Human Resource Consultant 4 - Generalist

Overview

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) invites applications with the first review of applications scheduled for October 6, 2025. To be considered, please submit your application on or before October 5, 2025. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.

Agriculture — A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has served the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, and our responsibilities—from ensuring food safety to environmental protection—touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes about 780 employees and grows to near 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the HR Section Manager, the Human Resources Consultant (HRC4) serves as a professional expert to provide resources and guidance to appointing authorities, managers, and employees. This position works in coordination and consultation with agency leaders and subject matter experts on complex human resources issues such as performance management; collective bargaining agreement interpretation; organizational planning and layoff processes; performance investigations; leave and reasonable accommodations; and equity efforts (belonging, diversity, inclusion, access, justice) for assigned divisions.

This non-represented position is an expert Human Resources (HR) Consultant that will offer generalist support to assigned divisions. We are looking for a candidate who excels in building relationships and trust with supervisors, managers, and employees. Your primary responsibility will be to engage with management and employees and offer guidance as they have questions and encounter personnel issues. You will need to have a general understanding of all HR subject areas and either be the lead consultant or work in partnership with HR subject matter experts to address issues as they arise.

We want to hire someone who loves supporting their business partners. Your customers may be monitoring invasive species, certifying crops for export across the world, protecting our environment for generations to come, or buying food from local farmers to stock Washington food banks. As their HR consultant, you will be coming alongside programs like these to help set their teams up for success and fulfill the mission of the agency.

This position is based out of Olympia, WA. As WSDA embraces modern work environments and processes, this position is eligible for flexible work hours and telework. The WSDA HR team works both in-person and remotely and this position is expected to work at least 60% of its time from its duty station in the Natural Resources Building. The HRC4 will work under the guidance of state and federal regulations, agency policies and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. This position interacts with all levels of managers, supervisors and employees within the agency, Payroll and Budget departments, HR service providers at State HR - OFM, and the general public.

Important Notes

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is : $75,108 - $98,520 annually

Who should apply?

Professionals with :

• Bachelor's degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field or equivalent education / experience
• Three (3) years of broad-based professional human resources experience, including facilitating organizational development or change, and advising and consulting on human resource issues

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities would make your application more competitive :

Employee Benefits

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at Washington State Agriculture website.

How to apply

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position :

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state\'s on-line recruitment system.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire professionals who share in the commitment to our PEAR (Pro-Equity Anti-Racist) strategic plan, and our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan. We value belonging, respect, and inclusion and provide equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and support equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. Qualified applicants with criminal histories are considered in accordance with applicable laws.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resources Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. A background check including criminal history will be conducted prior to a new appointment. The agency may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future vacancies for up to six months.

Veteran's Preference : Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD214 or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data. For more information on Veteran's Preference, please review guidelines.

Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format may call 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX or TTY 711.

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