HR Specialist: Tickle College of Engineering - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) is seeking an HR Specialist to provide college-wide human resources operations support, processing and a point of contact subject matter expert to support direction for our processes, Oracle training and procedural guidance. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the HR Specialist serves an assigned portfolio of TCE departments and units, managing service requests through Team Dynamix (TDX) and completing end-to-end HR transactions from recruitment and hiring through onboarding, pay and reporting. This role is central to delivering consistent, compliant and timely HR service across a growing and innovative college. The HR Specialist supports work authorization support, manages student appointment processes, delivers DASH and time-entry training, and maintains the checklists and standard operating procedures that help departments get it right the first time.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
At least four years of experience in a human resources role, or a combination of work experience in full-cycle hiring, office management, advising on policies and procedures, data entry and/or office support in a setting that requires discretion.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Ability to multitask and prioritize based on the needs of others and time-sensitive deadlines, with follow-through to completion
Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
Sound interpersonal and communication skills
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Teams, OneDrive and Word
Strong attention to details
Knowledge of personnel management applications such as Oracle
Knowledge of personnel processes, including hiring and I-9/E-Verify
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Ability and willingness to learn new systems and processes as the college grows and changes
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business or a related field; SHRM-CP, PHR or related HR certification
Bachelor's degree with 1-2 years of human resources experience related to full-cycle hiring, or a combination of work in full-cycle hiring, office management, advising on procedures, data entry and/or office support.
Human resources experience in recruiting, hiring, or employee relations at UT
Experience in an academic environment
Experience hiring foreign nationals and communicating with non-native English speakers
Certificates or training related to HR competencies
Knowledge of personnel management applications such as Oracle and Equifax
Knowledge of required hiring documents
Knowledge of employment laws and practices
Knowledge of USCIS (visa) processes
Knowledge of Power BI and Power Automate

Responsibilities

Processes end-to-end hiring and pay transactions for faculty, staff, students, and graduate assistants; ensures timely onboarding and I-9/E-Verify compliance; coordinates visa workflows with ISSS and monitors work authorization expirations; and manages semester Graduate Assistantship assignments.
Reviews college-wide research position descriptions and provides backup PD review in TDX; manages full-cycle recruitment for assigned TCE units, including requisitions, postings, applicant communication, and accurate candidate records.
Processes salary, additional pays, termination, and retirement transactions; advises departments on EEF/RIF requirements and timelines; and maintains workforce and pay tracking tools with finance and budget partners.
Manages HR intake via TDX and the shared inbox; serves as a time entry and payroll deadline expert, including training and biweekly reporting; reviews and provides routine and ad hoc HR compliance reports; assists with maintaining SOPs and DASH training materials; and coordinates tuition waivers.