HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Description

Position open until filled; first review January 20, 2026.

This position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with the current HR Director who will be retiring in a couple of years, to gain senior-level exposure to municipal human resources, which may support future succession planning within the department.

NATURE OF POSITION

Performs a variety of professional duties in support of the City’s human resources functions including Human Resources Information System (HRIS) implementation/administration, recruitment, compensation and benefit plan administration, workers’ compensation, safety, labor relations, staff training and development, and general administration of applicable federal and state rules and regulations relating to human resources. Provides information and assistance to City employees and the general public regarding human resources activities, policies and procedures. Performs a variety of technical duties relative to assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction and oversight are provided by the Director of Human Resources.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values: Service – Integrity – Collaboration – Equity – Leadership – Community
• Administer various human resources plans and procedures for all employees; assist in the development, implementation and enforcement of personnel policies and procedures; prepare and maintain Personnel Policy Manual to maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Participate in developing department goals, objectives and systems. Assist in evaluation of reports, decisions and results in relation to established goals. Recommend new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed.
• Develop, maintain and improve documentation related to the HR function, including process and policy documentation, organizational charts, recruitment records, personnel files, safety, employee policies, etc., as published on the intranet or via other communications methods.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of department budget.
• Supervise the HR Coordinator including but not limited to the preparation and processing of purchase requisitions and orders as needed for office supplies, forms and brochures related to employee benefit options. Manage job assignments and scheduling, provide training and corrective action as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between employees and management to improve employee engagement and maintain a positive culture and resolve employee conflicts.
• Provide support and guidance to HR Specialist, management, and other staff when complex, specialized, and sensitive questions and issues arise; may be required to administer and execute routine tasks in delicate circumstances such as providing reasonable accommodations, resolving performance concerns, investigating allegations of wrongdoing, and assisting with corrective action.
• Respond to employee relations issues such as employee complaints, harassment and discrimination allegations, and settling grievances as assigned.
• In collaboration with the third-party administrator for the workers compensation self-insured program, facilitate the claims management process including return to work and light duty. Complete annual OSHA 300 report and provide statistical reports to Safety Committees as needed.
• Serve as the HR Representative on the City’s Safety Committee and Service Center Safety Committee to provide guidance and assure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Develop and maintain the City Safety Manual. Manage the City-wide online training safety program including collaboration with supervisors on training course selections and compliance requirements.
• Serve as the Secretary-Examiner for the City of Walla Walla Civil Service Commission. Provide proper notice of regular and special meetings of the Commission; prepare agendas, minutes and maintain records and reports for the Commission. Schedule and administer civil service examinations and issue eligibility lists. Schedule hearings and notify parties of hearing schedules. Conduct research and analysis on civil service issues and projects and assist in development and implementation of civil service rules and regulations.
• Collaborate with departmental supervisors to understand skills and competencies required for openings, prepare and review job descriptions and conduct job analysis as necessary; screen employment applications; compose/review interview questions; assist in interviewing applicants; may conduct reference checks and extend job offers.
• Assist the HR Specialist in the coordination of recruitment efforts for all exempt and non-exempt staff, which may include recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of qualified job applicants, particularly for managerial roles.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of Human Resources Information System (HRIS) programs and compile appropriate reports (e.g., MUNIS HR/Payroll, NEOGOV, Performance Pro, HSI Safety Training, etc.).
• Process personnel action forms and employee status changes in a timely manner to assure proper approvals. Prepare and enter employee data into personnel/payroll system. Initiate and coordinate with Payroll on annual pay adjustments and other pay increases associated with City benefit programs.
• Develop and maintain affirmative action program; file EEO-4 reports as required.
• Assist in the administration of employee benefit plans including educating employees, benefits enrollment, claims resolution, ACA report filing, and reconciliation of invoices for payment for health insurances and retirement plans. Coordinate health, life and disability insurance enrollments and communicate with service providers concerning routine administration of programs. Assure compliance with COBRA guidelines by submitting notification to the third-party administrator.
• Collaborate with the HR Specialist to administer and assist employees, payroll, and supervisors to determine best alternatives in coordination of various leave programs (e.g., FMLA, PFML, WAPSL, sick leave, workers’ compensation, and military leave).
• Assist the HR Specialist with the administration of the commercial driver’s license drug testing program. Manage corrective action for positive results.
• Assist the HR Specialist in the administration of the online performance evaluation program including assisting supervisors to ensure compliance with established deadlines. Provide guidance to supervisors on giving feedback to employees.
• Assist and support the City Wellness Program, including promotion of wellness program activities and seeking creative ways to gain support and participation in program events.
• Conduct research, perform analysis, and compile data on human resource issues and projects for management, including but not limited to policy development, classification, and salary surveys.
• As assigned, conduct employee investigations, interview and develop recommendations in accordance with City policy and collective bargaining agreements.
• Assist in labor and employee relations negotiation activities including minutes, labor relations research, survey development and compilation of data.
• Assist in the development and coordination of employee recognition and training programs.
• Manage the establishment and maintenance of a variety of complex and confidential records and filing systems for the department, including personnel files, confidential medical files, and drug/alcohol files as outlined by the Department of Transportation. Maintain database and spreadsheets for necessary personnel records and management reports; assist in the maintenance and routine administration of the classification program and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code assignment.
• Assist in providing new employee orientations and exit interviews.
• Assist with special events for staff by coordinating committees and logistics within established budgets.
• May assume duties of the Human Resources Director in their absence.
  
  

Other Job Functions

• Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
• Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
• Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
• Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
• Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
• Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Principles and practices of human resources administration, including benefits, compensation, recruitment, safety and labor relations.
• Comprehensive and thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws as they apply to public sector employers and assigned activities.
• Proficient skill using Microsoft Office Products; Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and HRIS programs, or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems
• Civil Service rules and regulations, including testing and selection procedures, or ability to learn.
• Advanced analytical, public relations and communication skills (both verbal and written) to comprehend, interpret, and explain laws, rules, policies, and procedures to a diverse audience.
• Collaborative mindset with an aptitude for fostering organizational relationships and advanced negotiation and customer service/relations skills to effectively deal with employees in an escalated emotional state.
• Exercise discretion and confidentiality of all personnel administration matters.
• Basic research and analysis methods, demonstrable experience with HR metrics, and excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data-informed decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty. Ability to work independently with a self-driven approach to responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and effectively manage interpersonal relationships at all levels of the company, keep information confidential, and resolve conflict fairly and consistently.
• Detail oriented with superior organizational, multitasking and time-management skills, especially under tight schedules.
  
  

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Proficiency in or knowledge of using a variety of computers and software including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, various Human Resources Information Systems, e.g., MUNIS, Performance Pro, NEOGOV (Insight, Onboard, eForms, Attract), HSI Safety Training, or similar applications or databases.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing, hearing, and speaking to exchange information; repetitive hand movements; intermittently stand, walk, kneel down, stoop, bend at the waist and lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to give/receive and analyze information, formulate work plans, prepare written materials, and articulate goals and action plans.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office environment; subject to distractions and occasionally dealing with distressed customers. May work in the field for employee testing.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, human resources management, psychology, industrial relations, political science, or a closely related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible human resources administration experience including three (3) years supervisor experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience to provide sufficient evidence of the successful performance of the essential elements of the job. Valid State driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

SPHR or PHR Certification. Previous experience in public sector environment, including labor relations experience. Bilingual in Spanish.

This organization participates in E-Verify, click the link below to view more information:

Click here to see more information regarding E-Verify

Non-Represented Employees

Summary Of Benefits

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time non-represented City of Walla Walla employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through the City Council or administrative action, contracts or changes mandated by state and federal law.

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.

Employees and all eligible dependents are covered for Medical, Dental, and Vision for only $136.14/month.

Low-Deductible Plans

Medical – 4 plans to select from:

• Regence Blue Shield HealthFirst 250
• Kaiser (HMO) 200
  
  

High-Deductible Plans – eligible for H.S.A (City will annually contribute $750 for an individual and $1500 for a family)

• Regence Blue Shield High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
• Kaiser High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) HMO
  
  

Dental – Delta Dental of Washington PPO. $2,000 per year max; Class I, II and III no deductible. Orthodontia paid at 50% max lifetime payment of $1,500 per covered member.

Vision – VSP and AWC Plan B. Well Vision Exam every 12 months - $0 copay. Prescription glasses $10 copay, plus various allowances for frames, lenses, and contacts.

Hartford Life Insurance

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.

City paid: $50,000 Basic Life Insurance and $50,000 AD&D coverage.

Employee Voluntary: Supplemental Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability coverage available at low premiums.

Deferred Comp

Employees are eligible with their first paycheck upon enrollment. No vesting requirements.

The City will match an employee’s monthly contribution up to 3.5% of the employee’s monthly base rate of pay. Three options include Baker Boyer Bank - BPAS, MissionSquare, or the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). Employee contribution options for pre-tax and Roth.

Retirement Plan

Non-Represented employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. Rates effective as of 07/01/2025. (www.drs.wa.gov)

PERS

Employee Contribution Rate

Employer Contribution Rate

Plan II

5.38%

5.58%

Plan III

Employee Choice

5.58%

(6 available options)

Paid Holidays

On January 1, each employee is eligible for 10 paid holidays per year as outlined below. Employees hired during the year are eligible for any remaining holidays following their start date.

New Year’s Day

Independence Day

Martin Luther King Day

Labor Day

President’s Day

Thanksgiving Day

Memorial Day

Day after Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth

Christmas Day

Floating Holiday Hours

On January 1, each employee shall be granted forty (40) floating holidays. Employees hired during the year shall receive a prorated floating holiday hour. Floating holidays must be used by year-end or will be forfeited.

Vacation Time

Employees will accrue vacation time based on years of service outlined on the schedule below. As of December 31st, no employee shall have an accumulated amount of vacation leave in excess of 240 hours. Employees may elect to cash out up to forty (40) hours of vacation time each year, provided the employee has taken forty (40) hours of vacation during the preceding calendar year.

Vacation Accrual per Month

0 – 3 years

4 – 6 years

7 – 9 years

10 - 15 years

16 years

8 hours

10 hours

12 hours

13.33 hours

16.67 hours

Sick Leave

All full-time employees earn 8 hours of sick leave per month to a maximum accrual of 960 hours. The City also offers a Sick Leave Cash-out policy of 25% of hours over 960 at year-end, and a Sick Leave Conversion policy as outlined below.

Sick Leave Balance

Hours Earned Converted to Vacation

480 Hours

1.33 Hours per Month

720 Hours

2.67 Hours per Month

960 Hours

4.00 Hours per Month

Longevity Pay

Non-Represented Employees Receive Longevity Pay As Outlined Below

5 years of service

$40/per month

10 years of service

$50/per month

15 years of service

$60/per month

Wellness Program

The City has received the AWC WellCity Award since 2014, which provides a 2% reduction in health insurance premiums. The City's Wellness Committee promotes healthy lifestyles, wise consumption of health care services, and mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. This committee sponsors numerous activities to encourage personal and professional health.

Employee Assistance Plan

An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

Safety Statement

In An Effort To Ensure All Employees Work Safe And Go Home Safe, We Expect Our Employees To Comply With All Applicable Safety Practices And Policies, Including Those Established By OSHA/DOSH/WISHA Regulations And By The City's Accident Prevention Plan. This Includes But Is Not Limited To Actively Identifying And Correcting Potential Hazards That May Affect Coworkers And Public Safety. All Employees Are Expected To Lead By Example To Promote a Positive Culture Of Workplace Safety Through Everyday Actions. The City Of Walla Walla Is Committed To Providing a Work Environment That

• Is free of all recognized hazards.
• Promotes safe and healthy tasks and workplaces.
• Values and encourages worker input in all jobs regarding task/facility enhancements.
• Is insistent on the full reporting and investigation of all incidents, i.e., injuries/ illnesses, property accidents and all near misses.
• Is performed by workers and supervisors, who are trained in all operational safety aspects of their jobs, (both mandated by the applicable Washington State requirements and those of the City of Walla Walla’s policies and procedures).
  
  

Other Benefits Offered (may be subject to waiting periods or testing)

• Bilingual Incentive - 3%
• Aflac Insurance
• YMCA Membership – Corporate Discount
• Direct Deposit (payday is the 3rd working day following the last day of the month)
  
  

Salary schedules and the City’s Personnel Policy Manual, can be found at the following link:

https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/human-resources/contracts-salaries

https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/human-resources/personnel-policies-civil-service-rules

01

Do you have experience managing or supervising staff?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Do you have experience with labor law and union contract administration?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Do you have experience with managing a Workplace Safety Program?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Do you have experience with Civil Service recruitment, assessment centers, and rules and regulations?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

How many years of Human Resources experience do you have?

• 4 or less years of experience
• 5 or more years of experience
  
  

06

Briefly summarize your human resources background and identify the areas that you have the most experience in and what may be opportunities for improvement.

• Required Question