Talent Acquisition Specialist – Heavy Highway Construction

Status: Hourly (Non-Exempt) 

Location: Alexandria, MN 

Schedule: Full-Time | Year-Round, 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, additional hours as needed during busier periods 

Position Summary 

We are seeking a driven Talent Acquisition Specialist to lead full-cycle hiring for both seasonal and year-round positions within heavy highway construction. This role is responsible for building strong candidate pipelines and delivering qualified talent across key field and operational roles. 

The ideal candidate brings a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to recruiting and understands the demands of hiring in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. Success in this role requires strong partnership with field leadership, the ability to navigate competitive labor markets, and a commitment to delivering consistent hiring results. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Manage full-cycle talent acquisition for high-volume and specialized roles, including: 
• CDL Class A & B Drivers 
• Heavy Equipment Operators 
• Asphalt and paving crews 
• Diesel technicians 
• Foremen and supervisory positions 
• Partner with hiring managers, superintendents, and operational leaders to: 
• Identify workforce needs 
• Align on hiring priorities 
• Drive timely and effective hiring decisions 
• Develop and execute targeted sourcing strategies using: 
• Job boards, resume databases, and direct outreach 
• Industry connections, referrals, and community partnerships 
• Regional labor market knowledge 
• Build and maintain talent pipelines to support seasonal workforce demands 
• Conduct candidate screenings and coordinate interviews, ensuring a professional and efficient candidate experience 
• Monitor recruiting metrics such as time-to-fill, applicant flow, and hiring outcomes 
• Support workforce planning aligned with project schedules and seasonal ramp-up 
• Ensure compliance with all Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action requirements 

Qualifications 

• Minimum of 2–5 years of talent acquisition or recruiting experience; construction, skilled trades, or transportation experience strongly preferred 
• Demonstrated success in high-volume, fast-paced hiring environments 
• Experience sourcing passive candidates and developing pipelines 
• Familiarity with labor markets in Minnesota and surrounding states preferred 
• Ability to travel occasionally to job sites, hiring events, and outreach activities 
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems and recruiting tools 
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record 

Core Competencies 

• Urgency and execution – recognizes the operational impact of open positions 
• Influence and partnership – effectively guides hiring managers and stakeholders 
• Resourcefulness – leverages multiple channels to identify talent 
• Sound judgment – balances hiring speed with candidate quality 
• Relationship-building – establishes credibility with field teams and candidates 

Work Environment 

• Mix of office-based work and regular interaction with field operations 
• Ongoing collaboration with job site leadership and operational teams 
• Seasonal fluctuations in workload aligned with construction activity 
• Occasional travel throughout Minnesota and surrounding states 

Compensation & Benefits 

Pay Range: $26.00 - $43.00/hour ($54,080 – $89,440 annually, depending on experience) 

Benefits Include: 

• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance 
• Short-Term Disability & Basic Life Insurance 
• 401(k) with Company Match & Profit Sharing 
• Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays 
• Business casual office environment 
• Electronic Direct Deposit 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.