Washington State Parks is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as its next Human Resources Director.
 
Reporting to the agency Director, and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the Human Resources Director oversees the HR and Volunteer Program functions of the agency, with 16 team members and contractors.  

Washington State Parks is experiencing significant and exciting change. Park visitation has increased an average of 23%- creating new challenges and opportunities for our highly dedicated and stretched staff. A healthy 2021-2023 budget has allowed us to plan for an additional 80+ positions.  We have created and filled our first leadership level Diversity, Equity and Inclusion position and are diving much deeper into DEI work, both as an employer, and as a provider of vital places and services for human well-being.  The HR team size has recently been increased to support HR’s critical role in all of this, so new members are being added to an existing team of strong HR professionals with decades of experience, including years here at Parks. Opportunity abounds for an HR leader to make their mark!  

We are looking for a leader who can cultivate a shared strategic vision and who will navigate and lead change. Someone who establishes and maintains credibility and who will share their voice to inspire and influence in a positive way. A leader who can build effective partnerships and will gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity. A strong communicator. A person who is knowledgeable of and embraces concepts critical to creating greater equity and inclusion in an organization. Someone who will foster teamwork and work to develop their staff members. An individual who drives results and makes things happen as a public servant.  

If this describes you, and you meet the qualifications stated below, we hope you will consider throwing your hat in the ring to for this HR Director position.     
 
WHO WE ARE:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful—parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 700 miles of in-park and long-distance recreation trails. The agency is staffed with approximately 760 full-time equivalents (FTEs) and deploys a total workforce of nearly 1,000 staff members (peak season), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere – from law enforcement park rangers, park managers, and other field staff who take care of our parks (construction, maintenance, customer service) to planners, engineers, managers, administrative professionals and central support staff.  We love what we manage and what we do. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.
 
SOME DETAILS ABOUT THE POSITION:
This is a civil service exempt position, serving at the pleasure of the Agency Director. The annual range of compensation is between $118,000 - $128,856 depending upon qualifications, although the expected hiring salary will typically be less than the top of the range, to allow for growth and development movement.

This position is located at our Headquarters' building in Tumwater, Washington and typically fulfills a work schedule of 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is some potential for a flexible work schedule and telework. Travel throughout the state will be necessary for this position, including overnight stays. Expected frequency of travel will vary.

This posting will remain open until filled. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply before January 17th, 2021 when a first review of applicants will be completed. The hiring authority reserves the right to fill this position at any time after that date without notice. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest opportunity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Supervision and leadership- provide leadership and guidance to assigned staff exercising management practices that develop and retain competent and high performing employees.  Direct, coordinate and review the work of assigned staff, oversee their activities and projects, monitor workflow, set expectations and provide appropriate resources to ensure their professional growth.  
• Administration and Compliance -  Develop, recommend, review and implement agency policies and procedures.   Ensure legal, regulatory and other requirements are met including compliance with state policy, executive orders, directives, and federal rules and policies.   Implement and oversee implementation of program development or changes and responses to inquiries from agencies with HR impacts – such as State HR, Department of Enterprise Services, Labor Relations, Attorney General’s (AG) Labor and Personnel.
• Claims, Investigations and dispute resolution- Oversee the evaluation, investigation and response to employee complaints, misconduct allegations and disciplinary processes.   This includes internal complaints and issues brought forward from entities such as the Human Rights Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the state’s Executive Ethics Board, and others.  
• Worker’s Compensation Claims Management – oversee a contractor who manages the agency’s workers compensation claims, coordinating with the agency’s Employee Health and Safety Program to provide information and data to help reduce employee injuries.  Develop approaches to reduction of agency worker’s compensation costs.
• Labor-management relations- serve as the agency’s Labor Relations Manager.   Maintains relationship and communication with Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) staff.  Participates in Union Management Communication Committee and Law Enforcement Sub-committee meetings.  Participates in bargaining with OFM’s Labor Relations and the (WFSE).
• Quality improvement- provide leadership in the area of quality improvement and systems efficiency as it relates to human resource processes and procedures.  Maintains a quality improvement culture within the HR business unit that leverages opportunities to improve service delivery. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in human resource management, business administration or a closely related field.  Four (4) years of related experience can be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources with a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory and management experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing the technical, legal and risk management components within human resources, including knowledge and application of the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disability Act, etc.
• Experience working with executive leadership and/or senior managers providing human resources advice, consultation and information.  
• Experience developing, implementing and measuring strategic initiatives and programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
Pursuant to Emergency Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), all Washington State Parks employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the time of hire. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 Vaccination as part of the hire process for all positions within our agency. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact the recruitment team at [email protected]. Please note, a medical or religious accommodation may be requested, once an offer of employment is made. 
 
For more information about this position, please contact [email protected]. 
 
HOW TO APPLY:
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Use reference number 15554 when searching for the job announcement.
 
You must attach in your application package the following:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing the REQUIRED and DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS listed in this announcement 
• Current resume in chronological order. 
• Three professional references.

Important Note: Do not attach documents that contain a photo or private information (social security number, year of birth, transcripts, etc.) or documents that are password protected. These documents will not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded.

**All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.**