The civil engineering firm’s new Human Resources Assistant and Recruiter blends the structured worlds of HR and strategic hiring with the creative realm of artistic expression.
Lauren Stine, who holds a Professional in Human Resources certification, or PHR, spent months researching her next career move before applying to only one company: C.S. Davidson. Among the benefits of the firm being employee-owned, a 100-year-plus legacy, and its culture of mentorship, Lauren knew that C.S. Davidson would be a place where she could grow personally and professionally.
Now, six months into her job as Human Resources Assistant and Recruiter, Lauren continues to build that company culture one hire at a time. She’s using her diverse background in the arts and strategic problem-solving to help shape the future of C.S. Davidson’s workforce of civil engineers, surveyors, materials testers, inspectors, and administrators.
From brides to bridge engineers
Lauren had a less-than-conventional entry into the world of human resources. The 2013 graduate of Elizabethtown College began her studies in international business. She soon realized that her true passion lay in a more creative realm and switched her major to professional writing.
Right out of college, Lauren balked at the idea of working a traditional 9-to-5 job. So she served as a director in the wedding and catering industries, gaining experience in operations, sales, hiring, and in-the-moment problem-solving.
“It was always people-oriented work,” she says.
When the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 all but shut down the wedding and catering business, Lauren was ready for a transition. She was looking for a more traditional workplace schedule that still offered day-to-day variety. She found the environment she sought when she joined C.S. Davidson in August 2024.
“I appreciate the wide variety of things that human resources gets to do,” she says.
Whether she’s touring the materials testing lab, sitting down to strategize with senior leadership, or meeting aspiring engineers at a university career fair, no two days are alike.
Recruiting in a competitive landscape
Lauren’s primary focus in her first six months has been recruiting, particularly for engineering positions. She believes that C.S. Davidson offers a culture that potential employees won’t find at other firms. The employee stock ownership plan, focus on mentorship, and commitment to professional growth are keys to getting a solid footing in the civil engineering field. While C.S. Davidson has been in York for over a century, embracing innovation is still part of the company’s culture. Senior leadership is known for readily listening to and acting on ideas from employees.
“A lot of entry-level candidates, all they ask is, ‘What’s the pay? What am I making?’ I’m like, ‘You know, there’s a lot more to it than that,’” Lauren says.
She encourages recruits to look beyond the paycheck and understand the full compensation package that includes benefits such as health insurance and employee ownership, as well as a positive workplace culture, flexibility, and having a voice in the company’s operation.
These were all factors that Lauren took into account before joining C.S. Davidson. Now she finds it rewarding to highlight those benefits to job candidates.
Retention through a sense of belonging
Keeping employees is just as important as recruitment, and C.S. Davidson’s employee longevity speaks for itself. With employees such as John Klinedinst, who recently retired after more than 50 years, the company has long maintained a culture of commitment and loyalty.
“We know the workforce is changing,” Lauren says. “It’s a workforce trend that even if you are at the best company ever, sometimes candidates and employees just wonder: ‘What’s the grass like on the other side?’”
Even though some employees don’t stay for 20 or 30 years as was common in the past, C.S. Davidson focuses on creating an environment where they feel valued and can grow professionally.
The art of HR
Outside of work, Lauren has made a point of honing her skills in another creative outlet: painting. Last year she opened an art studio at Ophelia’s Making Agency Studio Arts Group in the WeCo district of York.
“When I had an art opening, people from work came to support me,” Lauren says. “They’re very, very supportive.”
Lauren’s experiences as an artist and HR professional, together with on-her-feet problem-solving, have helped strengthen her long-term strategic planning skills. For Lauren, recruiting and retention aren’t just about filling roles. They’re about using her experiences, creativity, and strategic thinking to build a work culture where people can thrive.