Human Resources Specialist

Port of Tacoma; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Port of Tacoma seeks an HR Specialist to provide confidential professional and administrative support across HR functions, with primary responsibility for recruitment, HRIS data administration, onboarding, benefits support, and records management. The position serves as a key contact for employees, applicants, and external stakeholders, delivering efficient, customer-focused HR services.

The HR Specialist also supports labor relations activities, public records requests, departmental

Qualifications

• Associate degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of administrative HR experience supporting department activities, including recruiting, HRIS data administration, and records management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment activities for entry-level, seasonal, and other positions; post announcements and screen applicants.
• Enter, maintain, and audit employee information in the HRIS and process personnel transactions.
• Coordinate new employee orientation and onboarding activities; provide benefits support and records management.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

HRIS data administration

Education

Associate degree in HR/related field

Tools

HR information systems

MS Office Suite

Job description

Anticipated starting salary is between $74,760 - $90,552 depending on qualifications.
The Human Resources Specialist provides confidential professional and administrative support across HR functions, with primary responsibility for assigned recruitment, HRIS data administration, employee onboarding, benefits support, and records management. The position serves as a key contact for employees, applicants, and external stakeholders, delivering efficient, customer-focused HR services. The HR Specialist also supports labor relations activities, public records requests, departmental administration, and administrative support for the CHRO and HR team.

• Coordinate assigned recruitment activities for entry-level, seasonal, and other positions. Prepare and post job announcements, monitor applicant activity, review applications for minimum qualifications, and support candidate screening. Schedule interviews, background checks, and pre-employment requirements; maintain candidate communications throughout the hiring process. Attend career fairs, support recruitment and onboarding activities with leadership and HR staff, assist with Human Resources Business Partner recruitments as assigned, and provide backup support during absences.
• Enter, maintain, and audit employee information in the HRIS. Process personnel transactions such as new hires, transfers, promotions, compensation changes, and separations. Ensure HR data is accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with recordkeeping requirements; generate standard reports and assist with data collection and analysis. Support employee benefits administration, including the annual benefits fair and open enrollment. Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations as assigned; maintain accurate benefits data and supporting documentation. Respond to routine employee questions about benefit plans, eligibility, enrollment, and procedures, and coordinate benefits-related communications among employees, benefit providers, and HR staff.
• Coordinate and facilitate new employee orientation programs. Prepare onboarding materials and ensure completion of required employment documentation. Provide information regarding internal policies and procedures, benefits and workplace expectations. Coordinate onboarding activities with hiring managers, HR staff, and department representatives.
• Provide confidential administrative assistance and support on personnel, collective bargaining, and labor relations matters to HR staff as assigned. Attend Labor Relations Committee and collective bargaining meetings; take notes, prepare meeting materials, distribute documentation, and calendar grievance-related activities. Assist with confidential special projects, reports, presentations, and departmental initiatives.
• Serve as the HR department records administrator by maintaining personnel files and HR records in accordance with retention schedules, legal requirements, and organizational policies. Coordinate and respond to public records requests involving HR records, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and procedures. Support records retention, archiving, and disposition activities while maintaining the confidentiality and security of sensitive employee information.
• Provide general administrative support for the department. Order and maintain supplies and equipment; collect, track, and compile budget information and supporting documentation; and receive, distribute, and process department mail and correspondence. Maintain department forms, processes, and templates in digital and paper formats. Assist with planning and coordinating department events and activities.

Associate degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field required. Additional 2 years of qualifying HR support experience may substitute for the education requirement.

Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of administrative human resources experience supporting department activities, including recruiting, HRIS data administration, and records management. This minimum HR experience requirement cannot be substituted.

Requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to operate Port/NWSA vehicles, travel between work sites, attend off-site meetings and/or events, and perform essential job functions.

Experience in a public sector, unionized environment highly desirable. Human Resources certification such as SHRM-CP or PHR strongly preferred.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of human resources principles, practices, and employment processes.
• Knowledge of HR records management and confidentiality requirements.
• Knowledge of recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Knowledge of employee benefits administration practices.

Skills

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HR information systems.

Abilities

• Ability to maintain accurate records and data in HR information systems.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to prepare reports, meeting notes, and business correspondence accurately and professionally.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate strong ethics and conduct themselves with integrity.