Human Resource Consultant 4 (In-Training)

Salary : $55,872.00 – $82,896.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County – Lacey, WA

Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 23DOT-HQ-04004e

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Headquarters

Opening Date: 05/25/2023

Closing Date: 6/12/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT Office of Human Resources & Safety is currently seeking a Senior Human Resources Consultant to support the Olympia Region. This position will serve as an expert that handles the organization’s most sensitive, complex, and critical HR issues and provides consultation, advice, and direction in a variety of functional HR areas. The incumbent will respond to inquiries from employees and managers and ensure HR policies and procedures are implemented effectively and efficiently. You will have the opportunity to be fully immersed in employee relations, labor relations, classification & compensation, performance management, workforce development, and reasonable accommodation while in this role. This position directly supports the agency strategic plan and goal areas of Workforce Development; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Resilience, by fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong; providing sound consultation to ensure equitable treatment and employment practices; and by acting as a strategic thought and change partner for leadership.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Human Resource Consultant 4 (In-Training) will:

Administer labor relations policies and independently make decisions on complex labor relations and employee relations issues.
Provide clear interpretation of collective bargaining agreements (CBA), civil service rules, and state and federal laws as applicable.
Research and conduct complex and sensitive investigations and prepare associated materials.
Participate in and guide the appointing authority or designee through the pre-disciplinary, disciplinary, grievance, and mediation process.
Consult with administrators, supervisors, and employees to assess classification and compensation needs and challenges. Analyze and process classification actions such as establishments, reallocations, and in-training plans.
Advise leadership of employment practices to advance a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that ensures employees feel that they belong. Champion, support, and assist in implementing DEI initiatives.
Advise supervisors on performance management, succession planning, recognition, and employee engagement initiatives. Counsel supervisory staff on corrective and disciplinary actions.
Partner with leadership on workforce planning initiatives, organizational design, and staffing needs. Plan, develop, and implement strategies to support agency and client groups’ staffing and retention requirements.
Manage the reasonable accommodation process.
Develop and conduct presentations, trainings, and workshops regarding human resource initiatives and functions.
Supervise assigned HR Consultant(s).

Qualifications
This is a Human Resources Consultant 4 () position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level () depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

To be considered for this opportunity at the HRC3 level the following are required:

Bachelor’s degree with a focus on business, human resources, or related field (two additional years of experience may substitute for the degree).
Two (2) years of professional human resources experience, or equivalent education/experience.

To be considered for this opportunity at the goal class, HRC4 level, the following are required:

Bachelor’s degree with focus on business, human resources, or related field AND three (3) years of experience in a broad-based human resource generalist role, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
Successful, progressive accomplishments in facilitating conflict resolution, corrective and disciplinary action, and organizational planning.
Substantive HR experience to be able to think fast, and accurately make decisions based on HR best practices.
Experience mentoring/coaching professional level HR employees.

Requirements at both levels also include:

Advanced skills with MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook.
Proficient with virtual meeting software, such as MS Teams; and Cloud computing.
Experience with Human Resources Information System (applicant tracking system, learning management system, performance management system, etc.)
Experience researching, interpreting, and applying union contracts and employment laws (state and federal) accurately and consistently.
Strong communication skills both in the written and verbal form to prepare letters, reports, and deliver presentations.
Strong interpersonal skills to be able to work with managers and their employees on employee relations issues that are often sensitive and confidential in nature.
Competent research and analytical skills to be able to identify unique employment issues and solutions.
Skilled in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging HR best practices; and possess a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

PHR/SPHR or equivalent certification.
Experience with Human Resources Information System in state government (NeoGov, HRMS, LMS).
Supervisory experience.
Experience as a generalist in the public sector, to include advising and interpreting civil service rules.
Experience conducting investigations.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
This position has been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Human Resources Consultant 4 (HRC4) level; however, the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a Human Resources Consultant 3 (HRC3) if not qualified at the highest-level.
1. Human Resources Consultant 3 – annual salary range: $55,872.00 – $75,120.00
2. Human Resources Consultant 4 – annual salary range: $61,632.00 – $82,896.00
This position may be required to respond to non-scheduled emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 4% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2023.
In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit

Why WSDOT

Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the “APPLY” button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, O. Dietrich, at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-04004e in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

Please select the response that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

Master’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s or Technical (2-year) degree
Some college coursework, no degree
High School Diploma or equivalent
None of the above

If you selected a higher education degree in the previous question, please specify the degree you received. Otherwise, type N/A.

Please select the response that best captures your total years in a professional Human Resources role.

I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
I have 8 – 10 years of this experience.
I have 7 – 8 years of this experience.
I have 6 – 7 years of this experience.
I have 5 – 6 years of this experience.
I have 4 – 5 years of this experience.
I have 3 – 4 years of this experience.
I have 2 – 3 years of this experience.
I have less than two (2) year of this experience.

Please select the response that best captures your total years of experience in a broad-based Human Resource generalist role.

I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
I have 7 – 10 years of this experience.
I have 5 – 7 years of this experience.
I have 3 – 5 years of this experience.
I have 2 – 3 years of this experience.
I have 1 – 2 years of this experience.
I have less than one (1) year of this experience.

Please briefly describe your professional broad-based Human Resource experience (“See Resume” is not a valid response). If you do not have this experience, please type “N/A.”

Please select the response that best captures your total years or experience researching, interpreting, and applying employment laws (state and federal) and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements accurately and consistently.

I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
I have 7 – 10 years of this experience.
I have 5 – 7 years of this experience.
I have 3 – 5 years of this experience.
I have 2 – 3 years of this experience.
I have 1 – 2 years of this experience.
I have less than one (1) year of this experience.

Please select from the list below the HR functions in which you have EXPERT knowledge and experience. Please select all that apply.

Advising on Corrective and Disciplinary Actions
Compensation and Classification Administration
Conducting Investigations
Interpreting and applying human resources rules and policies
Labor and Employee Relations
Reasonable Accommodation
Developing & Facilitating Training
Recruitment and Onboarding
I do not have expert knowledge and experience in any of the above areas

Do you have experience as a supervisor?

Which of the following professional certifications do you have?

Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®)
Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®)
SHRM Certified Professional® (SHRM-CP®)
SHRM Senior Certified Professional® (SHRM-SCP®)
Other
None of the above

If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify below. Otherwise, type ‘N/A.’

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

Indeed
LinkedIn
Direct Email Notification
WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
Career Fair
Monster
WorkSource
Handshake
AASHTO
NACTO
COMTO
APWA
“NOW HIRING” banner/sign
Radio advertisement
WSDOT Employment Site
Careers.wa.gov
governmentjobs.com
Other (specify below)

If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

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