Talent Acquisition and Retention Specialist

The Talent Acquisition and Retention Specialist performs professional human resources work related to recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and employee retention initiatives for Hernando County BOCC. This position manages the full-cycle recruitment process, assists departments in identifying qualified candidates, and supports strategies designed to improve employee engagement and retention.

The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.   Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Manages Hernando County’s recruitment and talent acquisition process including job postings, applicant screening, interview coordination, and candidate selection.
• Processes and monitors all job applications through Hernando County’s online application system.
• Serves as a point of contact for applicant questions and new employees during the onboarding process.
• Maintains applicant tracking and recruitment records in compliance with applicable laws and public records requirements.
• Coordinates interview panels as needed, prepares interview questions, and scoring materials.
• Develops recruitment timelines with departments to meet operational hiring needs.
• Verifies and documents Veterans’ Preference eligibility in accordance with Florida law.
• Plans, schedules, and executes all functions of the new hire orientation bi-weekly session.
• Ensures completion of onboarding documentation including I-9 verification and required employment forms.
• Assists with recognition programs and employee appreciation initiatives. Manages the employee service awards. 
• Completes all employment verification requests. 
• Collaborated with on-site Cigna representatives and Human Resources employees to create and disseminate the HR Quarterly newsletter. 
• Coordinates employee exit interviews and compiles retention data.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and employment law affecting public sector recruitment and retention.
• Identifies and attends trainings, conferences, and/or professional development opportunities. 
• Assists in the development and review of HR policies and procedures related to recruitment and retention.
• Provides leadership with reports as requested. 
• Assists with special projects and performs other related duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.

• Hiring Process Coordination
  • Prepares conditional job offers and hiring documentation.
  • Coordinates background checks, drug screening, and pre-employment medical examinations.
  • Tracks applicant status and communicates with candidates throughout the hiring process.
  • Oversees onboarding process and tracks documentation completion.
• Workforce Planning Support
  • Works closely with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and develop recruitment strategies.
  • Evaluate recruitment effectiveness and presents data appropriately. 
  • Tracks recruitment metrics and identify trends related to time-to-fill, applicant flow, and hiring trends.
  • Assists Human Resources leadership in analyzing vacancy trends and recruitment challenges.
  • Assists in developing and implementing employee retention strategies and workforce planning initiatives.
• Recruitment Outreach
  • Represents Hernando County BOCC at job fairs, recruitment events, and community outreach programs.
  • Builds relationships with community partners, workforce boards, and other Florida counties.
  • Develops recruitment marketing materials and promotes Hernando County employment opportunities.
• HR Department Support
  • Assists in reviewing job descriptions and recommending updates to reflect operational needs.
  • Provides training and guidance to hiring managers on recruitment procedures and interview techniques.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in recruitment, talent acquisition, human resources, or a related field. Experience in public sector recruitment preferred.
• Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter tailored to the position. Application materials must demonstrate clear, professional written communication skills.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida and be insurable by current insurance carrier, or valid Florida Identification Card is acceptable only for positions not required to drive a county vehicle.
• NIMs certification 100, 200, and 700 (must be obtained with 30 days of employment).
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR), SHRM-CP, or related certification preferred.

• Knowledge of recruitment and selection principles and practices.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Ability to analyze applicant qualifications and recommend appropriate candidates.
• Ability to maintain confidential personnel information.
• Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple recruitment activities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and applicant tracking software.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Requires sitting most of the day.
• The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 20 pounds.
• The job requires frequent bending, twisting, and occasional squatting, climbing, kneeling, and balancing.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve simple grasping, pushing, pulling, fine manual manipulation, and typing.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•  Moderate to frequent travel may be required, sometimes involving personal vehicles or overnight stays for meetings, trainings, or to visit other office locations.