About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Washington State Ferry (WSF) system is essential to Washington's transportation network, linking communities on both sides of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. There are nearly 400 sailings each day on nine ferry routes. WSF transports nearly 19 million passengers a year and has more than 1,800 employees. Employees perform a variety of duties on vessels, in terminals, at the maintenance facility, and at the Seattle headquarters.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Human Resource Consultant to serve as an HR point of contact for Ferries fleet and terminal employees, providing support for a variety of Human Resource services and initiatives. Using knowledge of agency policies, marine system rules, and collective bargaining agreements, this position consults with employees and supervisors on routine issues. This position will perform work that advocates and supports a respectful workplace culture and creates an inclusive and accessible environment that is welcoming and celebrates equity. Successful candidates will thrive in an environment that requires resiliency and the ability to rapidly change priorities and adapt to the needs of a 24/7 operation.
What to Expect
The HR Consultant will serve as the key linkage between the fleet staff and HR services. A typical day may start by meeting with terminal staff answering a question about protected leave options, then riding aboard a ferry talking a captain or chief engineer through a performance evaluation and end the day providing one-on-one mentorship to an employee dealing with a workplace conflict. The HR Consultant will be expected to be a self-starter, using good judgement in decision-making, apply critical thinking, and non-traditional ways of resolving conflict that reflect the organization’s core values.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Human Resources Consultant will:
- Have daily interaction with fleet staff and provide guidance and consultation on HR policies, employee services, contract language issues, and interpretation of WAC’s.
- Coordinate employee engagement activities in assigned geographical areas.
- Coordinate face-to-face onboarding and offboarding activities in collaboration with Senior HR staff.
- Support compliance with employee performance management programs and providing guidance to supervising staff in addressing performance issues.
- Assist employees with benefits enrollment, changes, and completing and/or processing claims for benefits.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employees returning to work from protected leave or Jones Act/L&I Return to Work (RTW) cases; coordinate with Senior HR consultants on reasonable accommodation cases.
- Assist with administrative functions to track status of maritime credentialing and required certifications; ensure compliance with appropriate regulations and files documents in personnel files as appropriate.
- Perform personnel and position file maintenance while ensuring confidentiality of records; research and resolve discrepancies when issues arise and coordinate with Headquarters to correct discrepancies as necessary.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- At least three (3) years of experience supporting human resources functions, preferably in a unionized environment. A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Public Administration, or related area will substitute for the required experience.
- Proficient with MS Office Suite products, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills with experience communicating effectively and professionally with management and employees of a diverse background; ability to maintain professional composure when interacting with others in times of heightened emotion or situations involving increased sensitivity.
- Strong confidentiality ethic, demonstrated flexibility and versatility in adjusting to changing environments or requirements as necessary.
- Experience conducting independent confidential research and maintaining technical record-keeping requirements.
- Incumbent must obtain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card) within the first three months of employment.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:
- Work experience or advanced training and education in Human Resources, social or organizational sciences, or a related field. Equivalent training and experience is typically acquired through a degree; industry certification; or 3 or more years of progressive work experience acquiring proficiency in a professional-level HR position.
- Working knowledge of State/Public HR practices, civil service rules, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Understanding of crew resource management, fleet personnel management, and performing HR support in a marine environment.
- Experience providing HR consultation in a public sector environment.
Important Notes
- First consideration and/or preference is with current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members.
- This position provides some flexible/hybrid remote work options and flexible work schedules. Incumbents will be assigned a duty station in either Bremerton, Seattle, or Bainbridge Island, depending on residence. Incumbents will be expected to regularly make fleet visits to crews aboard our ferries and at the ferry terminals throughout the South and Central Puget Sound area. The successful candidate will be required to work some weekends and evenings in order to best serve our customers in a 24/7 work environment.
- This position is represented by the OPEIU. More information on compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible.
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlines (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to apply for this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-A0221 in the subject line.
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