HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST

The salary for this position: $6,626 - $8,715 monthly.

Thurston County Human Resources (HR) is seeking a knowledgeable and solution-oriented Human Resources Analyst to provide professional‑level support across a wide range of HR functions. This role plays a critical part in advising leadership and employees and ensuring the fair, consistent, and effective application of HR policies and practices. 

This position serves as a professional‑level consultant delivering high‑quality HR services across the County. The ideal candidate is strategic, highly skilled in interpreting and applying technical HR concepts, and able to provide sound guidance across multiple HR disciplines. The role also supports compliance with employment laws and HR policies. Success in this role requires excellent judgment and the sensitivity needed to build strong, collaborative relationships across a diverse, fast‑paced organization. The ideal candidate thrives when navigating sensitive or complex HR issues with professionalism, discretion, and tact. For those motivated by meaningful public service, this role offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference, supporting the workforce that keeps County services moving and directly impacts the community every day. 

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

• Provide guidance and assistance to hiring managers on the recruitment and job‑offer processes to ensure compliance with county policies, procedures, and applicable employment regulations, and to promote legally sound, nondiscriminatory hiring practices. Serves as the department’s lead staff for recruitment activities and provides guidance on day-to-day matters.
• Administer the county’s recruitment software system, including posting job requisitions, troubleshooting user issues, monitoring system workflows, and participating in system testing and process improvements.
• Developing or overseeing the review of reclassification requests and developing new or updating classification specifications. 
• Conducting objective workplace investigations into claims of harassment or discrimination by gathering and evaluating relevant information, assessing evidence, compiling thorough documentation, drafting clear and comprehensive investigative reports, and developing recommendations for appropriate action.
• Partnering with managers to address performance issues, allegations of misconduct, and advising on the disciplinary process, including application of just cause and progressive discipline and drafting of disciplinary letters. 
• Interpreting and providing consultation on union labor agreements, personnel policies, and federal and state employment laws.

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

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 or attend onsite investigations.
• 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 benefits, recruitment, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, risk and safety, and training 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, uphold compliance with federal and state employment laws, and strengthen organizational effectiveness through consistent, fair, 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.
• 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:

• Bachelor's degree in business, psychology, public administration or related field. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis. 
• Three years of applicable experience in a human resources discipline. 
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License or have obtained an appropriate accommodation.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal employment guidelines and HR best practices.
• Strong analytical abilities, including compiling, interpreting, and presenting information to support sound decision‑making.
• Knowledge of public-sector labor laws, including disciplinary processes, including just cause and progressive discipline principles. 
• Exceptional skill in managing complex, confidential, and sensitive issues with discretion and professional judgment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex information and provide expert advice.
• Critical‑thinking and problem‑solving abilities, including assessing risk and recommending effective, appropriate corrective actions.

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
• Not 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.