Human Resources Generalist

Division/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.

Education, 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.