Job Title: Human Resources Specialist

Job Description

The Human Resources Specialist manages full-cycle HR operations for a design-focused professional services firm, with a strong emphasis on recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, payroll oversight, and compliance across Washington, DC and Dallas. This role owns key HR processes, supports firm leadership in shaping HR strategy, and ensures a positive, consistent employee experience for architects, designers, and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle recruiting for architects, designers, and support staff, including drafting job postings, sourcing candidates, coordinating interviews, and handling offer negotiation.
• Administer employee benefits enrollment and ensure accurate and timely processing of benefits elections and changes.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies, and maintain up-to-date records.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with employee benefit providers and brokers, coordinating benefit-related questions, updates, and issue resolution.
• Oversee payroll processing in ADP and ensure accurate, timely payment across all office locations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, providing guidance to managers and helping resolve workplace issues.
• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure a consistent, positive employee experience for new hires and departing employees.
• Maintain compliance with federal, Washington DC, and Dallas employment laws and regulations, and update practices as requirements evolve.
• Manage performance review cycles and support managers in goal setting, feedback, and documentation processes.
• Maintain and update the employee handbook, HR policies, and procedures to reflect current practices and legal requirements.
• Track key HR metrics such as turnover, time-to-fill, and engagement, and prepare reports and insights for firm leadership.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the firm, partnering with leadership to advance inclusive practices.
• Manage ADP systems and maintain accurate employee records, coordinating timesheets to ensure reported work hours and payroll data are aligned.
• Coordinate professional development activities, including licensure support (AIA/NCARB) and continuing education tracking for design staff.
• Collaborate with leadership to help shape HR strategy and continuously improve HR processes and employee programs.

Essential Skills

• 5-10 years of experience as a Human Resources Specialist or Generalist.
• Experience working in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry or similar professional services environment.
• Hands-on experience processing and administering payroll within ADP.
• Strong background in human resources, including recruiting, employee relations, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, and HR systems.
• Proficiency with ADP and Microsoft Office applications.
• Working knowledge of Washington DC and Dallas employment law.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to handle confidential employee information with discretion and professionalism.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or a high school diploma with additional years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally within architecture, engineering, or professional services.
• Experience with Ajera and ADP platforms, including benefits administration functionality.
• Experience managing HR metrics and preparing reports for leadership.
• Familiarity with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in a professional setting.
• PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, own HR processes, and collaborate effectively with leadership and staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Work Environment

This role operates within a collaborative, design-driven culture that values professional excellence and continuous improvement. The position follows a hybrid schedule, with three days onsite in Washington, DC and remote work Monday and Friday. Core working hours are flexible, with a typical window from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., allowing for some adaptability in start and end times. The firm offers a competitive benefits package, professional development support, and opportunities to own HR processes and contribute to shaping HR strategy in an established architecture-focused environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Washington, DC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $52.88/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.