Human Resources Specialist

Overview

The Human Resources Specialist serves as the primary point of coordination for all Human Resources (HR) activities for the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies (NCICS). In this role you will support the Institute leadership and staff by administering HR processes and serving as a liaison with NC State University departments and NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). The role ensures HR activities are accurate, compliant, and aligned with Institute needs.

The position is based in Asheville, NC, and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, working directly with Institute leadership, staff, and federal partners to manage and assume responsibility for all Institute Human Resources activities.

• Administer and manage Institute HR activities, ensuring compliance with NCSU, UNC System, and applicable federal requirements.
• Perform position management activities, including position documentation, updates, classifications, and reclassifications.
• Manage recruitment and hiring processes, including job postings, applicant review, hiring actions, onboarding, and offboarding.
• Maintain accurate personnel records on behalf of the Institute through the use of NCSU HR systems (e.g., People Admin, People Soft, HRNow).
• Function as the primary HR point of contact for Institute staff, external collaborators, and federal partners, providing guidance and HR-related information.
• Provide workforce administration for the Institute, including timekeeping, performance appraisal coordination, I-9 completion, visa application processes, and security clearance requests.

This position is based in Asheville, NC, and offers opportunities to work with Institute leadership, staff, and federal partners. Work Schedule is Core Business Hours Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; flexible work hours are available depending on business needs and with supervisor approval. NCICS offers Wolfpack perks and benefits as described by the organization.

The North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies (NCICS) is a UNC inter-institutional research institute whose primary focus is to promote the discovery of new knowledge about global, regional, and local climate variability and its impacts; and to provide information that is critical for determining trends and validating climate forecasts at all these spatial scales. A primary activity of NCICS is the operation of the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth Systems Science (CISESS), formed through a consortium of academic, non-profit, and community organizations with leadership from the University of Maryland and North Carolina State University, on behalf of the UNC System.

CISESS provides foci for collaborative research and associated activities in support of NOAA mission goals related to meteorological satellite and climate data and information research and development.

Bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

• Working knowledge of enterprise administrative or HR systems, such as People Admin, People Soft, or similar higher-education or research-related platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a broad range of HR activities, including recruitment, hiring processes, employee communications, and position management.
• Experience with Human Resources functions in an academic or research environment, particularly within a complex or collaborative organization.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle confidential information and work tactfully with faculty, staff, researchers, external collaborators, and federal partners.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, synthesize information from varied sources, and meet institutional deadlines.

Valid NC Driver's License required. Other license information is not applicable (N/A).

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions:
Job Open Date 02/05/2026; earliest close date 02/12/2026. Note that positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on the posted close date; positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time. Notice to Applicants:
Please note that the work history on your resume must also be included in your application.

Position Number ;
Position Type SHRA;
Position Classification Band Title Human Resources Specialist;
Band Level Journey;
Salary Range $34,320 - $70,983;
Salary Grade Equivalency NC07;
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) 1.0;
Appointment 12 Month Recurring.

EEO: NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including…