HR & Culture Specialist

HR & Culture Specialist Job Description

About RAWSO

RAWSO is a fast-growing heavy civil contractor serving Middle Tennessee through earthwork, underground utilities, public works, and infrastructure construction. We are guided by three core values: Do What’s Right, Pursue Excellence, and Take Extreme Ownership.

Position Summary

The HR & Culture Specialist is a people-first role supporting RAWSO’s employees throughout their journey with us, from their first day through every milestone along the way. This person partners closely with employees and leaders across the organization on recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, HR administration, employee engagement, workforce programs, and culture initiatives.

We’re looking for someone who leads with empathy, adapts easily, and has a genuine heart for taking care of people — along with the organization, communication, and discretion to balance employee needs with the realities of a fast-paced construction environment.

Key Responsibilities

Recruiting & Onboarding

• Support full cycle recruiting for field, operational, and professional positions.
• Conduct HR phone screens, coordinate interviews, manage candidate communications, and assist with offer and pre-employment processes.
• Coordinate a warm, well-organized onboarding and orientation experience for new hires, including required documentation and HR system setup.
• Partner with managers to support a smooth transition for new employees.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Be a trusted, approachable resource for employees and leaders — someone people feel comfortable bringing questions, concerns, or ideas to.
• Support employee relations matters — including corrective action, attendance concerns, and separations — with fairness and care, along with the documentation and follow-up they require.
• Coordinate annual reviews, 90-day evaluations, upward feedback, and other performance management processes.
• Support employees’ growth through development opportunities, promotions, job changes, and other career milestones.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain employee information, forms, workflows, and documentation within BambooHR and other HR systems.
• Coordinate employee changes involving job titles, compensation, managers, departments, and employment status.
• Create and maintain HR forms, templates, checklists, and internal resources.
• Support policy administration, leave processes, employee documentation, and consistent HR practices.
• Help employees feel confident and supported during open enrollment, including clear communication, education, and hands-on troubleshooting.
• Support the rollout of new HR and benefits technology, including employee communications and training on new platforms.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure sensitive employee information is handled appropriately.
• Coordinate the company’s drug testing program, including pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing.

Culture, Engagement & Communication

• Support initiatives that strengthen RAWSO’s culture and reinforce company values.
• Coordinate employee recognition programs, company events, engagement activities, and culture initiatives.
• Plan and coordinate company parties and celebrations (holidays, milestones, employee appreciation).
• Develop company announcements, HR communications, employee reminders, and internal messaging.
• Partner with the admin team and Director of Cultural Relations to identify ways to improve employee experience, engagement, and retention.

Workforce Development & HR Support

• Partner with Coaching & Development to manage internship programs for field interns and assist with office internships.
• Partner with Coaching & Development Department with workforce development programs as needed.
• Assist with HR metrics, turnover analysis, recruiting activity, and retention trends.
• Help identify opportunities to improve HR processes, employee programs, and organizational effectiveness.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Communications, or related field preferred.
• 5 years of Human Resources experience preferred; candidates with less experience but strong potential and coachability are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, HR operations, or employee engagement.
• Strong communication, organization, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented approach to identifying and resolving issues before they escalate.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain confidentiality.
• Comfortable supporting both field and office employees in a fast paced environment.
• Experience with BambooHR or a similar HRIS preferred.
• Construction, skilled trades, manufacturing, or operational workforce experience preferred.
• SHRM CP, PHR, or similar HR certification not required, but is a plus.

Here's What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Profit-sharing program, with payouts tied to company profitability and individual performance.
• Paid Time Off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account options.
• Short-term disability, accident coverage, and life insurance options.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This role includes regular time out on our jobsites — visits happen as needed rather than on a fixed schedule.
• Work happens in both our office and out on active construction sites, which can include uneven terrain, noise, dust, and weather exposure.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when on active jobsites.
• Reliable transportation is required for travel between the office and jobsite locations.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, and to use a computer regularly.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

As part of the pre-employment process, applicants are required to complete applicable background screening and drug testing. Employees are also subject to random and post-accident drug testing in accordance with company policy.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.