Talent Acquisition Specialist

Talent Acquisition Specialist - Heavy Highway Construction

Status: Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Location: Alexandria, MN

Schedule: Full-Time | Year-Round, 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, additional hours as needed during busier periods

Position Summary

We are seeking a driven Talent Acquisition Specialist to lead full-cycle hiring for both seasonal and year-round positions within heavy highway construction. This role is responsible for building strong candidate pipelines and delivering qualified talent across key field and operational roles.

The ideal candidate brings a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to recruiting and understands the demands of hiring in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. Success in this role requires strong partnership with field leadership, the ability to navigate competitive labor markets, and a commitment to delivering consistent hiring results.

Key Responsibilities

Manage full-cycle talent acquisition for high-volume and specialized roles, including:

CDL Class A & B Drivers

Heavy Equipment Operators

Asphalt and paving crews

Diesel technicians

Foremen and supervisory positions

Partner with hiring managers, superintendents, and operational leaders to:

Identify workforce needs

Align on hiring priorities

Drive timely and effective hiring decisions

Develop and execute targeted sourcing strategies using:

Job boards, resume databases, and direct outreach

Industry connections, referrals, and community partnerships

Regional labor market knowledge

Build and maintain talent pipelines to support seasonal workforce demands

Conduct candidate screenings and coordinate interviews, ensuring a professional and efficient candidate experience

Monitor recruiting metrics such as time-to-fill, applicant flow, and hiring outcomes

Support workforce planning aligned with project schedules and seasonal ramp-up

Ensure compliance with all Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action requirements

Qualifications

Minimum of 2-5+ years of talent acquisition or recruiting experience; construction, skilled trades, or transportation experience strongly preferred

Demonstrated success in high-volume, fast-paced hiring environments

Experience sourcing passive candidates and developing pipelines

Familiarity with labor markets in Minnesota and surrounding states preferred

Ability to travel occasionally to job sites, hiring events, and outreach activities

Proficiency with applicant tracking systems and recruiting tools

Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record

Core Competencies

Urgency and execution - recognizes the operational impact of open positions

Influence and partnership - effectively guides hiring managers and stakeholders

Resourcefulness - leverages multiple channels to identify talent

Sound judgment - balances hiring speed with candidate quality

Relationship-building - establishes credibility with field teams and candidates

Work Environment

Mix of office-based work and regular interaction with field operations

Ongoing collaboration with job site leadership and operational teams

Seasonal fluctuations in workload aligned with construction activity

Occasional travel throughout Minnesota and surrounding states

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range: $26.00 - $43.00/hour ($54,080 - $89,440 annually, depending on experience)

Benefits Include:

Health, Vision and Dental Insurance

Short-Term Disability & Basic Life Insurance

401(k) with Company Match & Profit Sharing

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Business casual office environment

Electronic Direct Deposit

Equal Employment Opportunity

Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.