Senior Human Resources Consultant

State of Washington$90K — $120K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Broad HR experience across multiple functional areas
  • Strong consulting and relationship-building skills
  • Experience navigating complex employee situations with professionalism
  • Knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and policy interpretation
  • Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
  • Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution and mediation

Responsibilities

  • Provide consultations and recommendations on complex employee issues
  • Build strong relationships and support workforce planning
  • Lead the agency's recruitment and selection processes
  • Provide guidance on employee relations and performance issues
  • Oversee agency training programs and identify development opportunities
  • Participate in compensation analyses and support HR operations
  • Support change management efforts and lead special projects

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement benefits
  • Flex spending accounts
  • Dependent care assistance
  • Deferred compensation
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
Full Job Description
Salary: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Office of the State Treasurer
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced Senior HR Consultant to serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to agency leadership, managers, supervisors and employees. Reporting to the Human Resources Director, this position provides expert consultation and leadership across the full spectrum of human resources, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational goals.

In this role, you will work independently and exercise sound judgment while advising on complex and sensitive workforce matters. You will lead and support initiatives related to talent acquisition, employee relations, learning and development, compensation and classification, policy development, performance management, organizational effectiveness and workforce engagement. You'll also play a key role in helping OST cultivate an inclusive, high performing workplace.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys variety and is energized by the opportunity to influence organizational culture and employee experience.

What We're Looking For:

We're seeking a human resources professional who brings:
  • Broad HR experience across multiple functional areas
  • Strong consulting and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and advise at all levels of an organization
  • Experience navigating complex employee situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment
  • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
  • Knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and policy interpretation
  • The ability to take action to learn and grow
  • The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and lead projects from concept to implementation

Duties
Strategic HR Partnership & Consultation
  • Provide consultations and recommendations on complex employee and organizational issues, balancing business needs with legal and policy requirements
  • Build strong relationships across the agency and partner with leaders to support workforce planning, employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness
  • Research, analyze, and interpret employment laws, policies, civil service rules, and HR best practices to inform decision making

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
  • Lead the agency's recruitment and selection processes from workforce planning through onboarding
  • Partner with hiring managers to develop recruitment strategies, position requirements, and selection plans that support organizational needs and inclusive hiring practices
  • Support organizational changes including position creation, restructuring, realignments, and workforce planning initiatives

Employee Relations & Performance Management
  • Provide guidance and support on employee relations matters, workplace concerns, performance issues, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution
  • Consult with managers and supervisors on performance management, employee development, accountability, and effective workplace practices
  • Assist with workplace investigations, complaint resolution, and other sensitive personnel matters
  • Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and employment laws to ensure consistent and equitable outcomes

Learning, Development & Employee Engagement
  • Oversee and coordinate agency training programs and learning resources, including required statewide training initiatives
  • Partner with managers to identify development opportunities and support employee career growth
  • Develop and implement programs and initiatives that enhance employee engagement, inclusion, and overall workplace experience

Compensation, Classification & HR Operations
  • Participate in classification reviews and compensation analyses, providing recommendations that support equity, consistency and organizational needs
  • Apply pay equity principles and objective criteria when evaluating compensation related actions
  • Support HR operational functions, including HR systems, payroll processes, records management and compliance requirements

Organizational Development & Special Projects
  • Support change management efforts and organizational initiatives designed to strengthen culture, leadership effectiveness, and workforce readiness
  • Lead or participate in special projects, committees, and agencywide initiatives that advance employee wellbeing, engagement and organizational success
  • Use data, trends and workforce insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and informed decision-making

Qualifications
A combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and experience will be considered

Demonstrated knowledge of human resources practices across multiple functional areas, such as employee relations, performance management, recruiting, compensation, benefits, leave administration, and policy interpretation

Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices

Ability to build trusted relationships with employees, managers, and leadership

Experience working with managers and employees through performance, conduct, and workplace issues

Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution, mediation, and facilitating difficult conversations

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

Strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills

Experience using HR information systems (HRIS) and common business software applications

Desirable Education, Experience, and Competencies:
  • Recruitment lifecycle management
  • Experience conducting workplace investigations
  • Experience supporting compensation, benefits, or talent management programs
  • Experience in Washington State or public sector HR practices
  • Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR)

Supplemental Information
In addition to completing the online application profile on , Applicants must attach a current resume and a letter of interest describing how their experience, skills, and career interests align with the qualifications for this position.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every qualification listed, we welcome your application and look forward to learning more about your experience.

Benefits: Washington State offers a competitive benefits package. Beyond the traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance and retirement benefits, we offer flex spending accounts, dependent care assistance, deferred compensation, 12 paid holidays, paid vacation, and sick leave. Click on the "Benefits" tab near the top of the page to learn more.

Location: This position is based in Olympia, Washington, with offices located on the Capitol Campus in the Helen Sommers Building and the Legislative Building. Employees should expect to spend time working from both locations as part of their regular work responsibilities. Flexible scheduling and remote work options are available and consistent with agency business needs.

In Office Expectations: Employees are expected to work onsite at least twice per month. During the initial onboarding and training period, which may last up to six months, employees may be required to work onsite for up to two days per week. After that, the frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs.

Recruitment Assistance and Contact Information: For questions about this recruitment or for applicants in need of assistance during the application process, please contact Nadine Sordahl at (360) 902-8919 or via email to [email protected]. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

About State of Washington

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Joining the State of Washington's diverse team offers more than just a job; it opens opportunities to build and grow a career in an array of fields. State of Washington is renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation in public service.

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