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5 human resources jobs

When they’re not helping workers understand complicated health insurance choices, human resources professionals provide employee development opportunities, recruit new workers and help set wages.

Several colleges offer HR degrees, but such a degree may not be required to land a job.

“A bachelor’s degree in any discipline could lend itself to this field,” said Denise Dank, senior vice president of human resources at Duke Realty, a large commercial real estate company based in Indianapolis.

Firing and disciplining workers are among the job’s downsides. But overall, HR is a rewarding career, Dank said.

Here’s a look at five jobs in the industry:

Benefits specialist

• Description: Administers and communicates benefits programs to employees, including 401(k), health insurance and short- and long-term disability. Specialists should have strong customer-service skills and be analytical and detail-oriented.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree, some experience and certification.

• Median pay: $34,114.

Senior vice president/ director/manager of HR

• Description: Reports to the chief executive officer; ensures that key positions in the company are filled with the appropriate individuals; may help in recruiting for executive positions; oversees the HR department and how it is divided. Should be a problem-solver and have analytical and customer-service skills.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred.

• Median pay: $149,026.

Development manager

• Description: Also called senior trainer or director of training development. Manages and analyzes department-specific training and training to meet the company’s goals for career and leadership development.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Median pay: $89,019.

Recruiter

• Description: Assists managers in finding, selecting and hiring job candidates. Responsible for helping the company fill open positions with the best-qualified candidates by networking with managers and at job fairs and by reviewing postings on various Web sites and job search engines. Should be extroverted and enjoy meeting people.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree.

• Median pay: $44,371.

Human resources information systems analyst

• Description: Analyzes, tests and implements computer systems related to HR, compensation, payroll and benefits. May also recommend software for HR department to help analyze data.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Median pay: $68,785.