HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST

The salary for this position is: $4,902 - $6,521 monthly.

Thurston County Human Resources (HR) is seeking a detail‑oriented, customer‑focused, and collaborative Human Resources Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate is organized, positive, and skilled in balancing technical expertise with strong communication abilities to effectively support HR programs and services. 

This position plays an important role in delivering high‑quality HR services by supporting countywide training programs, classification and compensation studies, labor relations research, and support of employee relations program. This role requires a professional who can manage multiple responsibilities, provide timely and accurate support, and contribute to a collaborative, service‑oriented HR environment. The ideal candidate is proactive, analytical, and skilled at building strong working relationships across departments.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Serves as the primary administrator for the Learning Management System (LMS), including maintaining course content, managing enrollments, ensuring system accuracy and functionality, troubleshooting technical issues, and coordinating with Information Technology on updates and integrations. Acts as the main point of contact for all training-related inquiries.
• Researches, recommends, and coordinates virtual, in-person, and webinar-based training opportunities. Provides comprehensive logistical and administrative support before, during, and after training sessions, including preparing materials, managing attendance, coordinating technology, and offering facilitation assistance as needed.
• Conducts classification and reclassification studies, which may include interviewing or observing incumbents and reviewing supporting documentation. Recommends appropriate placement of positions within existing classifications or identifies the need for revisions. Researches and drafts new classifications and performs market analyses to benchmark compensation.
• Assists with research and logistical coordination for union negotiations, including scheduling, room arrangements, preparing materials, and taking notes during bargaining sessions and labor‑management committee meetings.
• Provides administrative and technical support for the employee relations program, ensuring timely and accurate coordination of activities, including gathering, organizing, and preparing information.
• Responds to routine employee and supervisor inquiries and appropriately refers complex matters to senior HR staff for further guidance.

To view the full job classification, click here: Human Resources Specialist

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment: Quiet office setting, sitting at a personal computer majority of the day. The duty station for this position is in Olympia, WA. 
• Flexible Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Specific schedule may be negotiated. 
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions: Daily interaction via phone, in-person, and virtual with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County Human Resources provides strategic and operational support to all County offices and departments in the areas of training, recruitment support, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, and development. Our team is committed to delivering high‑quality, customer‑focused services that promote a skilled, engaged, and supported workforce. We partner closely with County leadership and employees to foster a positive workplace culture, ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws, and advance organizational effectiveness through consistent and sound HR practices.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• 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.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree in business or public administration, human resources, or other closely related field. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. 
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience, and one (1) year experience in benefit administration, compensation, risk management, or relevant HR experience. Working knowledge/experience of applicable state and federal employment laws is required. 
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to successfully perform essential job functions.
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills and a team member approach.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to research, interpret, and synthesize information from policies, labor contracts, laws, and market data.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain professional judgment in sensitive situations.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS) or similar platforms, with the ability to troubleshoot issues and support users.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build positive working relationships.
• Strong customer service orientation, demonstrating responsiveness and problem‑solving skills.
• Flexibility and initiative in taking on diverse HR tasks and supporting program improvements.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Maria Aponte at maria.aponte@co.thurston.wa.us

This position is:

• Not represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.