Human Resources Specialist

Job Title: Human Resources Specialist

Department: Human Resources

Reports to: Director of Human Resources

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Onsite at CARTA Headquarters

Position Summary

The Human Resource Specialist will administer various human resources functions relative to an employee’s life cycle. The HR Specialist is responsible for ensuring the daily functions of the Human Resource (HR) department including recruitment/interviewing, onboarding/hiring, facilitate orientation, handling HR transactions/changes, assisting with training initiatives, HRIS updates, general HR inquiries, and offboarding. Facilitation of benefit enrollment, leave management, reconciliation of monthly invoices, tracking related compliance and other areas of the Human Resources departmental functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position will have no supervisory responsibilities.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, professional licensure, and aptitude exams and certifications.
• Recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Conducts or acquires background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
• Facilitates new hire orientation, employee recognition programs and exit interviews, to ensure a positive work experience.
• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Oversee employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring to complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
• Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Assist Director in researching and drafting healthy human resources policies and procedures.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommends best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and innovative technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field or 5 to 7 years HR related experience in lieu of education will be considered.
• At least 3 years of proven experience as recruiter for all levels of an organization required up to a Director level.
• At least 3 years of proven HR generalist, specialist or other similar role required.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resources disciplines, including employee relations, diversity, performance management, and federal and state employment laws.
• Knowledge of HRIS databases highly preferred including NetSuite, UKG and other similar databases.
• Union experience is highly preferred.
  
  

Certification: SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR or SPHR certification highly preferred.

Work Location: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00, on-site at CARTA headquarters in Chattanooga, TN

Compensation and Benefits: $57,000-67,000 dependent upon experience.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
  
  

CARTA’s benefits package includes health, dental, and vision plans, pension plan, and paid time off.

CARTA values excellence in public service and seeks candidates who share our commitment to serving the transportation needs of our community with integrity and fiscal responsibility.

Revised 9/21/26