Human Resources Generalist

Job DetailsJob Location: BRYSON CITY, NC 28713Position Type: SeasonalSalary Range: $25.00 - $32.00 HourlyDivision/Department: Human Resources

Job Title: Human Resources Generalist- Seasonal

Reports To: Human Resources Manager & AHR Human Resources/Benefits Manager

Type of position: Non-exempt/ Hourly

Employee Classification: Seasonal

Location: Bryson City, NC

Compensation: $25-32 hourly

Assignment Duration: Through December 31, 2026

Job Summary: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) is seeking an energetic, organized, and people-focused Human Resources Generalist to support Human Resources operations during The Polar Express season. This role combines high-volume recruiting, onboarding, employee relations and HR compliance. The ideal candidate will have experience managing large-scale seasonal hiring efforts and working within an HRIS Applicant Tracking System (ATS) platform such as Paycom.

Benefits Offered: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers seasonal employees tuition reimbursement, complimentary train passes, a 401K with company-match, Southern Highlands Attraction (SHA) pass and Pass Exchange program for complimentary admission to area attractions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition

Coordinate full-cycle recruiting and large-scale seasonal hiring initiatives to meet operational staffing demands
Develop and maintain recruiting pipelines through job boards, career fairs, community partnerships, referrals, and other recruitment sources.
Partner with department leaders to identify staffing needs and hiring priorities.
Create, update, and edit job descriptions in conjunction with department managers to accurately portray vacancies.
Review applications, conduct phone screenings, schedule interviews, and coordinate hiring decisions.
Create and maintain job postings that effectively attract qualified candidates.
Support hiring managers throughout the recruitment and selection process.
Monitor recruiting metrics and recommend strategies to improve hiring effectiveness and candidate flow.

Hiring & Onboarding

Prepare offer letters and employment documentation.
Conduct new employee orientations.
Ensure timely completion and compliance of onboarding documentation, including I-9s, W-4s, youth employment certificates, and company-required forms, providing follow-up and support to resolve documentation issues and maintain compliance.
Coordinate pre-employment activities including but not limited to criminal history background checks, Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), Fit-for-duty physical assessment testing, drug testing, and reference checks.
Coordinate onboarding activities that create a positive employee experience and support successful integration into the organization.

Employee Relations, HRIS, & Compliance

Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers regarding HR policies, procedures, and workplace concerns.
Help foster employee engagement and maintain a positive workplace culture.
Assist with employee recognition events, meetings, and company-sponsored activities.
Coordinate employee access, user setup, and termination requests.
Assist with managing and distributing uniforms.
Utilize Paycom or similar HRIS platforms to maintain accurate employee data management, reporting, onboarding, and HR administration.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the VP/GM, Human Resources Manager, or Senior Management.

Work Environment

Primarily Monday through Friday schedule with flexibility for some weekend work as needed to support recruiting events, onboarding and operational needs.
Occasional attendance at job fairs, career fairs, community events, and hiring events.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions when recruiting.

QualificationsEducation, Skill, and Work Experience Requirements:

Minimum of 2 years of Human Resources experience in a Human Resources Generalist, Talent Acquisition, Recruiter, or similar Human Resources role.
Demonstrated experience supporting high-volume or seasonal workforce recruiting initiatives.

Strong computer skills including: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or similar HR certification.
Experience managing full-cycle recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations activities.
Experience working with HRIS systems and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Paycom preferred.
Experience recruiting for hospitality, tourism, attractions, entertainment, transportation, railroad, or seasonal operations.

This seasonal position is expected to continue through December 31, 2026.