Human Resources Generalist

Application Review Process

This recruitment is open until filled, with the first review of applications scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026. 

Applications may be reviewed on a weekly basis thereafter until the position is filled.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early for priority consideration.

Join Our Human Resources Team!

The City of Kennewick's Human Resources Department is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to join our team!

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to support a wide variety of human resources functions, including recruitment and onboarding, employee benefits, leave administration, employee relations, and more. We're looking for someone who enjoys working with people, thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about providing excellent service to employees and departments throughout the City.

If you're an HR professional who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and making a positive impact in the workplace, we encourage you to apply!

CORE VALUE STATEMENT

The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources, and deliver solutions.

SAFETY STATEMENT

The City of Kennewick expects all employees to follow applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City’s Accident Prevention Plan. Employees will actively identify and correct potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, emphasize the importance of completing work safely from planning stages through completion of work, and lead by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Human Resources Manager, the HR Generalist has a broad scope of responsibility to support human resources programs throughout the City. Programs include recruitment and onboarding, compensation and benefits, training and development, labor relations, occupational safety and health, and HR laws and regulations. An HR Generalist will work closely with other City staff in all departments and at all levels in the organization to support the City’s overall goals and objectives.

WORK SCHEDULE

HR Generalists will initially work full-time, Monday through Friday, and may be eligible for an alternate work schedule with every other Friday off work. Overtime may be occasionally required. This classification is exempt under the FLSA.                                 

The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification but is not all inclusive. HR Generalists perform a variety of other related duties as required.

• Oversees all phases of recruitment and new employee onboarding by developing effective recruitment plans, creating job-specific marketing materials, identifying qualified candidates, participating in candidate interviews and evaluations, conducting new employee orientations, and facilitating smooth transitions into City employment.

• Facilitates new employee benefit enrollment, processes and assists with ongoing benefit changes, and conducts annual open enrollment; coordinates with the City’s service providers concerning routine administration of various benefit and leave programs.

• Gathers and analyzes a wide variety of job-related data from comparable cities or other agencies; recommends changes to job classifications, job descriptions, compensation, or benefits when appropriate.

• Administers employee leave programs, including leave authorized under the FMLA, PFML, and all other applicable federal and state leave entitlements.

• Plans, coordinates, and facilitates City-wide training and development opportunities to promote professional development and to comply with federal, state, or other rules, regulations, and best practices.

• Supports positive relationships with the City’s five labor unions; facilitates and occasionally leads routine labor/management meetings or discussions; supports labor negotiations by gathering and analyzing relevant labor market data.

• Analyzes data from HRIS systems to identify trends, support data-driven decision making, and ensure accurate and timely maintenance of employee records and HR metrics.

• Researches and recommends appropriate changes to City personnel policies in response to changing federal or state rules or regulations, as well as changing business needs.

• Participates in employment-related investigations and assists department managers in developing and administering coaching, counseling, and discipline when appropriate.

This position requires an Associate’s degree and at least three years of progressively responsible experience in human resources administration, or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed above. 

The City will give preference to candidates who possess a professional human resources certification through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) or HR Certification Institute (PHR or SPHR).

Additionally, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Must pass a criminal background investigation.

• Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of
  this classification.

To perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Must demonstrate broad knowledge of Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft Office Suite products, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Must demonstrate knowledge of federal and state employment laws as they relate to public sector employers.

• Must demonstrate high level of interpersonal skills and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.

• Must demonstrate ability to read, understand, interpret, and explain policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and legal requirements to a diverse audience.

• Must demonstrate excellent attention to detail.

• Must occasionally travel outside of the Tri-Cities area for training opportunities, including limited overnight travel.

• Must maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Physical Requirements:
HR Generalists must regularly speak and listen; must meet standard vision requirements; must regularly sit, stand, and walk; must demonstrate acceptable manual dexterity and fine motor skills; must regularly lift files, open file cabinets, and bend as necessary; and must occasionally lift office products or supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.