HR Operations Specialist

About the Job

The purpose of this position is to help create, implement, and oversee operational aspects of new and existing HR programming and processes. The role manages employment appointments and oversees payroll processing for CFANS employees, serving as the first point of contact for payroll questions and discrepancies. As the collegiate payroll subject matter expert, this position will be responsible for managing the bi-weekly payroll reconciliation process, resolving payroll issues, auditing time, absence, and HRMS entries, and assisting the college in building payroll best practices. The incumbent in this role is expected to build effective relationships across the college and central University offices, possess effective communication and project management skills, and have the cultural competency to work through challenging payroll issues. This position reports to the HR Manager & Strategic Partner on the CFANS HR team.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Responsibilities

Appointment Management and Collegiate Payroll (50%)

• Oversee inclusive payroll practices and strengthen the supervisor and employee experience through activities such as:
• Serves as the primary resource for faculty, staff, graduate assistants, and student workers regarding payroll questions, policies, and procedures related to overpayments, time and absence, progression/step increases, and other University appointment and pay practices.
• Analyze biweekly payroll reports to identify payroll trends, assess errors, troubleshoot anticipated problems, and proactively correct paycheck issues.
• Investigate appointment and payroll discrepancies such as underpayments, overpayments, and job data errors. Partner with the Employee Experience Leads and University offices as needed to resolve issues.
• Develop best practices, process improvements, training, and documentation to ensure flawless execution of payroll and HR processes; and data integrity across the school.
• Initiate I-9s and assist in completion as a back up and during busy periods (e.g., beginning of fall semester).
• Monitor and consult all aspects of time and absence to ensure compliance with governing documents.
• Maintain working knowledge of University employment rules, contracts and policies.

Reporting, Continuous Improvement & Compliance (25%)

• Develop best practices, process improvements, and tools to ensure flawless execution of appointment, payroll, and HR processes and data integrity across the college.
• Prepare and maintain standard and ad hoc reports.
• Conduct appropriate audits and analyze data to advise on and ensure HR data integrity and reconciliation of all HRMS data and year-round HRMS activities. Followup with the assigned Employee Experience Lead, unit administrative staff, employees, and supervisors in order to resolve and correct issues.
• Create and lead formal and informal training related to HR operations in collaboration with the HR Manager and Employee Experience Leads.
• Manage pertinent faculty data in collaboration with the HR team and CFANS Faculty Affairs team (e.g. phased retirement, sabbaticals, new faculty hires, etc.).

Records Management and HR Programs Coordination (25%)

• Oversee electronic personnel file management and collaborate on administration of emerging HR programs and initiatives, including:
• Lead electronic personnel file management, including working with HR Manager to complete uploading of remaining physical files. Manage personnel file requests. Ensure compliance with file retention.
• Assist HR Director with CFANS HR intranet content creation, posting, and maintenance
• Partner with Employee Experience Leads to manage new hire processes and onboarding logistics as well as offboarding logistics.
• Facilitate newly-created HR surveys (such as recognition preferences, new employee experiences, exit surveys) and the analysis and use of these survey data.
• Contribute to development of and coordinate peer-to-peer recognition platform, work anniversary milestones, and possible collegiate employee awards.
• Serve on committees and workgroups related to HR operations, payroll processes, and other areas of responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS or a combination of education and/or experience to equal at least four years
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to foster and maintain inclusive, effective relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds in a work setting
• Experience in human resources or payroll at the University of Minnesota and familiarity with complying with its human resources policies, rules, contracts, and procedures
• Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential matters with professional discretion and sensitivity
• Effective organizational skills and ability to multitask in a rapidly changing environment
• Prior experience with PeopleSoft or other Human Resources Management Systems
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of effective communication that provides regular, consistent, and meaningful information both written and verbally; ability to ask questions and listen carefully to others
• Completion of OED certificate (e.g., the Equity Certificate Hosted Online (ECHO) Program)
• Demonstrated ability to know when to decide independently or gather others' input and escalate an issue
• Demonstrated ability to partner with others to get work done

About the Department

College Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27 programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences and organized into thirteen academic departments.. CFANS also has 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe thats only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Department Overview

Striving to create a collegiate culture of inclusion and belonging where people and purpose thrive, CFANS Human Resources is a dynamic team of experienced HR professionals dedicated to building an effective human resources system, policies, practices, and partnerships with academic and administrative leaders to support our faculty, staff, graduate assistants, and student workers with exemplary employee experiences for their individual and organizational success. The human resources team provides the HR support necessary for consistent, quality processes and an inclusive workplace to attract and retain our 240 faculty, 2200 undergraduate students, 650 graduate students, and 800 staff members.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $27.50 ($55,220) to $31.75 ($66,040) annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include a resume and cover letter for a complete application. Please apply by June 15, 2026 for consideration.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.