Labor Relations, Human Resource Consultant 4 (HRC4)/HRC3/HRC2 In-Training

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

DNR employee benefits

Job summary

State of Washington's Department of Natural Resources seeks a Labor Relations, Human Resource Consultant 4 (HRC4)/HRC3/HRC2 In-Training in Olympia. The role performs senior labor relations work, including grievances, bargaining and information requests, with in-training progression at lower levels.

Hybrid work options may be available. A Bachelor's in HR, business, or related field and strong Excel skills are required, along with experience in labor relations and public-sector policy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in a human resource or labor relations setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert labor relations consultation and support for agency programs.
• Process grievances, demands to bargain, unfair labor practices, arbitrations, and information requests.
• Track activities to completion; lower-level staff work under supervision in-training plan.
• Apply knowledge with Microsoft tools, especially Excel, and industry statutes and CBAs.

Skills

Labor relations expertise

HR consultation

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Labor Relations, Human Resource Consultant 4 (HRC4)/HRC3/HRC2 In-Training

Recruitment #2026-9-A272. Full-time, Permanent, Non-Represented position. Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA. Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered. Salary: $5,111.00 - $8,583.00 Monthly. Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/30/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will serve as an expert senior-level professional responsible for labor relations consultation and assistance in support of the agency programs in assigned areas. The incumbent will also process grievances, demands to bargain, unfair labor practices, arbitrations, requests for information, and other labor-related activities and track these activities to completion. Lower-level incumbents will perform these duties as part of an in‑training plan under the close supervision and direction of the DNR Labor Relations Manager. Higher-level incumbents will perform these duties with a greater degree of independence, with general guidance and direction.

HRC2 In-Training

Salary range: $5,111 - $6,870 per month.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business, or related field from an accredited institution; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience in a human resource or related setting.

HRC3 In-Training

Salary range: $5,779 - $7,774 per month.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business, or related field from an accredited institution; AND two (2) years of broad-based professional HR experience, including independently advising and consulting in labor relations while building partnerships with client managers and supervisors and aligning human resources with organizational mission, goals, and deliverables; Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience with Microsoft products with an emphasis on Excel.
• Knowledge of Labor Relations and associated laws, rules, and collective bargaining agreement language.
• Experience with interpreting and applying related statutes, rules, CBA terms, policies, procedures, agency practices, and general human resources theory.

HRC4

Salary range: $6,384 - $8,583 per month.

• Bachelor's degree in labor studies, human resource management, or related field from an accredited institution; AND three (3) years of broad-based professional labor relations and/or human resource experience, including advising and consulting on labor relations issues; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience with Microsoft products with an emphasis on Excel.

Required Competencies

• Independently provide consultation on complex tactical and strategic issues to clients in each area while:
  • Building partnerships with client managers and supervisors;
  • Aligning labor relations functions with organizational mission, goals, and deliverables;
  • Providing customer service.
• Skilled in verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of how to interpret and apply related statutes, rules, Collective Bargaining Agreement terms, policies, procedures, agency practices, and general human resources theory.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• Position’s location is located on the 3rd floor of the Natural Resource Building in an open office space.
• May need to travel to State HR meetings or other region/division meetings on an infrequent basis.

Desired Qualifications

These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Professional Human Resource or Senior Professional Human Resources (or equivalent SHRM) certification.
• Labor relations training and/or education.

Accessibly & Accommodation

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Other Information

Additional Information: This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Additional Notes

DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Our Vision

Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission

Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.