HR Assistant

Harsco is recognized for technical leadership and worldwide experience in virtually all major aspects of railway track maintenance.  We enable railroads to operate at peak efficiency over smooth, precisely aligned track that increases railway safety while reducing fuel consumption and other key operating costs. Our broad array of equipment and services support every type of railway operator, from major national and international railway systems, to short lines and high-speed urban transit networks.

The Human Resources Clerk provides administrative and clerical support to the Human Resources Department. This position assists with employee file management, I-9 record maintenance, document scanning and electronic filing, employee assistance with annual assessments and biometric requirements, policy review support, and various HR administrative functions. The ideal candidate is professional, detail-oriented, organized, and able to follow instructions while maintaining strict confidentiality and providing excellent customer service to employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist employees with completing required annual assessments, Year-End (YE) Biometric screenings, and other company-required programs. 

• Provide employees with access to computers and support resources needed to complete the required HR assessments and training. 

• Maintain confidentiality of employee information and sensitive company records. 

• Organize, maintain, and update employee personnel files and HR records. 

• Maintain, update, and organize Form I-9 records and support employment authorization documentation in accordance with company procedures and record retention requirements. 

• Assist with periodic audits of I-9 files to ensure records are complete, accurate, and properly maintained. 

• Scan, index, upload, and electronically archive employee documents and HR records to designated HR databases, electronic filing systems, and shared drives. 

• Assist with converting paper personnel files into electronic records as part of HR document management initiatives. 

• Organize and maintain the HR file room to ensure accurate filing and efficient document retrieval. 

• Retrieve, file, and distribute HR-related documents as needed. 

• Perform secure shredding and disposal of confidential documents in accordance with company policies. 

• Assist with reviewing some HR policies, procedures, and related documentation as assigned. 

• Support HR activities related to year-end and new-year preparation, including records management, employee communications, and administrative projects. 

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as needed to support the Human Resources Department. 

Education and Experience 

• High School Diploma or GED required. 

• Associate Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 

• One (1) year of administrative, clerical, records management, or Human Resources experience preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 

• Ability to follow instructions and complete work accurately and efficiently. 

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work professionally with employees at all levels of the organization. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams). 

• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines. 

• Basic knowledge of HR practices, personnel records management, and compliance requirements preferred. 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift files or boxes weighing up to 25 pounds. 

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods. 

• Ability to access filing cabinets, storage rooms, and records archives. 

Work Environment 

• Office-based work environment within the Human Resources Department. 

• Frequent interaction with employees, managers, and visitors. 

• Requires professionalism, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential information at all times. 

Key Competencies 

• Professionalism  

• Attention to Detail 

• Organization and Time Management 

• Confidentiality and Integrity 

• Customer Service Orientation 

• Communication Skills 

• Dependability 

• Teamwork and Collaboration 

• Initiative and Accountability 

This position plays a vital role in supporting HR operations through effective records management, employee assistance, compliance support, and administrative coordination, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the Human Resources Department. 

Disclaimer:  This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. 

Note: Responsibilities listed represent the overall scope of the position. Complexity, autonomy, and leadership expectations increase as employees progress. 

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

If you have difficulty applying for any job posted on Harsco Rail’s website because a disability prevents you from using the online system, Harsco Rail offers the following alternate application procedure: Contact Merissa Reese, HR Business Partner, at 1.803.740.2611, and Harsco Rail will arrange for an alternate method of applying and will consider your application together with all other applications received for the job.  Please call only for disability applications. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.