Washington State ESD
Human Resource Consultant 4 - Generalist
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
The first review of applications is scheduled for October 6, 2025. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before October 5, 2025. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.
The agency includes about 780 employees and can grow close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.
The Human Resources (HR) Department is responsible for ensuring WSDA compliance with all state and federal labor laws and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, policies, and best practices. The staff within the HR department provides direction and consultation to managers, supervisors, and staff regarding all facets of human resource administration.
The Opportunity Reporting to the HR Section Manager, the Human Resources Consultant (HRC4) serves as a professional expert to provide resources and guidance to appointing authorities, managers, and employees. This position works in coordination and consultation with agency leaders and subject matter experts on complex human resources issues such as performance management; collective bargaining agreement interpretation; organizational planning and layoff processes; performance investigations; leave and reasonable accommodations; and equity efforts (belonging, diversity, inclusion, access, justice) for assigned divisions.
This non-represented position is an expert Human Resources (HR) Consultant that will offer generalist support to assigned divisions. We are looking for a candidate who excels in building relationships and trust with supervisors, managers, and employees. In this role, your primary responsibility will be to engage with management and employees and offer guidance as they have questions and encounter personnel issues. You will need to have a general understanding of all HR subject areas and either be the lead consultant or work in partnership with HR subject matter experts to address issues as they arise.
We want to hire someone who loves supporting their business partners. Your customers may be monitoring invasive species, certifying crops for export across the world, protecting our environment for generations to come, or buying food from local farmers to stock Washington food banks. As their HR consultant, you will be coming alongside programs like these to help set their teams up for success and fulfill the mission of the agency.
This position is based out of Olympia, WA. As WSDA embraces modern work environments and processes, this position is eligible for flexible work hours and telework. The WSDA HR team works both in-person and remotely and this position is expected to work at least 60% of its time from its duty station in the Natural Resources Building.
The HRC4 will work under the guidance of State and Federal regulations, Agency policies and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. This position interacts with all levels of managers, supervisors and employees within the agency, Payroll and Budget departments, HR service providers at State HR - OFM, and the general public.
Important Notes The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is: $75,108 - $98,520 annually.
Include but are not limited to:
The following are examples of common duties performed by this role. This is not an exhaustive list; other duties may be performed as assigned.
The primary function of this role is to provide expert consultation and information on HR-related matters to all levels of agency staff and management.
Helps resolve issues, questions, and requests in accordance with HR principles and rules.
Performs complex analysis of employee relations issues. This includes progressive discipline and performance management consultations.
Conducts complete, thorough, and fair personnel investigations in response to performance concerns and complaints.
Advises and counsels supervisors and managers on departmental labor relations matters.
Drafts correspondence including grievance responses and disciplinary letters.
Acts as the Unemployment Insurance Coordinator for the agency.
Monitor review periods and non-permanent appointments and consult with programs on compliance with rules and appropriate outcomes.
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
Bachelor’s degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field or equivalent education/experience
AND
Three (3) years of broad-based professional human resources experience, including facilitating organizational development or change, and advising and consulting on human resource issues
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities would make your application more competitive:
Experience applying the “just cause” standard in discipline.
HR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or CLRP certification.
Employee Benefits
A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, and more.
12 paid holidays and vacation and leave accruals.
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
Commute Trip Reduction Program.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at Washington State Agriculture: Washington State Department of Agriculture.
How to apply You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:
Current resume detailing experience and education
A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
Three professional references
By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. Applications with comments see attachments will be considered incomplete.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support at NEOGOV.
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.
Equity at WSDA The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire people who share in the commitment to our PEAR strategic plan, our HEAL Act implementation plan, and our belonging, respect, and inclusion needs. We value growth and development by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.
We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve and uphold equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. Qualified applicants with criminal histories are considered in accordance with applicable laws.
Contact Us Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment at agr.wa.gov. Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
Veteran's Preference:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD214 or other verification of military service. Please blackout personally identifiable data. For more information on Veteran's Preference, see the guidance.
Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format may call the provided numbers. TTY users should use the Washington Relay Service.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.
The agency includes about 780 employees and can grow close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.
The Human Resources (HR) Department is responsible for ensuring WSDA compliance with all state and federal labor laws and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, policies, and best practices. The staff within the HR department provides direction and consultation to managers, supervisors, and staff regarding all facets of human resource administration.
The Opportunity Reporting to the HR Section Manager, the Human Resources Consultant (HRC4) serves as a professional expert to provide resources and guidance to appointing authorities, managers, and employees. This position works in coordination and consultation with agency leaders and subject matter experts on complex human resources issues such as performance management; collective bargaining agreement interpretation; organizational planning and layoff processes; performance investigations; leave and reasonable accommodations; and equity efforts (belonging, diversity, inclusion, access, justice) for assigned divisions.
This non-represented position is an expert Human Resources (HR) Consultant that will offer generalist support to assigned divisions. We are looking for a candidate who excels in building relationships and trust with supervisors, managers, and employees. In this role, your primary responsibility will be to engage with management and employees and offer guidance as they have questions and encounter personnel issues. You will need to have a general understanding of all HR subject areas and either be the lead consultant or work in partnership with HR subject matter experts to address issues as they arise.
We want to hire someone who loves supporting their business partners. Your customers may be monitoring invasive species, certifying crops for export across the world, protecting our environment for generations to come, or buying food from local farmers to stock Washington food banks. As their HR consultant, you will be coming alongside programs like these to help set their teams up for success and fulfill the mission of the agency.
This position is based out of Olympia, WA. As WSDA embraces modern work environments and processes, this position is eligible for flexible work hours and telework. The WSDA HR team works both in-person and remotely and this position is expected to work at least 60% of its time from its duty station in the Natural Resources Building.
The HRC4 will work under the guidance of State and Federal regulations, Agency policies and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. This position interacts with all levels of managers, supervisors and employees within the agency, Payroll and Budget departments, HR service providers at State HR - OFM, and the general public.
Important Notes The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is: $75,108 - $98,520 annually.
Include but are not limited to:
The following are examples of common duties performed by this role. This is not an exhaustive list; other duties may be performed as assigned.
The primary function of this role is to provide expert consultation and information on HR-related matters to all levels of agency staff and management.
Helps resolve issues, questions, and requests in accordance with HR principles and rules.
Performs complex analysis of employee relations issues. This includes progressive discipline and performance management consultations.
Conducts complete, thorough, and fair personnel investigations in response to performance concerns and complaints.
Advises and counsels supervisors and managers on departmental labor relations matters.
Drafts correspondence including grievance responses and disciplinary letters.
Acts as the Unemployment Insurance Coordinator for the agency.
Monitor review periods and non-permanent appointments and consult with programs on compliance with rules and appropriate outcomes.
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
Bachelor’s degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field or equivalent education/experience
AND
Three (3) years of broad-based professional human resources experience, including facilitating organizational development or change, and advising and consulting on human resource issues
Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities would make your application more competitive:
Experience applying the “just cause” standard in discipline.
HR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or CLRP certification.
Employee Benefits
A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, and more.
12 paid holidays and vacation and leave accruals.
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
Commute Trip Reduction Program.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at Washington State Agriculture: Washington State Department of Agriculture.
How to apply You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:
Current resume detailing experience and education
A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
Three professional references
By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. Applications with comments see attachments will be considered incomplete.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support at NEOGOV.
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.
Equity at WSDA The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire people who share in the commitment to our PEAR strategic plan, our HEAL Act implementation plan, and our belonging, respect, and inclusion needs. We value growth and development by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.
We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve and uphold equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. Qualified applicants with criminal histories are considered in accordance with applicable laws.
Contact Us Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment at agr.wa.gov. Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
Veteran's Preference:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD214 or other verification of military service. Please blackout personally identifiable data. For more information on Veteran's Preference, see the guidance.
Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format may call the provided numbers. TTY users should use the Washington Relay Service.
#J-18808-Ljbffr