Personnel Specialist

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TRS or ORP retirement plan

Benefits eligible

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens seeks a Personnel Specialist to support hiring, onboarding, and payroll processes. The role coordinates position classifications, postings, and staff changes using UGAJobs and USGConnect.

The ideal candidate will bring strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills, with a focus on compliance and accurate compensation processing in a university environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and payroll processes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to navigate University HR systems (UGAJobs, USGConnect).

Responsibilities

• Facilitate hiring for faculty, staff, graduate students, and hourly workers.
• Create and modify position descriptions and postings in UGAJobs.
• Manage hiring actions and pay rates to ensure FTE compliance.
• Collaborate with Franklin HR and payroll to ensure accurate classifications and funding.

Skills

Project coordination

Position management

Payroll knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Decision making

Leadership communication

Analytical thinking

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

UGAJobs

USGConnect

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number S16007P

Working Title Personnel Specialist

Department Franklin-Deans Business Office

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia's learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40+ units.

College/Unit/Department website

https://franklin.uga.edu/business-office/teams

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Additional Schedule Information M-F, 8am-5pm

Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience starting at $47,000

Posting Date 11/03/2026

Open until filled Yes

Proposed Starting Date 11/30/2026

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title Human Resources Generalist I

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Position Summary The Hiring & Personnel Team provides operational support to units in the areas of personnel by determining and processing appropriate actions using University systems such as UGAJobs and USGConnect. Based on a variety of factors, determines the appropriate job classification and coordinates the entry and validation of employee changes including position creation and management, onboarding (transition from UGAJobs to HCM ) and ensuring that employees are compensated for the correct amount on a timely basis.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple competing projects in an organized, efficient manner by prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines, and adapting programmatic objectives to changes
• Ability to learn and apply position management processes related to various employee types, including but not limited to faculty, staff, graduate students, hourly employees, and work study students
• Ability to learn and apply processes, protocols, and procedures with a focus on personnel/position management and payroll accounting
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to interact with a variety of personalities at all levels, exercising tact, confidentiality, sound judgment, diplomacy, and flexibility to promote positive working relationships and job effectiveness
• Substantially developed interpersonal and teamwork skills to successfully work with diverse groups in an academic environment
• Ability to form action plans and make decisions, consulting higher management as needed
• Ability to act and exercise sound judgment with sensitivity to identify matters that require higher-level management consultation. Consult with leadership as needed
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, pivot charts, and tables
• Ability to make decisions based upon established Hiring & Personnel Team and FBSO processes.
• Ability to make recommendations for deviations and receive prior approval before implementing

Physical Demands

Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling; spending long periods of time at a computer.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Personnel Management 80%

• Facilitate student, staff, and faculty hiring.
• Create new position descriptions and update position details in UGAJobs through position evaluations and modifications.
• Work independently to determine the classification and creation of graduate student, hourly student assistant, and temporary hourly positions in UGAJobs
• Work in collaboration with the appropriate teams-Franklin HR, Franklin Faculty Affairs, UGA Central HR-to determine the classification and creation of staff and faculty positions in UGAJobs
• Create and manage direct-hire and open-search postings in UGAJobs for faculty, staff, graduate student, hourly student assistant, and temporary hourly positions
• Process hiring proposals for faculty, staff, graduate student, hourly student assistant, and temporary hourly positions in UGAJobs
• Understand varying payrates amongst units and ensure FTE compliance across multiple positions within Franklin and across UGA
• Working with units and payroll managers to understand departmental needs; applying that information as it relates to job duties and positions of trust
• Set up position funding in HCM
• Process Time and Absence approver updates
• Complete new hire ticket for Franklin OIT
• Manage position movement between 18T and 18C as required by UGA
• Process reports to changes in UGAJobs for faculty, staff, graduate student, hourly student assistant, and temporary hourly positions
• Use Team Dynamix & Smartsheet to document hiring actions
• Submit background checks for volunteer programs

Approvals and Compliance 10%

• Serve as Certified HR Practitioner
• Ensure compliance with UGA processes and standards
• Has the ability to identify misconduct, non-compliance and non-performance and to resolve or report to team lead, manager and/or Finance Director
• Assist with I-9 compliance; Send reminders and alert supervisors of non-compliance. Work with appropriate payroll manager to terminate any positions that no longer have work authorization

Committees, Collaboration & Mentoring 10%

• Begin to collaborate with other FBSO colleagues, serving as a policy resource for Franklin units regarding hiring, termination and other personnel matters
• Serve on committees within Franklin College Business office to provide input as a hiring team stakeholder

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Andrea Barnett

Recruitment Contact Email [e-mail]

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. List of References with Contact Information