant tracking.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Experience collaborating with faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Advise faculty, staff, and students on HR and payroll policies.
• Manage appointments and complex personnel actions including compensation and leaves.
• Oversee payroll transactions and resolve time reporting issues.
• Develop position descriptions and advise on classification and FLSA.
• Manage recruitment and search processes with hiring managers.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding to ensure a positive experience.
• Prepare reports and analyze workforce and payroll data.
• Support process improvements, training, and records management.

Skills

HR policies & payroll guidance

Payroll processing

HRIS experience

Applicant tracking

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Organization & prioritization

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office Suite

Payroll systems

Job description

Working Title Human Resources Specialist - College of Engineering

Department College of Engineering-0907

Description Of Work

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

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

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• 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.

Posted Salary $50,328/year minimum