Human Resources Director (OPRD)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 93,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Work/life balance

11 paid holidays a year

Job summary

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department seeks an experienced Human Resources Director to lead the HR function as part of the Executive Leadership Team, shaping policies, programs, and systems to achieve the agency’s mission.

You will oversee negotiations, budget participation, and collaboration with managers and employees across the state enterprise, ensuring compliance with HR laws and driving talent development, DEI initiatives, and organizational culture.

Qualifications

• Seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience.
• OR four years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Criminal record and driving record check required; must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Public sector labor relations and union environments experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a full-service human resources team to meet the current and future needs of OPRD.
• Advise, consult, and problem solve with Department managers and employees to apply collective bargaining agreements, policies and procedures, personnel law/policy, leadership, and sound management practices.
• Collaborate with internal and external customers across the state enterprise.
• Participate in the development of the Department’s biennial budget and evaluate impacts on programs, personnel, and organizational changes, recommending action to promote effective and efficient program service delivery.
• Oversee negotiations for OPRD at collective bargaining; analyze collective bargaining agreement proposals and oversee the development of Department position papers.
• Build a network and navigate relationships that may at times be influenced by the political climate.

Skills

Leadership

Public sector labor relations

HR laws

Collective bargaining

Policy development

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/10/2026 Application Deadline: 09/21/2026 Agency: Parks and Recreation Department Salary Range: $8,299 - $12,835 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Human Resources Director (OPRD)

Job Description

Home - Oregon State Parks Are you a seasoned HR leader with a proven track record in navigating the complexities of upper‑level management across both public and private sectors? Do you excel in public sector labor relations and possess in‑depth knowledge of HR laws and principles? Come join our Executive team as the Human Resources Director for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department where you will not only support our agency mission and staff, but you’ll also and support one of Oregon’s greatest resources – State Parks!

Welcome Statement

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form. Provide service for all Oregonians and visitors. We stay on mission by: Delivering the state park system. Operating the State Historic Preservation Office. Safeguarding and improving Oregon’s recreational and historic values by fulfilling our state and federal responsibilities to support Oregon communities. Deliver improvement. We embrace change when it improves 1. We ask: “Is this the best way to act productively and nimbly?” “Is there something new we should be doing to move the needle?” “Is there something we should stop doing to free resources for higher priority work?” Respect guardrails. We stay legal, ethical, and safe when pursuing 1 and 2 by: Supporting each other to know which guardrails are necessary, and which can be questioned before we run into them. Keeping ourselves and our teams grounded, healthy, and engaged so the agency is unified in public service.

Your New Role

As the Permanent, full‑time, Human Resources Manager and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide leadership to the Human Resources section and the agency by establishing program goals and developing and implementing strategies, policies, and systems to achieve the Department’s mission.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and develop a full‑service human resources team to meet the current and future needs of OPRD.
• Leverage your knowledge of HR fundamentals, and your leadership experience to advise, consult, and problem solve with Department managers and employees to apply collective bargaining agreements, policies and procedures, personnel law/policy, leadership, and sound management practices.
• Collaborate with internal and external customers across the state enterprise.
• Participate in the development of the Department’s biennial budget and evaluate impacts on programs, personnel, and organizational changes, recommending action to promote effective and efficient program service delivery.
• Oversee negotiations for OPRD at collective bargaining; analyze collective bargaining agreement proposals and oversee the development of Department position papers.
• Build a network and navigate relationships that may at times be influenced by the political climate.

Minimum Qualifications

Seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR four years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Special Requirements

To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.

Desired Attributes

Extensive leadership experience in private and/or public sectors, with strong organizational, administrative, and upper‑level management skills. Demonstrates extensive knowledge and experience in public sector labor relations, HR laws, and union environments, including proven success leading HR teams and supporting managers. Strong ethical foundation and commitment to building trust, aligning HR priorities with agency goals, and fostering a positive organizational culture. Skilled at creating a motivating, productive, and flexible work environment that promotes excellence, leadership, and positive change. Exceptional communication skills paired with a customer service mindset and a strategic, solutions‑oriented approach to decision‑making. Innovative thinker who embraces learning, process improvements, and risk assessment through a comprehensive, 360‑degree perspective. Effective champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with demonstrated ability to develop talent, support career growth, and encourage work‑life balance.

What’s in it for you

An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include: Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package. Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for late September to early October.

Additional Information

This position is management service and not represented by a union. This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships.

Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information

For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Stefanie Coons, Deputy Director of Business Administration, at 971-718-1966 or [e-mail]. For questions on application process, email: [e-mail].

Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook Instagram Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars.

After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”