HR Specialist

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Job Posting Title:

HR Specialist

   

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

   

Department:

LSUAM Engineering - Admin - Human Resources (Jessica Hutchinson Waters (00000820))

   

Work Location:

2221 Patrick F. Taylor Hall

   

Pay Grade:

Professional

   

Job Description:

35% Departmental HR Partnership and Workforce Consultation

Serve as the primary HR partner and lead for assigned departments within the College of Engineering, providing consultative guidance on workforce and employment matters. Advise department chairs, faculty, and administrators on position alignment, job classification, recruitment strategies, compensation-related actions, and HR processes. Prepare employment documentation, interpret and communicate university policies, and guide departments through complex employment workflows and administrative procedures.

15% HR Transactions and HRIS Processing

Process HR transactions in Workday supporting the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring and onboarding, job changes, appointment continuations, terminations, and compensation updates. Manage academic appointment data within Workday for faculty and other academic personnel across assigned departments, ensuring appointment terms and employment attributes are accurately reflected. Manage I-9 reverifications and work authorization updates to ensure data integrity, compliance with HR policies, and timely completion of system updates.

15% Research Workforce and Academic Employment Coordination

Coordinate academic and research employment actions across assigned departments, including faculty, postdoctoral researchers, research staff and contingent personnel. Facilitate specialized roles such as visiting scholars and international researchers, monitor employment timelines, and assist departments with extensions or non-renewals tied to research funding cycles. Ensure employment structures align with university policies and sponsored research requirements.

15% Summer Salary and Research Payment Administration

Assist with administration of faculty summer salary payments funded through research or departmental sources. Review summer salary calculations submitted by departments to ensure compliance with Office of Academic Affairs and College policies, compile submissions into the College’s master processing spreadsheet, and coordinate corrections or clarifications with departments prior to final submission.

10% International Employment and Visa Petition Preparation

Monitor departmental hiring activity to identify positions requiring visa sponsorship and coordinate the preparation and submission of employment-based visa petitions to the Office of Global Engagement. Partner with departments and international employees to compile and assemble H-1B and J-1 petition materials, including extensions, for faculty and other sponsored employees. Coordinate institutional documentation and approvals for visiting scholars and international research appointments while tracking visa timelines to ensure continuity of employment authorization. Ensure applicable full-time faculty positions are advertised on appropriate national and international platforms to meet federal recruitment requirements for permanent residency sponsorship.

10% Operational Support and Collaboration

Collaborate with central HRM, Payroll, the Office of Global Engagement, OAA and other university partners in support of departmental personnel operations. Contribute to the development and refinement of HR procedures, participate in College HR meetings and training, and assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree with 2-3 years of experience, preferably in a University setting.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

   

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

The Human Resources Specialist supports a portfolio of departments and provides consultative guidance and workforce coordination within a complex academic and research environment. The role is committed to delivering a high level of customer service to faculty, hiring managers, and departmental stakeholders by providing responsive, tailored support and facilitating efficient turnaround of employment-related processes and workforce needs.

The College of Engineering, as a leading hub for sponsored research at LSU, requires specialized HR expertise in academic employment, research workforce administration, immigration-related employment authorization, and complex compensation structures.

The position regularly consults with department chairs, faculty principal investigators, and departmental administrators to facilitate employment actions that support the College's teaching and research mission while ensuring compliance with university policies and applicable state and federal regulations.

Please attach ALL documents under the Resume/CV section of your application. Please provide three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required prior to hire.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Jessica Waters at jessicawaters@lsu.edu.

   

Posting Date:

April 2, 2026

   

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

July 24, 2026

  

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

   

Essential Position (Y/N):

   

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

   

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

   

HCM Contact Information: