Human Resources Director

Columbia Fruit Packers has been a trusted supplier of high-quality fruit in Washington state since 1946. Dedicated to sustainable growth and innovation, the company emphasizes efficient land, labor, and environmental practices to ensure premium products for the marketplace.

Columbia Fruit Packers is seeking a strategic and hands-on Human Resources Director to lead and oversee all HR functions across warehouse and orchard operations, including the H-2A program. This role is responsible for driving HR strategy, ensuring legal compliance, and supporting organizational growth and employee engagement.

The HR Director leads a team of HR Managers (two full-time, one part-time) supporting operations in Wenatchee, Central Washington orchards, and Yakima.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all HR functions, including employee relations, recruitment, compliance, and policy development
• Direct and manage the H-2A program (contracts, recruitment, onboarding, housing, transportation, and reporting)
• Oversee employee benefits programs (medical, retirement, disability), including renewals, plan design, and open enrollment
• Lead HR Team coordination, development, and performance
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and employment regulations (including ACA, FMLA/PFML, WA Paid Sick Leave)
• Manage HR budget, compensation analysis, and reporting
• Oversee investigations and employee relations matters
• Partner with senior leadership to support organizational effectiveness and workforce planning
• Coordinate training programs, including supervisor development and compliance training
• Collaborate with payroll, safety, and operations teams on workforce processes and compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 5 years of progressive HR leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of employment law, benefits administration, and HR best practices
• Proven leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills
• Experience managing complex, multi-site operations; agriculture experience preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• SHRM or HRCI certification strongly preferred
• Valid driver’s license required

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive continuous improvement
• High attention to detail and accuracy

Columbia Fruit Packers offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401(k) with match, PTO, and holidays.

Pay: $125,000.00 - $179,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience with HR in agriculture?
• Have you led an HR team?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• progressive HR leadership: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• English and Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• SHRM or HRCI certification (Preferred)

Location:

• Wenatchee, WA 98801 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $125,000 - $179,000