Human Resources Deputy Director

Salary : $87,396.00 - $109,248.00 Annually
Location : Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-010
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 02/10/2025
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON

General Position Summary
This position serves the County by providing personnel administration guidance and support regarding the law, labor relations, discipline, contract interpretations and applications. This position plans, directs and manages programs and staff within the Human Resources Department. Assists with operations and administers the County's personnel and labor relations programs, conducts a variety of labor and employee relations duties including policy development and interpretation. Manages Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and ensures proper administration systems and procedures are in place. Work in this position involves the use of independent judgment in analyzing problems and making recommendations on a variety of personnel issues.

First review of applicants will begin on February 27, 2025.
Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County:

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manages and assists in the daily activities within Human Resources; coordinates departmental operations including employee and labor relations, recruiting, classification, compensation, job descriptions, benefits administration, training and development, retention and performance management.

Performs a variety of labor relations functions; administer and interprets existing labor agreement, participates in collective bargaining negotiations and/or independent meetings with union representatives, ensures compliance with labor agreements and researches and prepares for labor negotiations.

Develops and provides recommendations in the development of human resources programs, policies and procedures, establishes departmental goals, objectives and priorities.

Research and stays apprised of new employment legislation; implements necessary changes to County personnel policies; monitors and ensures the County's compliance with employment laws and applicable regulatory requirements.

Serves as an advisor and provides consultation to Elected Officials, Directors, and other County personnel regarding various employment related issues, such as human resources policies, collective bargaining agreements, benefits, employment laws, and/or other personnel related matters.

Manages or assists in disciplinary matters, disputes and investigations, grievance meetings and other employee relations matters.

Consults legal counsel when appropriate or when directed.

Manage and supervise work activities of assigned staff. Duties will include hiring, training, work assignment and designation of priorities, evaluation, counseling and discipline.

Interpret personnel policies, established practices, and procedures, and labor contracts.

Respond to requests for information and assistance from employees, management, outside agencies, and the public.

Assists in the development of the Department's budget and monitors expenditures.

Assist in development and administration of training programs.

Attend and participate in Board of County Commissioners meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings as instructed. Develop recommendations for review by Board of County Commissioners.

Attend employer sponsored training seminars and conferences.

Perform other duties as assigned by Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Public or Business Administration, Liberal Arts or related field.

Four years of professional-level human resources experience. Experience in a unionized and/or public sector environment is preferred.

Possess knowledge of contemporary principles and practices of human resource management including job classification, compensation, employee benefits and training. Federal and state employment, labor and wage and hour laws; principles and techniques of labor relations.

PeopleSoft experience preferred.

Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Required Skills and Abilities

Ability to handle and perform the essential job functions independently as well as able to work well in a team environment.

Excellent interpersonal skills. Work effectively in a demanding and political environment. Establish and maintain effective working relations with department heads, elected officials, administrative staff, employees, labor representatives, and the public.

Multi-tasking abilities, and able to function in a busy environment with demands from multiple sources.

Excellent communications skills, both oral and written. Make oral and written recommendations and present plans of action.

Able to exercise judgement and discretion on sensitive or confidential matters.

Possess research skills, ability to analyze data, and arrive at conclusions.

Equipment or Tools:

Experience with the use and applications of personal computers. Experience with Word and Excel software, and HRIS software.

Experience and familiarity with standard and commonly used office equipment and modern business administrative tools.

Able and willing to drive personal or county vehicle for work related county functions, and training.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.