Salary : $113,930.75 - $144,413.98 Annually
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number: 2025-25046
Department: DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks
Division: Parks
Opening Date: 07/17/2025
Closing Date: 8/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week

Summary
King County Parks has an exciting opportunity for an Employee & Labor Relations Representative who will play a critical role in navigating complex situations dealing with employee and labor relations. In this role, you will be a trusted advisor and partner to key leaders and will have the ability to influence and make large-scale impacts to some of the most crucial decision making, policy making, and bargaining in the Division.

About the Role:

This role will be an essential partner to Parks Division employees and leaders as part of the Human Resources team. The Employee and Labor Relations Representative will be involved with representing the division in labor negotiations and Collective Bargaining Agreements. This role will also be a central point of contact for managers and supervisors as an advisor for complex employee relations matters and as a resource of support and guidance for performance and labor relations.

This position performs work remotely and onsite.

About the Team:

The Parks Human Resources team plays a vital role in shaping a positive, inclusive, and professional workplace by partnering with staff and leaders across the division to manage and administer employee-centered policies and procedures. Committed to delivering accurate, timely information and connecting employees with essential resources, the team supports the entire organization in navigating current and future workforce needs. While driving efficiency and delivering high-quality service, the Parks HR team also values and models a healthy work-life balance. Backed by strong support from Parks leadership, HR is seen as a trusted, active partner in all areas of our work.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As an Employee & Labor Relations Representative, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Parks Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

Job Duties
What You Will Be Doing:

• Guide and advise supervisors and managers on sensitive employee relations matters, including employee investigations, performance management and progressive discipline.
• Act as the primary respondent on behalf of the division for labor grievances; serve as the process owner and advises on avenues of resolution.
• Serve as a representative of the Division/Department in bargaining with labor unions.
• Interprets and provides guidance on matters involving collective bargaining agreements.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Bring:

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic communications, counsel, and advice to management and other county partners, especially regarding employee relations or labor relations.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of labor law, labor relations, collective bargaining practices, and contract interpretation.
• Demonstrated experience managing and leading investigations for complex employee relations issues.
• Ability to effectively multitask and handle complex, multilayered issues with competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Advanced proficiency in written and verbal communications.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications.

Competencies You Bring:

• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Balances Stakeholders: Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Manages Conflict: Handling conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Public sector experience in environments with large, unionized workforces.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and potentially litigious workplace issues.
• Knowledge and multi-year experience within the field of human resources and labor relations.
• Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with internal and external customers and clients.
• A commitment to upholding and embodying the principles of equity and social justice through work and actions.
• Demonstrated advanced skills in planning, problem-solving, and analytical work.
• Demonstrated ability and experience working independently in a remote environment, including the coordination and facilitation of Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings.

Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:

• Remote and Onsite Work Details: Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements typically three to five (3-5) times a month. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly. Onsite reporting locations may be at various King County worksites including the collaboration space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104).
• Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is not represented by a union.

Application and Selection Process:

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all background to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume (PDF format)

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Crystal Yost at [email protected].

Discover More About the Parks Division: Visit our website and check us out at, , and

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore aninteractive mapof our recent accomplishments and check us out atFacebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTubeand Keeping King County Green News

Sign up for to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01

Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

02

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
03

One of the primary functions of the Employee and Labor Relations Representative will be to provide strategic communications, counsel, and advice to management and other county partners regarding employee or labor relations. Which of the following best describes your experience providing strategic communications, counsel, and advice to management?

• None, I do not have any experience.
• I have less than 12 months of experience.
• I have 1-2 years of experience.
• I have 2-3 years of experience.
• I have more than 3 years of experience.

04

The successful candidate for this position will have advanced knowledge and understanding of labor law, labor relations, collective bargaining practices, and contract interpretation.Which of the following best describes your knowledge and understanding of labor law, labor relations, collective bargaining practices, and contract interpretation?

• NONE - I do not have any knowledge or understanding of labor law, labor relations, collective bargaining practices, and contract interpretation
• Novice/Beginner - I just began my journey to learn about labor law, labor relations, collective bargaining practices, and contract interpretation. I will require mentorship and guidance to be successful in these areas.
• Intermediate - I know and understand many facets of labor law, labor relations, collective bargaining practices, and contract interpretation. I know how to research and find answers. I may still need guidance from time to time.
• Advanced/Expert - I am a subject matter expert in labor law, labor relations, collective bargaining practices, and contract interpretation. People generally come to me for advice on these matters. If needed, I can teach/train others on these topics.

05

One of the primary functions of the Employee and Labor Relations Representative will be to manage and lead investigations with complex employee relations issues.Which of the following best describes your experience managing and leading investigations with complex employee relations issues?

• NONE - I do not have any experience.
• I have less than 12 months of experience.
• I have 1-2 years of experience.
• I have 2-3 years of experience.
• I have more than 3 years of experience.

Required Question