What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Manager position at City of Longview, WA?
Job Description
To Apply: Complete the City's on-line application process with a thorough list of education, training and experience; attach a cover letter and resume. Additional attachments are welcome, but not required.
The final candidate for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.
- This position is open until filled with a first review of applications occurring on August 14, 2026.
The final candidate for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.
Position Information: The Human Resources Manager supports the Human Resources Director in planning, organizing, and directing the City’s human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, labor relations, benefits administration, classification and compensation, and organizational development. This position also provides oversight of risk management, workplace safety, and payroll administration to ensure compliance, efficiency, and alignment with City goals. The HR Manager serves as a key partner to department leaders, helps implement strategic initiatives set by the HR Director, and ensures consistent, high-quality HR service delivery across the organization.
Essential Job Duties
- Assist the HR Director in developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, and programs.
- Oversee day-to-day HR operations and ensure consistent application of policies and procedures.
- Provide guidance and support to supervisors on employee relations, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
- Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate actions.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
- Supervise HR staff and support staff development and performance.
- Support collective bargaining, including preparation, research, and participation in negotiations.
- Interpret and administer labor agreements.
- Assist in grievance response and resolution.
- Conduct market salary studies and conduct internal equity reviews.
- Oversee benefits administration and serve as a resource for employee questions and issue resolution.
- Support open enrollment and ongoing benefits communication.
- Provide support and direction for the City’s risk management program, including workers’ compensation, liability, and property claims.
- Coordinate claims management and maintain relationships with insurance carriers and third-party administrators.
- Assist in identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Coordinate and monitor workplace safety programs and compliance with OSHA/WISHA standards.
- Support safety training, incident reporting, and investigations.
- Work with departments to promote a proactive safety culture.
- Oversee payroll processing to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
- Coordinate closely with Finance on reporting, audits, and system integration.
- Ensure proper handling of deductions, leave tracking, and records.
- Assist in developing and delivering training programs, including supervisory and leadership development.
- Support performance evaluation processes and employee engagement efforts.
- Performs other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field AND five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible human resource experience OR a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the required skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job as determined by the department.
- Experience in an HRIS system and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred.
- Public sector experience highly desirable.
Ideal Candidate Information
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of human resources principles and practices
- Knowledge of employment laws and regulatory requirements.
- Labor relations and collective bargaining experience.
- Risk management and workplace safety practices.
- Payroll systems and processes.
- Effectively implement direction from executive leadership.
- Build strong working relationships across departments.
- Handle sensitive situations with professionalism and confidentiality.
- Analyze complex issues and recommend practical solutions.
- Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing in English. Portray a professional image and attitude.
- Good interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, vendors, local agencies and providers, and the general public.
- Initiative to take action and be self-motivated. Work well independently as well as in a team or cooperative setting.
- Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department and its business and maintain strict confidentiality.
- Develop and maintain a general understanding of information that relates to the functions and services of the departments.
- The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.
The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer-paid for full family coverage, which includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance with buy-up options for the employee, employee’s spouse and dependents. All employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems programs and have the option to participate in a 457 deferred compensation program. Other benefits include generous paid leave such as vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and voluntary participation in a tax-deferred medical or dependent 125 plans.
This position is nonrepresented.