Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Apply NowCompany: Washington County, OR
Location: Hillsboro, OR 97124
Description:
Salary : $97,423.56 - $124,287.36 Annually
Location : Hillsboro, OR
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 24/25-036-HR
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 03/31/2025
Closing Date: 4/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
THE POSITION
At Washington County, we focus on meaningful work, innovation, and partnerships. The Employee and Labor Relations Team in the Department of Human Resources is seeking a Senior Human Resources Business Partner! Our team members collaborate with a portfolio of departments to ensure fair, respectful, productive, and consistent management of staff; partner with leaders including union representatives; and provide support within the framework of our core organizational mission, values, and objectives. One key area of focus is to proactively support employees and managers in advancing our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. You should have the ability to build and maintain trusting relationships; collaborate with and influence managers within the organization; and create, audit, and sustain positive workplace relations programs. Balancing time between projects and time-sensitive personnel issues is a critical component for success. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
Skills we're most excited about seeing highlighted on your resume include the following:
Experience that would best support one's success in this role include:
Your Technical and Professional Expertise: Report writing, investigatory interviewing experience, information gathering, critical thinking ability, fact finding, problem solving, risk analysis, and contract interpretation.
Relationship Building: Great interpersonal skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, coach and mentor new supervisors/managers. Understands that building relationships also includes maintaining trust, following through, and establishing good rapport with people from diverse life experiences.
Powerful & Prolific Communication: professional communication skills (both written and verbal).
To review a comprehensive list of essential duties, please use this link:
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Preferred Requirements:
Additional Requirements:
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Next Steps:
Apply today! In lieu of a resume, you are required to complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Act. MQ Review: HR will screen applications for MQs after the posting closes. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Depending on the number of applicants that meet MQs, a SME panel may perform an in-depth evaluation of your application materials, including your responses to the supplemental questions. Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates who successfully pass the SME review as soon as possible. Conditional Offer of Appointment: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the successful candidate(s) and extend an offer of appointment. Post-Offer Check: The successful candidate will undergo background check. Start Date: A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Additional Resources
Management, Administrative and Professional Personnel System (MAPPS) - FLSA exempt employees are paid on a salaried basis. The premise of salaried/exempt employment is that established compensation recognizes the time and effort needed to accomplish all assigned job duties. Job responsibilities may require work outside of the employee's standard work week or a work week in excess of 40 hours.
For more information on the MAPPS policy, please review the specific document using this link:
This position is not represented under a collective bargaining agreement.
Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!
Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you'll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:
Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual "use it or lose it" requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.
01
Education: Which of the following best describes your highest level of related education completed?
02
Education and Certifications: In the space provided below, include the focus of your college education and/or degree(s), and any certifications (certification name, number, issue/expiration date) related to this position.
If you do not have a college education/degree or certification, enter N/A.
03
Experience: Select your years of professional level human resources experience related to the position.
04
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT REVIEW: The following supplemental questionnaire will be used to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in this position. Your responses to the questions will be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). The higher the score, which includes any applicable veterans' preference points, the higher the ranking on the eligible list. Generally, top 6 - 8 candidates are referred for each vacancy starting with the top ranked candidates.
We want to hear your authentic voice and original answers. Plagiarism in any form may result in lower scores and/or candidate removal from a recruitment. The County defines plagiarism as presenting the work of others as your own. Examples include copying work, using AI-generated text, and receiving assistance from others.
Instructions & Helpful Tips
If you have any questions, please contact the assigned Talent Acquisition Business Partner or email
05
In approximately 200-400 words, describe your experience with collective bargaining, labor relations, and managing relationships with labor partners. If you do not possess direct experience, include any relevant experience that demonstrates your ability to navigate complex issues, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with labor laws and agreements.
06
In approximately 200-400 words, describe your experience conducting employee investigations. Include details on the types of investigation you have handled, your approach to gathering and analyzing evidence, and how you ensure fairness, confidentiality, and compliance with policies and labor laws. If you do not have direct experience conducting investigations, describe your HR experience related to gathering information, analyzing data, and providing recommendations. Highlight how you ensure impartiality, maintain fairness, and uphold ethical standards in decision making.
Required Question
Location : Hillsboro, OR
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 24/25-036-HR
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 03/31/2025
Closing Date: 4/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
THE POSITION
At Washington County, we focus on meaningful work, innovation, and partnerships. The Employee and Labor Relations Team in the Department of Human Resources is seeking a Senior Human Resources Business Partner! Our team members collaborate with a portfolio of departments to ensure fair, respectful, productive, and consistent management of staff; partner with leaders including union representatives; and provide support within the framework of our core organizational mission, values, and objectives. One key area of focus is to proactively support employees and managers in advancing our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. You should have the ability to build and maintain trusting relationships; collaborate with and influence managers within the organization; and create, audit, and sustain positive workplace relations programs. Balancing time between projects and time-sensitive personnel issues is a critical component for success. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
Skills we're most excited about seeing highlighted on your resume include the following:
- Commitment to creating a positive and supportive environment which promotes the organizational values of workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Advocacy to promote and uphold the County's standards for respectfully living and working in a multicultural society.
- A passion for objectively gathering information, analyzing, and recommending actions appropriate to the situation.
- Proven time-management and organizational skills for delivering with multiple high-priority and sensitive projects or cases.
- The ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships and approach your work with a positive, solutions-oriented focus.
- Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a commitment to the success of our overall team and County.
Experience that would best support one's success in this role include:
Your Technical and Professional Expertise: Report writing, investigatory interviewing experience, information gathering, critical thinking ability, fact finding, problem solving, risk analysis, and contract interpretation.
Relationship Building: Great interpersonal skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, coach and mentor new supervisors/managers. Understands that building relationships also includes maintaining trust, following through, and establishing good rapport with people from diverse life experiences.
Powerful & Prolific Communication: professional communication skills (both written and verbal).
To review a comprehensive list of essential duties, please use this link:
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration or Management, or other related degree program from an accredited institution of higher education; AND four(4) years of professional level human resources experience related to the position; OR
- An Associate Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration or Management, or other related degree program; AND six(6) years of professional level human resources experience related to the position; OR
- A high school diploma/GED; AND eight (8) years of professional level human resources experience related to the position.
Preferred Requirements:
- Professional certifications such as Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), or other HR discipline specific specialties.
Additional Requirements:
- Must pass a criminal background check.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Next Steps:
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to request veterans' preference points for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link:
- Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: A reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance, please contact Human Resources at 503-846-8606 or at least 48 hours before the step(s) of the selection process for which you feel you need an accommodation.
Additional Resources
- Questions about this recruitment? Contact Elle at
- New to GovernmentJobs.com? Visit for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process. Need technical support? Call Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
Management, Administrative and Professional Personnel System (MAPPS) - FLSA exempt employees are paid on a salaried basis. The premise of salaried/exempt employment is that established compensation recognizes the time and effort needed to accomplish all assigned job duties. Job responsibilities may require work outside of the employee's standard work week or a work week in excess of 40 hours.
For more information on the MAPPS policy, please review the specific document using this link:
This position is not represented under a collective bargaining agreement.
Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!
Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you'll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:
- Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed).
- Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon's Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics.
- Alternative Care Coverage
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary)
- Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
- 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
- Emergency Travel Assistance
- TriMet Hop Card at no cost to the employee
- Bike lockers and repair stations
- A charitable giving program
- Oregon College Savings Plan
Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual "use it or lose it" requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.
01
Education: Which of the following best describes your highest level of related education completed?
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- Associate's degree
- High school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED
- None of the above
02
Education and Certifications: In the space provided below, include the focus of your college education and/or degree(s), and any certifications (certification name, number, issue/expiration date) related to this position.
If you do not have a college education/degree or certification, enter N/A.
03
Experience: Select your years of professional level human resources experience related to the position.
- 8 or more years of experience
- 7 years but less than 8 years of experience
- 6 years but less than 7 years of experience
- 5 years but less than 6 years of experience
- 4 years but less than 5 years of experience
- Less than 4 years of experience
04
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT REVIEW: The following supplemental questionnaire will be used to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in this position. Your responses to the questions will be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). The higher the score, which includes any applicable veterans' preference points, the higher the ranking on the eligible list. Generally, top 6 - 8 candidates are referred for each vacancy starting with the top ranked candidates.
We want to hear your authentic voice and original answers. Plagiarism in any form may result in lower scores and/or candidate removal from a recruitment. The County defines plagiarism as presenting the work of others as your own. Examples include copying work, using AI-generated text, and receiving assistance from others.
Instructions & Helpful Tips
- Answer each question carefully and accurately in the space provided. Unless otherwise instructed, ONLY the answers included in the space provided will be considered.
- Make sure your responses are clear, concise, and complete. Your responses should also reflect what is documented in the education and work experience sections of your employment application.
- If a question consists of multiple parts, answer each part separately.
- Provide examples! Examples should be relevant to this position and question, and can be from your formal education, work experience (paid, internship, volunteer), and/or training, unless otherwise indicated in the question.
- When describing a process or procedure, make sure to clearly describe your duties and responsibilities.
- Minimize the use of jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms.
- Each question is scored separately, so do not combine answers or refer to your answer from a different question.
- Before submitting your application, proofread your answers including grammar and spelling.
- Failure to follow the instructions may result in an incomplete application and removal from consideration.
If you have any questions, please contact the assigned Talent Acquisition Business Partner or email
- Yes
05
In approximately 200-400 words, describe your experience with collective bargaining, labor relations, and managing relationships with labor partners. If you do not possess direct experience, include any relevant experience that demonstrates your ability to navigate complex issues, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with labor laws and agreements.
06
In approximately 200-400 words, describe your experience conducting employee investigations. Include details on the types of investigation you have handled, your approach to gathering and analyzing evidence, and how you ensure fairness, confidentiality, and compliance with policies and labor laws. If you do not have direct experience conducting investigations, describe your HR experience related to gathering information, analyzing data, and providing recommendations. Highlight how you ensure impartiality, maintain fairness, and uphold ethical standards in decision making.
Required Question