Human Resources Specialist
Human resources (HR) specialists play a vital role in hiring, developing and supporting employees within an organization. Specialists will concentrate on a specific area of HR and focus on a particular task, developing expertise in one area, such as recruitment, compensation/benefits or employee training.
They may recruit, screen and interview applicants, coordinate onboarding for new hires and help match candidates with suitable roles. HR specialists may also manage employee benefits, assist with payroll and performance evaluations and ensure compliance with company policies and labor laws. In agriculture and agribusiness, they help build strong, skilled teams that support operations from the field to corporate offices. This role combines strong interpersonal communication with organizational and problem-solving skills.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
Responsibilities depend on the HR specialist’s focus area but could include the following:
Recruit, screen and interview job candidates
Coordinate onboarding and training for new hires
Administer compensation and benefits programs
Ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies
Conduct performance review processes and track evaluations
Support continued education and training programs for current employees
Assist with workforce planning and retention strategies
Represent the organization at job fairs and campus recruiting events
Recommended High School Courses
The following high school classes are recommended: business, psychology, sociology, English, communications, computer applications and economics.
Education/Training Required
A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or a related field is needed. Professional certifications, such as SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) or PHR (Professional in Human Resources) are valuable.
