HR Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Hiring for: HR Specialist

Join the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) as a Human Resources Specialist . This full-time, onsite position plays a vital role in shaping CATA's workforce by leading recruitment strategies, enhancing employee onboarding, and supporting retention initiatives that help employees thrive. Your work will directly impact the employee experience and strengthen the organization's culture and long-term success.

The starting salary is $56,700.00, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, etc.), health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), 401(a), 457, Roth IRA, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, life insurance, long-term disability, short-term disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), free gym membership, and free transit pass. CATA is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Become part of a dedicated team that's passionate about transportation, community impact, and cultivating an exceptional workplace experience!

What does a Human Resources Specialist do?

As a Human Resources Specialist focused on Recruitment and Retention, you will manage the full-cycle recruitment process, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified and diverse candidates. Daily responsibilities include coordinating job postings, screening applicants, supporting hiring managers, and preparing and optimizing employment advertisements. You'll continually improve the onboarding program to deliver a consistent and engaging experience for new hires.

You will conduct interviews, advise hiring managers on selection practices, and ensure employment offers and documentation are completed accurately and promptly. Your role will also involve building relationships with local organizations, representing CATA at recruitment events, and developing employer branding materials.

A key component of this position is supporting employee engagement and retention initiatives. You will develop and manage mentorship, internship, and apprenticeship programs, conduct stay and exit interviews, analyze turnover trends, and help implement programs that foster employee recognition, development, and satisfaction.

Are you a good fit for the Human Resources Specialist role?

To excel in this role, you will need strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently. A solid understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws is important, along with knowledge of full-cycle recruiting practices and applicant tracking systems.

Analytical skills will help you interpret recruitment and retention data, while relationship-building skills will enable effective partnerships with community organizations and internal stakeholders. Confidentiality, professionalism, and the ability to perform well under pressure are essential.

About CATA

CATA is a joint municipal authority established in 1974, proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary. CATA serves portions of Centre County, including Penn State's University Park Campus community. CATA provides more than 5 million annual rides across fixed-route, microtransit, paratransit, and commuter services. CATA was the first public transportation agency on the East Coast to operate an entirely CNG fixed-route fleet and has the highest farebox recovery ratio in Pennsylvania.

Get started with CATA

Want to get your career on the move? Apply by visiting the Careers at CATA website:

Selected candidates will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and a criminal background check.

CATA participates in E-Verify. For more information, contact DHS at 888-897-7787 or visit dhs.gov/e-verify.

CATA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Selected candidate will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and criminal background check.