Human Resources Specialist

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue is seeking an onsite Human Resources Specialist in Oak Harbor, WA to manage benefits administration, hiring and onboarding, policy development, and employee records, while supporting the fire chief and office manager. The role requires HR qualifications, standard business hours with local travel, and access to a comprehensive benefits package.

Compensation

Salary: USD 57,081 to 63,960 per year.

Location

Oak Harbor, Washington — onsite at district facilities.

Responsibilities

• Execute duties in alignment with NWFR's mission, values, policies, and procedures, and in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Design and implement systems to manage employee benefits.
• Coordinate recruitment and onboarding processes for new staff.
• Ensure high quality onboarding and ongoing training.
• Maintain personnel documents and records.
• Create and implement HR policies and procedures.
• Address workplace concerns and conflicts, supporting the fire chief and office manager as needed.
• Plan and lead projects and tasks with district staff.
• Hours of work typically 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with potential weekend or evening hours for trainings and events as needed to meet district requirements.
• Local or regional day travel is common, with occasional overnight trips as required.
• Keep employee files and HR records current and organized.
• Maintain policies and procedures covering hiring, training, compensation, benefits, and personnel information.
• Ensure timely distribution of the employee handbook and related paperwork.
• Collaborate to post new job opportunities as needed.
• Conduct new hire onboarding, orientation, testing, and enrollment in district benefit plans.
• Coordinate benefits eligibility, enrollment, and respond to questions as needed.
• Screen job applicants.
• Serve as the primary contact for HR and benefits inquiries from employees and retirees.
• Process BVFF claims.
• Administer workers' compensation, disability, FMLA, and Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave programs.
• Collaborate with benefit brokers and third-party administrators to resolve benefit-related issues.
• Compile personnel census data for HR reporting and benefit surveys.
• Provide support for union labor negotiations, disciplinary matters, and investigations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree in human resources or a closely related field.
• Valid Washington state driver's license, or an acceptable alternative if military status applies; relocation to Oak Harbor may be required.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Proficiency with common computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely in English to groups and individuals.
• Knowledge of fire district policies, rules, and regulations and the ability to apply them in the job setting.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal employment laws governing rights, responsibilities, and compensation/benefits.
• Ability to foster effective working relationships with both career and volunteer personnel.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and the public.
• Minimum of 2 years of HR experience required.
• Must reside in or relocate to Oak Harbor, WA 98277 prior to starting.

Technologies

• Microsoft Office

Benefits

• Medical benefits with employer contribution up to $925.00 per month
• Paid Sick Leave accrual (8 hours per month)
• Paid Holidays (11 per year)
• Paid Vacation (2 weeks per year)
• FMLA eligibility
• Washington PERS retirement benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Aflac supplemental coverage (optional)
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance