Senior Human Resource Consultant, Human Resources Consultant 4 (HRC4)

Full Job Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $6,259.00 - $8,415.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment any time after 2/20/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Human Resources Division is seeking a Senior Human Resources Consultant to join our team and deliver impactful human resources support to our people. If you enjoy working in a collaborative, people-centered environment that values innovation, supporting others to become successful, and fosters inclusivity, then this opportunity may be just for you!

Protecting Washington State's natural resources for current and future generations is what we do every day. At DNR, we believe there is not just one path to success; we believe in careers that grow with you. Whoever you are or wherever you come from in the world, there is a place for you here.

As a Senior Human Resources Consultant (HRC4), you will report to the Human Resources Personnel Operations Manager, and serve as a strategic advisor providing expert guidance to appointing authorities, managers, and employees on complex human resources matters such as: employee performance management consultation and training, facilitated discussions for team improvement and collaboration, collective bargaining agreement interpretation, organizational planning, employee separation and layoff guidance, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within assigned divisions and regions. In collaboration with other HRD consultants, the HRC4 supports managers and employees through complaint investigations, organizational changes, HRMS reporting and personnel changes, protected leave of absence, and reasonable accommodation needs.

Operating within the framework of State and Federal regulations, agency policies and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), the HRC4 collaborates across all levels of management, supervisors, and employees within the agency. This role also engages with payroll and financial departments, Workforce Culture and Development, HR service providers at State HR – OFM and other agencies, and the public to ensure seamless HR operations.

To be successful in this role, the incumbent must demonstrate strong communication skills, be an empathetic, active listener who can handle difficult conversations calmly, and solve complex employment-related problems by utilizing critical thinking and strong analytical skills.

Requirements

Responsibilities:
Provide consultation on a variety of complex Human Resource matters, such as:

• Employee Performance Management consultation, documentation, and compliance.
• Organizational planning and compensation guidance in partnership with other HRD teams.
• Employee and Labor Relations support, to include collective bargaining agreement interpretation.
• Supporting employees and managers with protected leave of absence and reasonable accommodation.
• Supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the assigned division and regions.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide expert HR consultation and guidance to appointing authorities, managers, supervisors, and employees on complex and sensitive HR issues.
• Advise leadership on employee performance management, including corrective action, progressive discipline, documentation standards, and compliance requirements.
• Interpret and apply state and federal employment laws, agency policies, and collective bargaining agreements to support defensible employment decisions.
• Provide employee and labor relations consultation, including conducting grievance hearings and coordinating written responses.
• Support managers and employees with protected leave, reasonable accommodation, and related compliance obligations.
• Partner with HRD teams to provide coordinated consultation on organizational planning and compensation-related matters.
• Draft and review complex HR correspondence, reports, and union notices related to employee and labor relations matters.
• Apply professional judgment and discretion when addressing high-risk or precedent-setting HR issues, escalating matters as appropriate.
• Provide consultation with clients ranging from employees to executive-level managers regarding HR rules and strategies to maintain compliance within an environment of complex statutes, rules, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Analyze and create reports, letters, and memos to include drafting union notices.
• Lead or participate in HR Division special projects that support agency-wide HR initiatives, policy implementation, or organizational priorities.
• Develop, update, and deliver Employee Performance Management (EPM) training for supervisors and managers to ensure consistent, fair, and compliant performance practices.
• Provide agency-wide guidance on Employee Performance Management standards, expectations, and best practices.
• Serve as an internal subject-matter expert on EPM, advising leadership and HR partners on complex or high-impact performance management issues.
• May participate in arbitration hearings.
• May participate in policy review and creation

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, public administration, business administration, organizational development, or a closely related field;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Three years of progressively professional-level human resources experience, including senior-level consultation in employee relations and labor relations.

To include a minimum of two years of experience in performance management, organizational change management, or conflict resolution and mediation.

• Experience interpreting and applying state and federal employment laws, agency policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience with independently providing expert HR consultation to managers and leaders on complex, sensitive, strategic, and tactical issues.
• Professional aptitude with Microsoft software applications.
• Employee & Labor Relations Expertise: Demonstrates advanced knowledge and practical application of employee and labor relations principles across all levels of the organization.
• Consultation, Influence & Relationship Management: Builds credibility and trust with diverse colleagues through balanced, objective, and solution-oriented consulting. Influences outcomes through expertise, communication, and professional presence rather than authority.
• Performance Management & Coaching: Serves as a trusted advisor to coach leaders and employees to improve performance, accountability, and workplace effectiveness. Build managers' capability to address performance concerns early and consistently.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• This position is based out of the Natural Resources Building in Olympia and may be eligible for telework.
• Position requires occasional travel for meetings and trainings; travel may be to region offices and work centers in remote locations throughout the state.

Desired Qualifications:

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or comparable HR certification.
• Experience in a public-sector or unionized environment.
• Experience handling or supporting grievance processes, including preparation of written responses and participation in formal hearings.
• Experience leading HR projects or agency-wide initiatives.
• Training Facilitation and Instruction. Effectively designs, delivers, and facilitates training for diverse audiences to build knowledge, skills, and consistent application of policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Supervisory experience.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Additional Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions? Please contact Brittany Sacco at Brittany.morgan@dnr.wa.gov/564-250-5049 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

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

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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