JOB TITLE: Recruiting & Engagement Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
REPORTS TO: Director of Human Resources
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
SALARY: $50,000 – $58,000 Annually
DATE POSTED: 07/29/2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply by 08/13/2026. Applications received after this date may not be considered.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Recruiting and Engagement Specialist at Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) plays a key role in attracting, onboarding, and retaining a high performing workforce. This position manages full cycle recruitment, oversees structured onboarding programs, and supports employee engagement initiatives that strengthen workplace culture and organizational effectiveness. The Specialist ensures job postings are strategically promoted, candidates are screened and selected using equitable and skills based hiring practices, and new employees receive a seamless transition into the organization.
In addition to recruitment and onboarding responsibilities, the role contributes to employee satisfaction and retention by coordinating well being initiatives, recognition programs, and development opportunities. The Specialist uses workforce analytics and recruitment metrics to provide leadership with actionable insights that support data driven decision making. Strong communication skills, relationship building abilities, and a solid understanding of hiring best practices are essential to effectively collaborate with candidates, employees, and leadership while advancing KAT’s organizational goals.
VETERAN COMMITMENT STATEMENT:
We proudly hire Veterans and value the dedication, discipline, and leadership they bring to our workforce. We encourage Veterans and transitioning service members to apply and are committed to supporting their continued career growth in the civilian workforce.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Recruitment and Onboarding (75%)
• Utilize applicant tracking systems to streamline resume screening and candidate selection
• Work closely with the marketing team to ensure effective job postings across multiple platforms, including social media and professional networks
• Conduct structured interviews and collaborate with hiring managers to ensure equitable and effective hiring decisions
• Build and maintain talent pipelines for future hiring needs
• Oversee background checks, pre-employment drug testing, reference checks, and compliance with hiring regulations
• Process and file I-9 verifications to ensure compliance with federal employment regulations
• Develop and manage onboarding workflows, including HR documentation, orientation sessions, and initial training
• File and track medical certifications for safety sensitive positions in compliance with regulatory requirements
• Serve as a point of contact for new employees by providing guidance and support throughout their first weeks
Employee Engagement and Retention (15%)
• Design and implement employee wellbeing initiatives, including mental health support, work life balance programs, and internal engagement events
• Conduct employee engagement surveys and use insights to strengthen workplace satisfaction
• Develop career development pathways, mentorship programs, and leadership training opportunities
• Manage employee recognition programs to support morale and retention
Recruiting and Engagement Strategy (10%)
• Track and analyze key recruitment metrics, including time-to-hire, candidate conversion rates, and retention rates
• Utilize workforce analytics to forecast hiring needs workforce trends and employee engagement levels
• Generate HR reports that provide leadership with data driven insights related to talent acquisition and employee satisfaction
• Stay informed on HR best practices and recommend improvements to recruitment onboarding and retention strategies
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
• An associate’s degree and three (3) years of recruitment, onboarding, or related human resources experience
• OR a bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of recruitment, onboarding, or related human resources experience
• Military experience may be accepted in lieu of equivalent experience or education
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational development, or a related field
• Three (3) years of recruiting or onboarding experience
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or other relevant HR certification
• Experience in a unionized environment or the transportation industry
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Possess knowledge of HR policies, regulatory requirements, employment laws, and onboarding compliance practices
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills for conveying information to candidates, employees, supervisors, and leadership
• Apply sound judgment by analyzing issues, identifying solutions, and resolving HR related concerns effectively
• Maintain intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications to support recruitment, onboarding, and engagement activities
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and manage confidential information appropriately
• Engage candidates, employees, and hiring managers effectively through strong interpersonal communication skills
• Manage multiple recruitment pipelines, onboarding workflows, and employee engagement initiatives with consistency and accuracy
• Use HR software, applicant tracking systems, and related tools to support recruitment and onboarding coordination
• Analyze recruitment, onboarding, and retention data to generate actionable insights for leadership
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in hiring documentation, onboarding processes, and compliance activities
• Collaborate with internal departments to support process improvements across HR functions
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands; use hands to feel objects, tools, or controls
• The employee is required to sit, talk, and hear
• The employee may experience repetitive motion of wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Work is performed in a standard office environment with a moderate work pace
• Duties are performed at a computer workstation for extended periods
• The role involves frequent interaction with candidates and employees
• Noise level is typically quiet
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
