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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks a senior Labor Relations professional to provide expert consultation on labor relations issues, handle grievances, arbitations, and information requests in support of agency programs. In‑training options allow progression from HRC2/HRC3 to HRC4 as skills develop.

The role emphasizes Excel proficiency, collaboration with managers, and adherence to laws, rules, and CBAs, with a focus on diversity and public service values. This is based in Olympia, WA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in labor studies or HR; 3 years labor relations/HR experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and related tools.
• Knowledge of Labor Relations laws, rules, and CBA language.
• Experience interpreting statutes, rules, CBA terms, policies, and agency practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide labor relations consultation and assistance for agency programs.
• Process grievances, demands to bargain, unfair labor practices, arbitrations, and information requests.
• Work in‑training plan elements under supervision for less experienced staff.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Labor relations expertise

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in labor studies, human resource management, or related field from an accredited institution

Equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience

Tools

Excel

Microsoft products

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.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Human Resources Division as a Human Resource Consultant 4 – Labor Relations. This position represents a great opportunity for less experienced employees or for seasoned labor relations professionals alike. An in‑training plan makes it possible for less experienced employees to learn the exciting and challenging field of labor relations in a real‑life setting under the guidance and mentorship of an experienced Labor Relations Manager. Meanwhile, the position could represent the next logical step for more seasoned HR professionals who wish to further develop their skills and experience to achieve true journey‑level proficiency in the labor relations field.

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.

This may be filled as an in‑training position. This is designated as a 12‑24‑month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in less time, we may waive the remaining time required. Candidates will be considered as Human Resource Consultant 2 (HRC2 In‑Training), Human Resource Consultant 3 (HRC3 In‑Training) or Human Resource Consultant 4 (HRC4) depending on qualifications.

Required Qualifications:

Human Resource Consultant 2 (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.

Human Resource Consultant 3 (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.

Human Resource Consultant 4 (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:

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

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at [e-mail].

Application Requirements:

Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact [e-mail].

Questions?

Please contact Edward Phillips at [e-mail] / 360-480-8246 or email us at [e-mail].

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additional Information:

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

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.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long‑form copy), NGB 22, or 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!

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.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email [e-mail].

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