Human Resources Manager (Human Resources Consultant 4)

Human Resources Manager (Human Resources Consultant 4)

Salary

$6,384.00 - $8,583.00 Monthly

Location

Pierce County - Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-WSHS-008

Department

Washington State Historical Society

Opening Date

08/17/2026

Closing Date

8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (flexible/hybrid schedule may be available upon request)

About this opportunity:

The Washington State Historical Society is a small state agency comprised of approximately 72 employees, and is located in beautiful downtown Tacoma, WA. Reporting to the Executive Director, the HR Manager supports the agency's mission by providing full scope of human resources consultative services to agency leaders, managers, supervisors, and employees. This role provides guidance, advice, interpretation and consultation regarding applicable human resources laws, rules, regulations, executive directives, policies and procedures, and labor agreements in all areas of the employee life cycle.

This position is the sole person in human resources who administers day-to-day operations. The HR Manager supports other agency administrative controls and programs, such as coordinating agency-wide training and leadership development, maintaining and operationalizing policies, and assisting with minimizing and mitigating risk.

The HR manager has frequent interaction with management, staff, applicants, WFSE union representatives, OFM HR, DES, Office of Equity, other state agencies, and some external stakeholders on occasion. This role works very closely with employees to ensure adherence to state and federal labor regulations, cultivates a positive workplace environment by hiring and retaining qualified staff, promotes the growth and development of staff, and is trustworthy, honest, approachable, and fair in their interactions with staff and management.

A little about us:

Founded in 1891 and now into its second century of service, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washingtons diverse and storied history. Our work illuminates the past, enlightens the present, and informs the future.

Our mission is to partner with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Our vision is to be the recognized destination for Washington State history. We achieve this by serving as our states primary history educator, making history relevant to our modern lives, and supporting civic dialogue where all are welcome.

The Society serves individuals and organizations statewide through publications, outreach programs, curriculum, free virtual public programs, and other online services. However, the majority of the Societys interactions with the public occur at the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma, Washington. The Museum traditionally serves more than 80,000 annually, including more than 15,000 K-12 school children visiting the museum on a field trip. We also welcome more than 10,000 visitors free of charge each year through a variety of access programs.

We are much more than a regional museum. We continually ask ourselves how we can better serve Washingtonians across our state. Our Heritage Capital Projects grant program distributes up to $10M per biennium to fund public heritage, history interpretation, and historic preservation projects across the state. Our popular public history magazine COLUMBIA is enjoyed by readers of all ages. And the Historical Society's collections at our Research Center, along with a digital collections database, are a resource for scholars and researchers from across the nation.

The Washington State Historical Society is a dynamic place to work with dedicated staff. We expand our impact by connecting with communities across the Evergreen State through exhibitions, heritage projects, workshops, public programs, publications, and conversations. Our goal is to bring history into focus in such a way that the participant cannot help but discover valuable insights from and feel deep connections with the people and events of the past.

We have an active commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and are looking for team members who have a passion for professionalism and serving the public, and a desire to contribute to a positive work culture.

Duties

Some of what you'll be doing includes:

• Consult and advise managers, supervisors and staff on complex employment practices and procedures. Ensure agency compliance with HR-related laws and regulations, and collective bargaining agreement.
• Provide consultation to managers in the areas of classification, compensation, recruitment and selection, equal opportunity, family medical leave, shared leave, reasonable accommodation, performance management, and discipline.
• Research and provide advice and interpretation to agency management and staff regarding Collective Bargaining Agreement, policies and procedures, and state and federal rules and laws and regulations while exercising sound judgment and offering legally defensible courses of action.
• Provide informal training, and coaching on personnel issues, performance management, and information.
• Keep current on state and federal laws, rules, state HR directives and executive orders, and changes to collective bargaining agreement; attend state HR related meetings and interpret HR directives and executive orders; collaborate with agency director on high level changes to assist in determining best course of action for implementation.
• Manage annual risk assessment review and submission. Coordinate with senior leadership on conducting annual risk assessment and ensuring ongoing monitoring of identified risks.
• Partner and collaborate with IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Sovereignty) Officer on communications, and implementation of resources, tools, and practices in effort to achieve an inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
• Represent the agency in hearings and meetings, including employee grievances, disciplinary, Personnel Resources Board and unemployment compensation.
• Maintain highly confidential personnel and medical information and stay compliant according to records retention schedule.
• Track compliance with mandatory trainings per relevant laws, executive orders, and state HR directives.
• Manage agency recruitment, training and development, recognition, and onboarding/offboarding programs.
• Facilitate, oversee and consult on all recruitment and selection processes, ensuring a fair and equitable process.
• Develop and communicate recruitment practices to managers and supervisors that incorporate diversity and inclusion best practices.
• Develop and manage a robust onboarding and offboarding program; provide tools and resources to managers for departmental onboarding and offboarding.
• Administer learning management system, assign state required training, and provide information and consultation to staff in using TLC.
• Serve as subject matter expert for the agency in the WFSE collective bargaining agreement and labor relations.
• Coordinate with agency management, union staff and OFM labor relations in mediation conferences, hearings, appeals and settlement discussions. Maintains open communications with shop stewards and WFSE representatives to ensure positive, productive relationship.
• Ensures agency policies and procedures comply with the Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Write and send mandatory notices to WFSE; conduct informal and formal demand to bargain meetings.
• Resolve unfair labor practice complaints.
• Provide guidance to and work collaboratively with payroll in ensuring accurate and timely processing of data in HRMS, resolve issues concerning payroll.
• Administer Benefits 24/7 system and troubleshoot issues/coordinate with HCA (Health Care Authority). Manage and communicate information about annual open enrollment, facilitate special open enrollments, work in collaboration with HCA to troubleshoot coverage and/or system issues.
• Respond to and manage labor and industry claims, respond to claims for unemployment.
• Administer VEBA program for retirement-eligible staff.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

To meet qualifications for this position, applicants must have seven (7) years or more of State Government experience in a Human Resource professional full-time broad-based senior consultant HR role.

Qualifying Experience includes:

• Advising and consulting on a variety of human resources issues, including providing interpretation of HR related rules, laws, collective bargaining agreements and policies and procedures.
• Experience may include a combination of the following: labor relations, employee relations, performance management, government agency operations support, organizational development, classification and compensation, and FMLA/reasonable accommodation.

Qualifying Education includes:

• A degree in business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences or a related field may be substituted for relevant experience.

In addition to meeting with one of the above qualifications, applicants must possess the following position-required competencies:

• Knowledge of state and federal employment Laws including WACs and RCWs, and related HR policies and procedures as well as labor relations and collective bargaining agreements and grievance procedures.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolutions skills; ability to communicate complex concepts, both orally and in writing, in a manner that is understandable, persuasive and appropriate for the audience, able to demonstrate crucial conversation skills.
• Ability to interact and maintain positive professional relationships with managers, supervisors, employees, and other stakeholders such as a union.
• Proficiency with HR information systems (HRIS) and tools such as HRMS, NEOGOV (recruiting and applicant tracking system), TLC (learning management system), and Benefits 24/7 or similar platforms.
• Manage change - and influence positive management, and workforce relationships.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience drafting corrective and disciplinary action letters, hearing grievances, and writing grievance responses.
• Experience advising on performance development, coaching, corrective and disciplinary actions.
• Experience developing and reviewing position descriptions in collaboration with managers and supervisors.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships and consult effectively across diverse audiences.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles, with demonstrated application in HR practices.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Human Resources experience in the public sector.
• Current professional HR certification: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP and/or SHRM-SCP.
• Experience navigating sensitive or high-profile personnel matters with discretion and sound judgment.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a criminal history / background check.

How to Apply: Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
• A current resume detailing experience, and education; and
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

NOTE:

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "duties summary" section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the "duties summary" section of the application.

Conditions of Employment:

Washington Fair Chance Act:

We are committed to providing equitable access to employment opportunities. If a criminal background check is required for employment at an agency, it will occur only after a conditional offer of employment has been made and accepted. Applicants are not required to disclose criminal history during the hiring process prior to a conditional offer. Criminal history will not automatically exclude an applicant from consideration and will be reviewed on an individual basis consistent with applicable law and the requirements of the position.

Learn more about the Washington Fair Chance Act: Washington Fair Chance act guide.

NOTE: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Opportunity for All:

The Washington State Historical Society celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that 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 will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact recruiter: Rachel Vaughan by emailing jobs@des.wa.gov.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, 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 Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Are you a current WSHS employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you willing to undergo a background check as a condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

03

Select below how you meet the qualifications for this position.

• I have seven (7) years of qualifying experience in state government that includes: Advising and consulting on a variety of human resources issues, including providing interpretation of HR related rules, laws, collective bargaining agreements and policies and procedures. My experience includes: a combination of: labor relations, employee relations, performance management, government agency operations support, organizational development, classification and compensation, and FMLA/reasonable accommodation.
• I have seven (7) years of combined education/experience. This experience must include: Advising and consulting on a variety of human resources issues, including providing interpretation of HR related rules, laws, collective bargaining agreements and policies and procedures. My experience includes: a combination of: labor relations, employee relations, performance management, government agency operations support, organizational development, classification and compensation, and FMLA/reasonable accommodation.
• I do not possess either of the above.

04

Select below all of the competencies you possess.

• Proficiency with HR information systems (HRIS) and tools such as HRMS, NEOGOV, TLC, Benefits 24/7 or similar platforms.
• Manage change - and influence positive management, and workforce relationships.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Knowledge of state and federal employment Laws including WACs and RCWs, and related HR policies and procedures as well as labor relations and collective bargaining agreements and grievance procedures.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolutions skills; ability to communicate complex concepts, both orally and in writing, in a manner that is understandable, persuasive and appropriate for the audience, able to demonstrate crucial conversation skills.
• Ability to interact and maintain positive professional relationships with managers, supervisors, employees, and other stakeholders such as a union.
• Experience drafting corrective and disciplinary action letters, hearing grievances, and writing grievance responses.
• Experience advising on performance development, coaching, corrective and disciplinary actions.
• Experience developing and reviewing position descriptions in collaboration with managers and supervisors.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships and consult effectively across diverse audiences.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles, with demonstrated application in HR practices.
• None of these apply

05

Select below all of the Preferred and Desired qualifications you possess.

• Human Resources experience in the public sector.
• Current professional HR certification: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP and/or SHRM-SCP.
• Experience navigating sensitive or high-profile personnel matters with discretion and sound judgment.
• None of these apply

06

How did you hear about this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov
• Governmentjobs.com
• Friend
• Indeed
• Job Board
• LinkedIn
• Other

07

We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov