Human Resources
Within human resources jobs you will help to make sure that personnel action processing, recruitment, new employee onboarding, benefits, training and other employment-related functions and processes go smoothly. You will need to do thorough research, carefully follow procedures and processes, and remain open and interested in learning new things. You may expand to developing and implementing creative, results-driven solutions for recruitment, retention, career development, compensation, benefits, and employee and labor-management relations.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
Projected change in employment through 2034
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
Peak demand and work cadence
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Entry-level HR roles provide administrative support to HR departments. HR assistants or coordinators maintain employee records, schedule interviews and onboarding sessions, assist with payroll and benefits paperwork and answer basic employee questions. They learn about employment laws and the mission of their agency or nonprofit. A bachelor’s degree in human resource management or a related field is often preferred, and internships or micro‑credentials may help candidates stand out.
Job Types & Titles
- Human Resources Assistant
- HR Coordinator
- Recruiting Assistant
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration or a related field.
Certifications
None required, but entry-level certificates such as the SHRM Essentials of HR or small micro‑credentials can be advantageous.
Experience
Internships, clerical or administrative experience and familiarity with office software.
Position Responsibilities
HR specialists or generalists perform technical HR functions such as recruiting, onboarding, classification, compensation and benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws. They may serve as the first point of contact for supervisors and employees and may specialise in recruiting, payroll or employee relations. Professional certifications become important at this level.
Job Types & Titles
- Human Resources Specialist
- HR Generalist
- Recruiter
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree in human resource management or related field.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or the SHRM‑Certified Professional (SHRM‑CP).
Experience
2-5 years of HR experience, including recruiting, payroll, benefits or employee relations.
Position Responsibilities
Senior HR professionals and business partners consult with management on workforce planning, organisational development, performance management and talent development. They oversee HR projects, ensure regulatory compliance and may manage junior specialists. They use data analytics to inform compensation strategies and workforce diversity initiatives.
Job Types & Titles
- Senior HR Specialist
- HR Business Partner
- Talent Acquisition Manager
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree in human resources, public administration or organisational leadership preferred.
Certifications
Senior-level certifications such as the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM‑SCP).
Experience
5-8 years of progressive HR experience with demonstrated leadership and program management.
Position Responsibilities
HR managers and directors plan, coordinate and direct all HR functions. They link leadership and employees, develop staffing strategies, supervise HR teams, manage budgets, negotiate and interpret labour agreements, and ensure organisational policies comply with federal and state laws. In natural-resource organisations, they work closely with field managers to meet staffing needs, often across remote sites and seasonal programs.
Job Types & Titles
- Human Resources Manager
- HR Director
- Chief Human Resources Officer
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Master’s degree in human resource management, public administration or business; advanced leadership training.
Certifications
SPHR or SHRM‑SCP certifications; continual professional development through SHRM or HRCI.
Experience
8‑10+ years of HR experience, including supervisory roles and strategic planning.
Who Hires Human Resources Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Office of Human Resources, National Park Service
Indian Affairs (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education)
The Nature Conservancy
Environmental Defense Fund
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
City of San Diego - People and Human Resources
University of Oregon Human Resources
Booz Allen Hamilton
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
Words from the Field
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Resources & Tools
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Video Library
Jobs in Human Resources
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