HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST

About the company

Thurston County

Government administration · 1,001 to 5,000 employees

What you'll do

• Serves as the primary administrator for the Learning Management System (LMS), including maintaining course content, managing enrollments, ensuring system accuracy and functionality, troubleshooting technical issues, and coordinating with Information Technology on updates and integrations. Acts as the main point of contact for all training-related inquiries.
• Researches, recommends, and coordinates virtual, in-person, and webinar-based training opportunities. Provides comprehensive logistical and administrative support before, during, and after training sessions, including preparing materials, managing attendance, coordinating technology, and offering facilitation assistance as needed.
• Conducts classification and reclassification studies, which may include interviewing or observing incumbents and reviewing supporting documentation. Recommends appropriate placement of positions within existing classifications or identifies the need for revisions. Researches and drafts new classifications and performs market analyses to benchmark compensation.
• Assists with research and logistical coordination for union negotiations, including scheduling, room arrangements, preparing materials, and taking notes during bargaining sessions and labor‑management committee meetings.
• Provides administrative and technical support for the employee relations program, ensuring timely and accurate coordination of activities, including gathering, organizing, and preparing information.
• Responds to routine employee and supervisor inquiries and appropriately refers complex matters to senior HR staff for further guidance.
• Work Environment: Quiet office setting, sitting at a personal computer majority of the day. The duty station for this position is in Olympia, WA.
• Flexible Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Specific schedule may be negotiated.
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions: Daily interaction via phone, in-person, and virtual with Thurston County staff and the public.
• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Associate’s degree in business or public administration, human resources, or other closely related field. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience, and one (1) year experience in benefit administration, compensation, risk management, or relevant HR experience. Working knowledge/experience of applicable state and federal employment laws is required.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to successfully perform essential job functions.
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills and a team member approach.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to research, interpret, and synthesize information from policies, labor contracts, laws, and market data.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain professional judgment in sensitive situations.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS) or similar platforms, with the ability to troubleshoot issues and support users.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build positive working relationships.
• Strong customer service orientation, demonstrating responsiveness and problem‑solving skills.
• Flexibility and initiative in taking on diverse HR tasks and supporting program improvements.
• Not represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

What you need

• Organized (preferred)
• Positive (preferred)
• Skilled in balancing technical expertise with strong communication abilities (preferred)

Key skills

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