Human Resources Representative

Join a Human Resources team that makes a difference!

Whatcom County is seeking a Human Resources professional to join our collaborative HR team. We are recruiting for one position and may hire at the Human Resources Representative I, II, or III level, depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate.

Our HR Representatives partner with departments across County government, supporting employees who provide essential public services including public safety, public health, roads, parks, the courts, planning, and many others. Working in a complex union and non-union environment, you'll help managers navigate employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, leave administration, employee relations, recruitment, classification and compensation, and organizational challenges while delivering practical, legally sound human resources solutions.

This is an opportunity to build broad HR expertise, work on meaningful projects, and make a direct impact on the employees who serve our community.  Whether you are building your professional HR career or bringing years of advanced HR expertise, we invite you to apply.

What You'll Do

Depending on the level hired, responsibilities may include:

• Partnering with managers and supervisors to provide practical human resources consultation and guidance.
• Coordinating recruitments and supporting fair, inclusive, and legally compliant hiring practices.
• Researching and interpreting employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, and HR best practices.
• Conducting classification and compensation studies and organizational analyses.
• Supporting employee and labor relations, workplace investigations, grievance administration, and performance management.
• Administering employee leave and accommodation programs, including FMLA, Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation coordination, and related compliance responsibilities.
• Developing and delivering training for supervisors and employees.
• Administering and improving HR information systems and business processes.
• Leading projects that improve HR services, organizational effectiveness, and customer service.
• Developing recommendations that help County leadership make informed workforce decisions.

At the HR Representative III level, responsibilities also include leading complex HR initiatives, mentoring professional staff, serving as a technical resource, and providing advanced consultation on sensitive employee and labor relations matters.

We're Looking for Someone Who:

• Enjoys solving complex problems and finding practical solutions.
• Builds productive relationships with managers, employees, and coworkers.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Exercises sound judgment when handling confidential and sensitive matters.
• Can balance competing priorities while maintaining exceptional customer service.
• Is comfortable interpreting laws, policies, contracts, and regulations.
• Values continuous learning and process improvement.
• Thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Why Join Whatcom County? At Whatcom County, we are dedicated to building an equitable and inclusive workplace that values diversity and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment where your contributions matter. Whatcom County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM. Following successful completion of training (approximately six months), employees may be eligible for a limited telework schedule of up to one day per week, subject to operational needs and County policy.

Salary Range and Job Descriptions:

• HR Rep I: Unrepresented Range 5: $32.92 - $47.80 / hr. Job Description.
• HR Rep II: Unrepresented Range 6: $34.89 - $50.66 / hr. Job Description. 
• HR Rep III: Unrepresented Range 7: $6,410 - $9,308 / mo. Job Description.
• Human Resources Representative Series Progression       

Human Resources Representative I

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; and
• Two years of professional human resources experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Human Resources Representative II

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; and
• Four years of progressively responsible professional human resources experience involving multiple HR functional areas, including providing consultation, conducting research and analysis, interpreting laws and policies, and developing recommendations.

Human Resources Representative III

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; and
• Four years of progressively responsible professional HR generalist experience in a union environment, including advanced work in employee and labor relations, performance management, classification and compensation, project leadership, and consultation to managers and leadership.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public sector and/or unionized work environment experience.
• Professional HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-HR, or similar).
• Experience across multiple HR functional areas.
• Experience leading projects, organizational improvements, or change initiatives.