HR Specialist

Role overview

The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is seeking a full-time, on-site Human Resources Specialist in State College, Pennsylvania. This position focuses on recruitment and retention and supports the organization in attracting talented candidates, improving the new hire experience, and strengthening employee engagement across the workforce.

The role is part of a mission-driven public transit organization that serves the Centre County area, including the Penn State University Park community. CATA operates fixed-route, microtransit, paratransit, and commuter services, with more than 5 million rides provided annually. It was the first public transportation agency on the East Coast to run an entirely CNG fixed-route fleet and holds the highest farebox recovery ratio in Pennsylvania.

Compensation and benefits

The starting annual salary is $56,700, with final pay commensurate with experience.

Benefits include paid time off such as vacation, sick leave, and holidays; medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(a), 457, and Roth IRA retirement options; a Health Savings Account; a Flexible Spending Account; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; an Employee Assistance Program; a free gym membership; and a free transit pass. CATA also qualifies as an employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Recruitment and onboarding focus

This role oversees the complete hiring cycle, from publishing and refining job advertisements to screening applicants and coordinating with hiring managers. The specialist will help maintain a strong pipeline of qualified and diverse candidates while ensuring job postings are clear, effective, and aligned with hiring needs.

The position also supports interview coordination, candidate selection guidance, and the timely preparation of offers and hiring documents. Another major responsibility is improving the onboarding experience so new employees receive a consistent, welcoming, and effective introduction to the organization.

Retention and engagement work

In addition to recruitment, the specialist contributes to employee retention and engagement initiatives. This includes helping design and administer mentorship, internship, and apprenticeship programs, as well as conducting stay and exit interviews to better understand employee experience and turnover patterns.

The role requires using data and feedback to support recognition, growth, and satisfaction initiatives that help employees remain engaged and productive over the long term.

Partnerships and employer branding

The Human Resources Specialist will build and maintain connections with local organizations, represent CATA at recruiting events, and contribute to employer branding efforts. The goal is to increase visibility in the community and strengthen the organization’s reputation as an employer of choice.

Skills and qualifications

Success in this role calls for strong organization, communication, and interpersonal abilities, along with the capability to juggle multiple priorities efficiently. A strong grasp of federal, state, and local employment laws is important, as is practical knowledge of full-cycle recruiting and applicant tracking systems.

Analytical thinking is needed to review recruitment and retention information, while relationship-building skills help develop effective partnerships with internal teams and external community groups. Professional judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential.

Additional requirements

Selected candidates must complete drug and alcohol testing and pass a criminal background check. CATA also participates in E-Verify.

Equal opportunity statement

CATA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

About the organization

CATA is a joint municipal authority established in 1974 and has been serving the community for decades. The organization is committed to transportation access, community impact, and building a strong workplace culture.