Human Resources Specialist

Description

The City of Kennewick is currently recruiting for either an HR Specialist or an HR Generalist position—only one of these roles will be filled.

The HR Generalist posting closed on June 20, 2025, and a final hiring decision will be made after the HR Specialist recruitment closes on June 29, 2025, and interviews for both positions have been completed.

CORE VALUE STATEMENT
The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources, and deliver solutions.

SAFETY STATEMENT
The City of Kennewick expects all employees to follow applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City’s Accident Prevention Plan. Employees will actively identify and correct potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, emphasize the importance of completing work safely from planning stages through completion of work, and lead by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Senior HR Generalist, the HR Specialist has a broad scope of responsibility to support the HR Generalist(s) with supporting human resources programs throughout the City. Programs include recruitment and onboarding, compensation and benefits, training and development, labor relations, occupational safety and health, and HR laws and regulations. An HR Specialist will work closely with other City staff in all departments and at all levels in the organization to support the City’s overall goals and objectives.

WORK SCHEDULE
Human Resource Specialist will initially work full-time, Monday through Friday, and may be eligible for an alternate work schedule with every other Friday off work. Overtime may be occasionally required. This classification is non-exempt under the FLSA.

Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)

The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification but is not all-inclusive. An HR Specialist performs a variety of other related duties as required.

• Position is the first customer contact for the department - answers questions and communicates relevant information regarding personnel policies, labor contracts, employee benefits, employment verifications and general Human Resources information to City employees, management and citizens.
• Oversees all phases of recruitment and new employee onboarding: partners with hiring managers to identify staffing needs, develop job descriptions (if needed), develop effective recruitment plans, create job-specific marketing materials, identify qualified candidates, participate in candidate interviews and evaluations, conduct new employee orientations, and facilitate smooth transitions into City employment.
• Assists in preparing employee orientation packets; conducts initial employee orientations; keeps adequate supplies of employee benefits and other informational booklets and materials; and may participate in the exit interview process.
• Administers employee leave programs, including leave authorized under the FMLA, PFML, and all other applicable federal and state leave entitlements.
• Prepare and file required employment-related reports and documentation.
• Assists in the administration of the day-to-day benefits programs to include ensuring accuracy and submitting appropriate paperwork to, and coordination with, vendors; troubleshoots and resolves routine questions or problems concerning employee benefits.
• Responds to, and assists with, conducting compensation and benefits surveys; provides information on salaries, contracts and positions to other agencies and jurisdictions. Responds to Public Records Requests related to the Human Resources Department.
• Process personnel changes and salary adjustments within payroll system.
• Processes and pays departmental invoices and procurement card purchases.
• Maintains Human Resources filing systems such as employment, labor relations, and medical and individual personnel files. Ensures documents are maintained, archived, purged, and destroyed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

This position requires an Associate degree and at least 1 year of progressively responsible experience in human resources administration, or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed above. Additionally, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Must pass a criminal background investigation.
• Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
To perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Must demonstrate broad knowledge of Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft Office Suite products, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of federal and state employment laws as they relate to public sector employers.
• Must demonstrate high level of interpersonal skills and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Must demonstrate ability to read, understand, interpret, and explain policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and legal requirements to a diverse audience.
• Must demonstrate excellent attention to detail.
• Must occasionally travel outside of the Tri-Cities area for training opportunities, including limited overnight travel.
• Must maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Physical Requirements:
Human Resource Specialist must regularly speak and listen; must meet standard vision requirements; must regularly sit, stand, and walk; must demonstrate acceptable manual dexterity and fine motor skills; must regularly lift files, open file cabinets, and bend as necessary; and must occasionally lift office products or supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time City of Kennewick Non-Contract employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through City Council or administrative action or changes mandated by state and federal law.

Paid Holidays
12 per year (9 scheduled; 3 “floating”)
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and three floating holidays selected by the employee. An employee will accrue one of the three floating holidays on each of the following days: February 1, February 12, and August 31. An employee will only accrue a floating holiday on these days if actually employed.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.

Accrual per Month:
0-5yrs 6-9yrs 10-14yrs 15-19yrs 20-24yrs 25-29yrs 30+yrs
12 hours 15 hours 17 hours 19 hours 21 hours 23 hours 25 hours

Retirement Plan
All City employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. City employees also participate in the Social Security Program. Rates effective as of 09/01/2024. ( www.drs.wa.gov )

PERS Employee Contribution Rate Employer Contribution Rate
Plan II 6.36% 9.11%
Plan III Employee Choice (see booklet) 9.11%

Deferred Comp
The City contributes an equivalent of 5% of your regular monthly salary to Mission Square Retirement (previously ICMA) deferred compensation program. No employee match required, but employees may contribute towards plan if desired. ( www.icmarc.org )

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
The City currently pays the entire dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee and dependents. Employee current premium share is $200.00 per month for medical insurance to cover themselves and dependents.

Life Insurance
1.5 x annual salary (not to exceed $250K) provided by the City of Kennewick. Employee may purchase Voluntary Term Life Insurance for employee, spouse and/or dependents through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Long Term Disability
The City pays the entire long-term disability premium for employees through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Wellness Program
The Wellness Program has been established to encourage employee health and fitness, both at work and at home. A City Wellness Committee promotes and provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles. Employee fitness center is open to all employees and their spouses.

Employee Assistance
An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

Other Benefits Offered

• Flexible Spending Plan (Pre-Tax Deduction for Medical/Dental and Day Care)
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Bereavement Leave
• Overtime
• Direct Deposit (paydays are 5th and 20th of the month)

Closing Date/Time: 6/29/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Kennewick

• (509) 585-4240

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