Human Resource Consultant 4 - Generalist

Salary : $75,108.00 - $100,980.00 AnnuallyLocation : Thurston County - Olympia, WAJob Type: Full Time - PermanentRemote Employment: Flexible/HybridJob Number: 2025-06661Department: Dept. of AgricultureDivision: Director's Office - Human ResourcesOpening Date: 09/23/2025Closing Date: ContinuousSalary Information:The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity stepDescriptionThe first review of applications is scheduled for October 6, 2025.In order to be considered, please 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 EconomyThe 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 780 employees approximately and grows 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 Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is compliant 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 NotesThe 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. DutiesInclude 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. QualificationsWho should apply?Professionals with:Bachelor's degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field or equivalent education/experienceANDThree (3) years of broad-based professional human resources experience, including facilitating organizational development or change, and advising and consulting on human resource issuesAdditional 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. Supplemental InformationEmployee 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, DeferredCompensation, click here for more information.• 12 paid Holidays & 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 www.agr.wa.gov. You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions 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 referencesBy 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. 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 WSDAThe Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion.We value the growth and development of our team members 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 while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Contact UsShould you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.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 any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible,Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960.TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service. 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 BenefitsEmployees 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 DeferredCompensationState 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 DeferredCompensation 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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. HolidaysFull-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 LeaveFull-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 LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement LeaveMost employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave.In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional LeaveLeave SharingFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)Leave Without PayPlease visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 07-21-2025Please let us know where you learned about this job opportunity. In order to be considered for this position, you must have included a current resume, three professional references and cover letter describing how you meet the required qualifications of this position.Did you include your resume, three professional references and a detailed cover letter? • Yes• NoWhat is the highest level of education you have received with a on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioralsciences, or related field? • High school diploma or equivalent• Associate's Degree• Bachelor's Degree• Masters Degree or higher• I have the equivalent combination of education & experience in one or more of the above field. Do you have three (3) years of broad-based professional human resources experience, including facilitating organizational development or change, and advising and consulting on human resource issues?• Yes• No• I have the equivalent combination of education & experience in one or more of the above field. Please describe your experience researching laws, rules, policies, and/or collective bargaining agreements to determine the appropriate response to complex employment questions and issues. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A in the box below. Please describe your experience applying the "just cause" standard in discipline? If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A in the box below.Required Question Apply tot his job