Payroll and HR Specialist

Terms: Temporary (parental leave coverage) part-time position (20-24 hrs/week). Overtime eligible. 

Hiring Wage Range: $28.02/hr-$31.50/hr

Job Classification and Range: Specialist, Range 6 

Base Schedule: TBD

Start Date: As soon as possible | Coverage through approximately June 2026

Overview

The Snohomish Conservation District is seeking a detail-oriented, reliable, and highly organized Payroll and HR Specialist to provide part-time support during an upcoming parental leave. This temporary position will play a key role in ensuring timely payroll processing, accurate employee records, and smooth day-to-day HR operations. The ideal candidate has strong payroll experience, a solid understanding of HR best practices, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Primary Job Responsibilities

The primary job responsibilities of the Payroll and HR Specialist include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Payroll

• Review timesheet entries for all staff to ensure accuracy and policy compliance.

• Process monthly payroll as needed and submit payments for employee benefit deductions.

• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies; respond to employee payroll questions in a timely and professional manner.

• Update payroll records to reflect changes in employee information, benefits, job titles, deductions, and wages.

• Process benefit enrollments, cancellations, and related tasks; report new hires and employee changes to DRS.

• Maintain the District’s salary workbook and calculate updated composite rates for employee changes on a monthly basis.

• Assist the Finance and Administrative Director with current software implementations. The district is in early stages of moving to a new financial software and outsourced payroll company. Setting up new employees, benefits, and being familiar with new payroll portal will be a large part of this role as we transition. 

Human Resources

• Provide HR support for new hires and ongoing benefits assistance to staff.

• Maintain employee personnel files and support the full onboarding process for new employees.

Qualifications

• Experience processing payroll; public-sector or Washington State payroll experience is a plus. 

• Understanding of payroll taxes, employee benefits, and HR compliance requirements.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently in a part-time role.

• Proficiency with standard office software; experience with financial, payroll, or HRIS systems preferred.

• Strong communication skills and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task effectively.

• Personable with excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both written and verbal).

• Collaborative approach to solving problems with staff.

• Knowledge of general accounting standards, processes, and procedures.

• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and other common software

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Experience with payroll, contracting and billing, GASB, BARS accounting, general accounting principles, and audits.

• Experience with accounting software and intermediate spreadsheet skills.

• Knowledge of and/or experience providing Human Resources support to staff.

• Records management procedures and requirements.

• Experience or knowledge of Conservation District practices and state statutes.

Schedule

Approximately 20 hours per week, with some scheduling flexibility.

• Hybrid work options may be available depending on District needs.

Benefits 

The District offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

● Annual (vacation) leave, sick leave and paid district holidays prorated to FTE. 

● Ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).

● All employees are covered by standard State and Federal programs, including WA Paid Family Medical Leave, Unemployment Insurance, Workers' Compensation, Social Security, and Medicare.

● Terms of compensation and benefits are set by the Board of Supervisors and may be amended at any time.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit the following materials via our website at https://snohomishcd.org/employment: 

• Cover letter stating why you are interested in this position

• CV or resume detailing your related experience

Candidates who advance in the hiring process may be requested to complete skills assessments.

If you have questions about applying or need accommodation during the application process, contact Sally Cunningham at hr@snohomishcd.org or (360) 631-6736. 

This position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed beginning Friday, December 19th.  

We strive to work in partnership with all, to provide equitable and accessible programming on a nondiscriminatory basis, and to continually improve how we do so. All programs and services of the Snohomish Conservation District are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.