Position Title: HR Specialist,Assc
Employee Classification: HR Specialist,Assc
College/Division: Administration and Finance
Department: 510039-BENEFIT SERVICES
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 17.85/hr
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
Exempt or Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt
Summary: Join a collaborative HR team dedicated to service, accuracy, and continuous improvement. We’re seeking detail-oriented professionals who value critical thinking, clear communication, and supporting the university community.
Classification Summary:
Entry level professional responsible for the administration of employee programs, including those for professional and management positions in a specialized area of Human Resources Services. Activities may include research and drafting of policies for review and approval, providing consultation, and performing analyses.
Classification Standard Duties:
Within the area of Human Resources Services, reviews university human resources policies and procedures; determines actions to be taken and advises department heads, employees and the public on what actions must be taken; may also function in an informational role in areas where specific advice is not needed. Assists with the revision of training programs; prepares and presents a variety of training workshops and seminars. Performs routine data input into a computerized human resources information system to establish and update applicant and employee records and benefits information. Prepares and edits correspondence and forms. Prepares reports, graphs, charts and statistics in support of human resource operations and studies.
Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:No previous work experience required.; Equivalency:An equivalent combination of education and directly related professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. In general, four (4) additional years of progressively responsible human resources experience may substitute for a Bachelor's degree. Professional certifications such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP may be considered as partial fulfillment of educational requirements, particularly when combined with relevant experience.; Required Certification/License:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of principles, practices and standards of human resource administration in assigned area. Knowledge of state and federal regulations in assigned area.; SKILLS:Skill in problem analysis and resolution.; ABILITIES:Ability to effectively communicate with others.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The HR Specialist, Associate provides front-line support for employee benefits, retirement, and leave programs. Key responsibilities include assisting employees with benefit enrollment and utilization, maintaining department communications and resources, presenting New Employee Orientation, processing retiree health enrollments, supporting leave administration, and managing the Tuition Waiver program. The position also serves as a primary contact for escalated benefits inquiries and supports various HR service activities.
Preferred Qualifications
Special Requirements of the Position
Department Contact: Celeste Uzueta, cemartin@nmsu.edu
Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable
Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule:
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.