WSF Human Resource Manager

Full Job Description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence.

Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT Office of Human Resources & Safety (OHR&S) is currently seeking an experienced human resource (HR) professional to fill the HR Manager position in Seattle, WA.

Reporting to the Washington State Ferries (WSF) Deputy Director of the OHR&S, this senior level leadership position is responsible for overseeing, planning, coordinating, and managing the daily operations and programmatic services and providing a full range of HR services (strategic and tactical) to WSF.

This position provides leadership, direction and guidance for employee relations, corrective action and discipline, recommended grievance resolution, ADA/FMLA, benefits, administration, classification and compensation, recruiting, operations, performance evaluation process, training, equal employment and organizational development.

As a member of the statewide HR Leadership Team, you will interface with WSF unions in the implementation of 13 collective bargaining agreements and participate in bargaining as a representative of WSF/WSDOT.

This position provides HR consulting and services for an employee population of approximately 2200 permanent, seasonal, and non-permanent employees.

What to Expect

This position provides leadership and oversight to a team of HR professionals and will be accountable for the delivery and outcome of all HR programs to the WSF.

The WSF HR Manager provides proactive guidance and consultative services to management and employees regarding HR activities, challenges and needs within a broad range of HR functions.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Employee Relations HR Manager will:

• Oversee day to day HR operations, ensuring the completion of a variety of processes, with accurate and timely submissions to HQ centralized functions.
• Conduct and lead HR team in investigating and responding to Title VII discrimination/harassment claims.
• Act as resource for HR Leadership team in ensuring compliance with bargaining agreements and provide directions to staff and management.
• Serve as the point of contact for the US Coast Guard on complaints and investigations against WSF fleet employees.
• Be responsible for providing full spectrum of HR services to the WSF employees and program managers.
• Lead local HR teams to facilitate and champion change initiatives.
• Develop and maintain internal HR tracking programs reports.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Leadership and Supervision: Proven competency in leading and developing professional HR staff through effective coaching, performance feedback, training, and collaboration across HR functional areas.
• HR Policy and Practice: Knowledge of and experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining HR policies, and procedures.
• Labor and Employee Relations: Proficient in interpreting and applying labor laws, bargaining agreements, and agency guidelines to resolve issues effectively while maintaining fair and productive labor-management relationships.
• Workforce Systems and Operations: Demonstrated understanding of HR systems and functions, including organizational development, collective bargaining, labor and employee relations, benefits, and leave administration.
• Collaboration and Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build and sustain constructive, collaborative, trust-based relationships with employees, management, and union representatives.
• Analytical and Decision-Making Skills: Ability to synthesize legal and policy requirements with operational needs to make informed, independent decisions that support organizational goals.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Proficient in researching, compiling, and analyzing data to prepare comprehensive reports and present findings that inform decision-making.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, verbally and in writing; experienced in preparing and delivering information and presentations effectively to diverse employee groups.
• Problem Solving and Innovation: Demonstrated capability to analyze complex HR issues, develop creative solutions, and implement effective outcomes.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Advanced HR Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing at a senior or professional HR level, with competency supported by progressive experience, professional certification, or continuing HR education.
• Complex Organizational Operations: Experience working within large or multifaceted organizations with diverse functional areas, programs, and stakeholders.
• Public Sector Expertise: Experience applying HR practices and policies within government, education, or nonprofit environments focused on public service delivery.
• Mission-Driven Application: Experience applying and supporting the implementation of organizational vision, mission, values, and goals.
• Comprehensive Program Leadership: Extensive experience leading staff in delivering diverse, complex, and multi-faceted HR programs.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

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 Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.

• The salary listed for this position includes a legislative approved 5% premium for workers in King County.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit, please visit www.uscis.gov

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 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 State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0W314 in the subject line.