What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Human Resources Consultant position at State of Washington?
Washington State House of Representatives
Exempt Recruitment Announcement
Senior Human Resources Consultant
OPENS: | July 31, 2026 |
CLOSES: | August 14, 2026 |
REPORTSTO: | Human Resources Director |
LOCATION: | Thurston County -- Olympia, Washington |
SALARY: | $86,136 - $149,280 annually State law requires us to post the full salary range; however, individual salary is determined based on experience and internal alignment. Most applicants will start below the top of the range. |
The anticipated hire date is October 01, 2026.
About the House of Representatives:
The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made up of 98 members elected to serve two-year terms, representing 49 legislative districts. The House employs approximately 240 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns. Staff workgroups include, nonpartisan staff, Democratic Caucus staff and Republican Caucus staff. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January on the capitol campus in Olympia. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed.
Our workplace is on the beautiful capitol campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.
The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:
- We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
- We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
- We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.
Position Profile:
This position provides support to the HR Director serving as back-up in their absence. This position provides expert level consultation to Members and staff on matters of employee relations and human resource matters involving policy, investigations, and appropriate workplace conduct.
How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute:
- Consult on human resources matters with staff directors, supervisors, and employees.
- Coordinate with the Senate and legislative agencies on external ADA process and accessibility of legislative proceedings, publications, websites, and communications.
- Collaborate with the Office of Program Research, communications staff, and member offices on language access and providing interpretation and translation services.
- Provide support, coaching, and conflict resolution for employees and Members involved in workplace conflicts.
- Consult on recruitment and selection strategies, new employee orientation, and employee performance success.
- Facilitate New Employee Orientation and New Supervisor Orientation.
- Conduct interviews, gather materials and evidence, and write investigative reports on complaints.
- Support collective bargaining needs; i.e., negotiations, data analysis, and grievance hearings.
- Update, organize, and maintain job classification descriptions and HR procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:
Knowledge:
- Five or more years of professional level generalist HR consultant experience.
Skills:
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with others.
- Demonstrated experience engaging in and facilitating difficult conversations with staff and supervisors/managers (conflict resolution/mediation).
- Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations in the areas of workplace policies, including allegations of discrimination and harassment, interviews, investigative analysis, and production of investigative documentation.
- Demonstrated experience independently managing multiple responsibilities at the same time.
- Demonstrated experience communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated strong critical thinking and decision-making.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
- Demonstrated ability to foster an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and implement incremental improvements to create efficiencies.
Desirable/Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in the public sector.
- Experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreement contracts, rules, and statutes.
- Supervisory or lead experience.
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
This position requires an onsite/in-person presence in Olympia during session and must be able to frequently work more than 40 hours per week including evenings, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility including in-state telework with an expectation to have an onsite in-person presence when requested.
Benefits:
Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.
How to Apply:
Intrigued? If so, please submit the below items combined in one document:
(1) a letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications;
(2) a current resume describing in detail your experience and education; and
(3) a minimum of three professional references, including at least one supervisor, with contact information (e.g., address, e-mail address, and telephone).
Send application materials and direct any questions to: HouseHR@leg.wa.gov.
The Washington State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status, or using a trained service animal by a person with a disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including those listed above and those with other diverse life experiences. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact House HR Director at HouseHR@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7030, or TTD 1-800-635-9993. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
Salary : $86,136 - $149,280