Protected Leave/Reasonable Accommodation Specialist, Human Resource Consultant 3 (HRC3)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington's Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Protected Leave/Reasonable Accommodation Specialist, HRC3, in Olympia. This role focuses on administering FMLA and PFML, advising managers, and ensuring compliance across agency policies.

You will collaborate with HR partners, health care providers, and employees to determine leave types, handle accommodations, and maintain rigorous documentation. Partial telework is possible, and travel is occasional.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree and 2+ years in HR advising on protected leave and accommodations.
• Knowledge of EEOC/state leave regulations and applying them in practice.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 tools.
• Ability to interpret statutes, rules, CBAs, policies, and HR theory.

Responsibilities

• Determine FMLA eligibility and administer the designation process.
• Provide consultation and notifications regarding PFML to employees and supervisors.
• Identify appropriate protected leave types and explain request processes.
• Facilitate interactive reasonable accommodation processes with stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice on accommodations processes and issues.
• Consult with management, healthcare providers, and HR partners on accommodations.
• Track and monitor protected leave and accommodation cases agency-wide.
• Navigate complex federal and state rules and agency policies.
• Balance leave and accommodation requests with compliance and documentation.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

HR consulting

Leave laws knowledge

Diversity & inclusion

Public records retention

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Protected Leave/Reasonable Accommodation Specialist, Human Resource Consultant 3 (HRC3)

Recruitment #2026-9-0115
Full-time, Permanent, Non-represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $5,779.00 - $7,774.00 Monthly

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 Protected Leave/Reasonable Accommodation Specialist, Human Resource Consultant 3 (HRC3).

Responsibilities:

• Determine FMLA eligibility and administer the approval and designation process.
• Provide consultation and required notifications regarding PFML to employees and supervisors.
• Identify appropriate types of protected leave based on individual situations. Explains processes for requesting protected leave, including medical documentation required and approval period.
• Facilitates interactive reasonable accommodation process with employees, management, health care providers, and other stakeholders for routine accommodations.
• Provides expert professional advice to management and employees on reasonable accommodations processes and issues.
• Proactively consults and advises with DNR management, health care professionals, and HR partners on the need for changes in accommodation, to assess reasonableness of accommodations requested, and to obtain required supporting medical documentation.
• Track and monitor all protected leave and accommodation cases agency-wide.
• Navigate complex, overlapping federal and state rules and agency policies with differing eligibility criteria, timeframes, and documentation requirements.
• Balance individual leave and reasonable accommodation requests while maintaining strict compliance and thorough documentation through strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Required Qualifications:

You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Bachelor's degree in human resource management, business, or related field; AND two (2) years of broad-based professional HR experience; including independently advising and consulting on protected leave and reasonable accommodations 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.
• Knowledge of EEOC and state regulations pertaining to Reasonable Accommodations.
• Knowledge of FMLA, PFML, Shared Leave, and associated leave laws, rules, and regulations.
• Experience with Microsoft products with an emphasis on Excel.
• Experience with interpreting and applying related statutes, rules, CBA terms, policies, procedures, agency practices, and general human resources theory.

Required Competencies:

• Skills in verbal and written communication.
• 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:

• The duty station is located on the 3rd floor of the Natural Resource Building in an open office space. The position is approved for telework.
• This position may require traveling for meetings and trainings 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.

• SHRM or equivalent certification.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at [e-mail].

Questions?

Please contact Lisa Stidham at [e-mail] 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 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!

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].