The HR Specialist provides essential human resources and payroll support to Facilities Services leadership and over 675 employees. Serving as a liaison between the department and campus HR, Finance, and Payroll offices, this position advises supervisors and employees on HR policies, leave programs, and personnel actions—including performance evaluations, promotions, and leave requests such as FMLA and Paid Parental Leave. Responsibilities include processing bi-weekly timekeeping in KRONOS, managing leave balances, entering position and personnel changes, and handling additional employee payments such as stipends and bonuses. The role also prepares reports on staffing levels, career progression, certification requirements, and payroll expenditures to support workforce planning. The HR Specialist maintains strict confidentiality and discretion while fostering a professional and respectful work environment.
- Provides essential HR support to the Associate and Assistant Vice Chancellors, Division Directors, FS supervisors, and over 675 department employees.
- Serves as the primary point of contact between Facilities Services and key campus offices—such as UTK Human Resources, Finance and Administration, and the UT Treasurer’s Office—in the absence of the HR Manager, Benefits Coordinator, and HR Coordinator.
- Advises directors, supervisors, and employees on HR policies and employment matters including FMLA, Sick Leave Bank, Workers' Compensation, Paid Parental Leave, career ladder eligibility, terminations, and retirement.
- Coordinates personnel actions such as performance evaluations, promotions, leave requests, and position or personnel changes, while interpreting and applying related policies and procedures.
- Delivers supervisor training on leave programs and injury reporting processes, ensures timely incident reporting to UT Risk Management and CorVel, and secures claim numbers as needed.
- Assists with new employee onboarding and communicates policy, procedure, and benefits information.
- Maintains confidentiality and discretion while promoting a professional and respectful work environment.
- Performs other related HR duties as assigned.
- Processes bi-weekly timekeeping for the department in KRONOS and manages leave balance requests, leaves of absence, Paid Parental Leave, and Family Medical Leave.
- Provides timely support to supervisors and employees regarding pay and leave inquiries.
- Coordinates and performs complex administrative tasks related to payroll and timekeeping, including maintaining personnel and payroll records and preparing reports on staffing levels, career progression, certification requirements, leave balances, and payroll expenditures to support workforce planning.
- Performs other related payroll and timekeeping duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Experience: Two (2) years of experience in the area of Human Resources, or a Bachelor’s Degree and one year of experience in the area of Human Resources.
- Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Excellent interpersonal and listening skills and the ability to calmly manage stressful situations.
- Proven ability to be equitable, confidential and consistent in applying policy.
- Must be flexible and adaptive to changes in the work environment and be able to work harmoniously and maintain effective working relationships internal and external to the FS Department and present a highly professional presence as a representative of the FS Department.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Must be a detail-oriented person.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and move ahead without constant supervision.
- Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license
Work Location
- University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
- This is an on-site position
About the Department
UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
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