Human Resources Consultant 3 - Payroll

Salary : $67,992.00 - $91,464.00 Annually
Location : 2600 N. 20th Ave. Pasco, WA 99301, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: C-26-022
Division: Human Resources & Legal Affairs
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Columbia Basin College ("CBC" or "the College") seeks a Human Resources Consultant 3 (HRC3) to serve as a senior-level consultant and Team Lead for Columbia Basin College's payroll administration and processing. This role reports to the Director for Compensation and supports the College's mission by promoting transparency, and efficient operational excellence in payroll services. The HRC3 operates independently within established guidelines, ensuring that policies and procedures are applied with accuracy, fairness, and consistency, while contributing to the College's mission of transforming lives through education, economic mobility, and community-building. This position reports to the Director for Compensation.
This position closes on June 7, 2026 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Denise Cook at or (509) 542-4407.
Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and support training, to staff and stakeholders on payroll processes, compliance requirements, and system functionality;
• Lead and coordinate payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and institutional policies;
• Monitor payroll data for accuracy, including year-to-date balances, tax reporting, and system calculations; resolve discrepancies and ensure compliance;
• Partner with Benefits and Accounting to ensure alignment across payroll, leave, and benefits-related processes;
• Ensure payroll processes related to employment contracts are administered accurately and in accordance with applicable agreements and procedures;
• Support and maintain the Human Capital Management system, identifying issues and recommending process improvements;
• Analyze payroll and compensation data to identify trends and provide recommendations to leadership;
• Collaborate with leadership, supervisors and stakeholders to develop and implement innovative, inclusive strategies for process improvements;
• Respond to complex payroll inquiries to resolve issues and ensure alignment with institutional priorities;
• Promote inclusivity and accessibility in payroll programs and processes, ensuring equitable support and opportunities for all employees; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Two (2) or more years of relevant experience in payroll operations, including payroll processing and compliance; and
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and SQL, including the ability to analyze data, generate reports, troubleshoot issues, and support payroll-related processes and audits.

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and their impact on payroll processes;
• Expert-level knowledge and experience using Microsoft Excel and SQL for data analysis, reporting, and process improvement;
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and compliance requirements; and
• Experience in higher education and/or public sector payroll operations.

Skills and Abilities

Problem-Solving Skills: Address payroll challenges with innovative, timely, and effective solutions;

Organizational Skills: Manage multiple payroll responsibilities efficiently, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines;

Attention to Detail: Maintain precision in payroll processing, compliance documentation, and data management;

Analytical Skills: Leverage data to identify trends, address challenges, and recommend improvements in payroll operations;

Communication Skills: Clearly and professionally communicate payroll information, tailoring messages to diverse audiences;

Customer Service Skills: Provide empathetic and responsive support to employees with payroll-related inquiries;

Technology Proficiency: Demonstrates advanced skill in utilizing payroll systems, spreadsheets, and related technologies to ensure accurate processing, reporting, reconciliation, and compliance. Learns new systems quickly, troubleshoots technical issues, and serves as a resource for system-related processes and best practices;

CBC Shared Commitments: Demonstrates a willingness to work with and support others in completing assignments, accepts constructive feedback, and cooperates with coworkers and supervisors. Shows alignment with CBC Shared Commitments by treating others with respect, communicating and collaborating effectively, pursuing growth and learning, valuing and celebrating contributions, prioritizing wellness, and holding self and others accountable; and

Support for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Reflecting CBC's mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting; demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth.
Terms of Employment
This position is a full-time, overtime eligible classified staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, must be available to work a flexible schedule when prior notice is given by the College.
Process Note:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.
Conditions of Employment:

In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986. Columbia Basin College is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas (e.g., H-1B) at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.
Other Job Elements:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met and may be encountered by an incumbent when performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.
Working Conditions:

Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.
MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE

2026 PEBB Employee Enrollment Guide(Download PDF reader)

Eligibility
Permanent, seasonal and part-time employees as determined by WAC 182-12-114. Benefits also cover spouse or State-Registered Domestic Partner (SRDP), and qualifying dependents.

Effective date of coverage
First day of the month following date of employment. If the date of employment is the first working day of the month, coverage begins on that date.

Medical Plan Monthly Costs
Employees pay their portion of medical care costs through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and elected coverage for spouse or SRDP, and dependent children. *Medical plans are available by county of residence. The listed plans are available for employees who reside in Benton and Franklin counties.

2026 Employee Monthly Contribution by Family Tier
Kaiser WA Classic:
Employee Only: $141
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $282
Employee and Child/Children: $247
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $388

Kaiser WA Value:
Employee Only: $150
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $300
Employee and Child/Children: $263
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $413

Kaiser WA CDHP*(Consumer-Directed Health Plan):
Employee Only: $25
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $50
Employee and Child/Children: $44
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $69

Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) Classic, administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $145
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $290
Employee and Child/Children: $254
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $399

UMP Select, administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $82
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $164
Employee and Child/Children: $144
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $226

UMP CDHP* (Consumer-Directed Health Plan), administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $57
Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $114
Employee and Child/Children: $100
Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $157
*Consumer-Directed Health Plans (CDHP's) are paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA).

All premium rates listed are as of January 1, 2026.

CDHP's are a type of insurance plan that has lower premiums, a higher annual deductible, and higher out-of-pocket maximum than traditional health plans. An HSA is a tax-exempt account that you and your employer, can deposit funds into on your behalf. For more information about CDHP, HSA, and traditional health plans, please visit .

Dental Coverage & Costs*
2026 PEBB Employee Enrollment Guide(Download PDF reader)
Columbia Basin College provides dental coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee.
Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans, including:

Uniform Dental Plan (Group 3000)
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Administered by Delta Dental of Washington

DeltaCare (Group 3100)
Managed Care Plan
Administered by Delta Dental of Washington

Willamette Dental
Managed Care Plan
Administered by Willamette Dental
*Costs for dental services provided and coverage options vary based on plan selection.

Vision Coverage & Costs
2026 PEBB Employee Enrollment Guide(Download PDF reader)
Columbia Basin College provides vision coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee.

Benefit eligible employees have a choice of vision plans, through MetLife Vision, Davis Vision by MetLife, or EyeMed.

*Costs for vision services provided and coverage options vary based on plan selection. Optical service frequency and hardware (glasses, contact lenses, etc.) vary depending on type of plan selected.

MEDICAL FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA) & DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (DCAP)
The FSA and DCAP plans are optional plans offered by the College and the State of Washington. They are calendar year, pre-tax, spending programs you can use to set aside money for eligible expenses. Both plans are offered as payroll deductions and are administered by .

The FSA allows you to use pre-tax money to pay for certain out-of-pocket medical expenses. An FSA can be used to cover qualifying expenses such as: chiropractic care, over-the-counter medicine, first-aid supplies etc. For a full list of qualifying expenses visit: .

For 2026, FSA annual contributions can be between $120 minimum and $3,300 maximum. As a "use it or lose it" IRC governed plan, medical expense reimbursements can be requested for employee, spouse, or IRS eligible dependents. The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) allows you to save on child or elder care expenses (e.g. babysitting, daycare, in-home care for an older dependent incapable of self-care).

LIFE INSURANCE
2026 PEBB Employee Enrollment Guide(Download PDF...