Human Resources Specialist Senior - Austin Human Resources

Job Description:

Human Resources Specialist Senior - Austin Human Resources

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Austin Human Resources positions the City of Austin as an employer of choice through balanced, efficient, and collaborative strategic partnerships. It oversees executive recruitment, compensation, employee benefits, workers' compensation, employee relations, and employee safety for the City of Austin.
The Talent Acquisition Division supports internal and external customers in accessing and filling City of Austin positions with top talent. We accomplish this by assessing workforce needs, leading executive recruitment, managing key hiring programs, and supporting citywide Human Resources initiatives. Our team develops and delivers talent acquisition training, ensures compliance with hiring standards and Municipal Civil Service rules, and maintains consistent processes, tools, and resources. We also oversee supplier management and strategic partnerships to promote an efficient, equitable, and high-quality hiring experience across the organization. The Sr. Human Resources Specialist provides critical operational, technical, and analytical support for the City of Austin’s recruitment and hiring processes. It ensures accurate and consistent job postings, supports the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and stakeholder inquiries, manages unemployment claims, and contributes to employer branding and talent sourcing. The role supports Workday HCM integration, public information requests, and data-driven talent acquisition strategies. It also advances talent intelligence through market research, candidate pool mapping, and leveraging existing networks to support proactive sourcing. The position enhances the candidate interview experience, builds and analyzes recruitment reports, and works closely with department HR teams, hiring managers, and applicants to ensure clear communication and a smooth hiring process. These duties are essential to maintaining compliance, operational accuracy, and the City’s ability to attract, evaluate, and hire qualified talent.

Job Description:

Human Resources Specialist Senior

Purpose:

Provides advanced support, advice, and problem-solving to moderately complex areas of human resources (HR).

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides advanced support to journey and senior-level HR staff by reviewing recommendations, project plans, procedures, and workflows for accuracy and compliance with existing policies and processes.
• Develops, implements, administers, and evaluates moderately complex HR programs.
• Leads the development and implementation of systems, policies, procedures, strategies, and process workflows for use within departments.
• Conducts advanced research, provides information to HR staff and employee groups in assigned area(s) of responsibility, and makes appropriate recommendations based on findings.
• Advises and counsels HR staff, management, and other employee groups related to compliance with and the communication, interpretation, and implementation of established City policies and other relevant employment laws and regulations.
• Assists in resolving advanced HR problems, researches and applies best practices, reviews recommendations, and monitors implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
• Researches information as requested or needed; compiles data; and writes informational memos, letters, reports, forms, plans, documents, and queries using a computer, spreadsheets, databases, or presentation software.
• Conducts analysis of metrics and morale indicators, such as surveys, turnover, and grievances, and recommends corrective action within the area of specialization.
• Collaborates and participates on teams with HR and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the assigned HR area.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem-solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in the assigned HR areas.
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge and skill in the use of computerized tools, databases, and communications techniques used in HR.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus three (3) years of related HR experience.
• Any combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS), CRM tools, or HRIS platforms, ideally Workday Recruiting or similar cloud-based systems.
• Skill in data analysis, reporting, and dashboard tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, or Power BI.
• Familiarity with social media management tools and employer branding platforms.
• Knowledge of recruitment operations, executive interviewing and hiring practices, municipal hiring processes, and public sector HR workflows.
• Understanding of unemployment claims procedures and state regulations, including TWC processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret policies, develop practical solutions, and effectively engage with senior leadership

Notes to Candidate:

Important: Applicants must submit a complete application, résumé, and cover letter. Incomplete submissions or missing documents will result in the application being classified as incomplete.

Location:
505 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Days and Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. A flexible hybrid schedule may be available after successful completion of the probationary period.

Salary Range:
$26.86 (Minimum) - $32.43 (Midpoint), depending on qualifications and experience.

Working for the City of Austin provides a wide range of health and welfare benefits, including low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid leave; a highly competitive retirement plan; career development opportunities; and more. Click here for details.

Employment Application

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Please include all current and previous employment you wish to be evaluated as part of your qualifications.
  
• Your Employment Record must list job titles, employment dates, duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position.
  
• Starting salary is based on the relevant experience documented in your application.
  
• If selected, the hiring process may include an assessment, initial screening interview, panel interviews, and a final interview with the Hiring Authority and division/department leadership.
  
• Résumés may be submitted in addition to a fully completed application. Statements such as “see résumé” are not accepted. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Use “N/A” in fields that do not apply.
  
• We invite you to closely review the City of Austin's guiding principles and core competencies found on the Apply for a City of Austin job | AustinTexas.gov site.
  
• The City of Austin may close a job posting at any time after seven (7) days from the initial advertisement.
  
• Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be modified.
  

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-12-03