Employee Relations Investigator

Salary: $92,678.68 - $118,404.65 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Job Number: 26-00964
Department: Human Resources
Division: Human Resources Labor Relations
Opening Date: 09/18/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity: You'll conduct high-volume, complex workplace investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing employees and witnesses, evaluating findings, and preparing investigative and disciplinary documents. You'll also advise managers through sensitive performance, misconduct, corrective action, and disciplinary matters, helping them understand the why and how behind sound employee relations practices. You'll work at the intersection of employee relations and labor relations, applying your investigative expertise in a represented public-sector environment. You'll have the opportunity to help develop the direction of the Employee Relations Investigator through building effective practices and defining how this role works alongside the existing Labor and Employee Relations team. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping establish a new approach to employee relations investigations across the County.


Why It's a Great Department: Pierce County Human Resources supports the workforce that supports all of Pierce County. We deliver innovative, specialized services to support a high-performing and diverse workforce. We provide guidance, support and expertise on performance management, protected leave, County policies, state law and many other topics. You'll join a collaborative, professional, and mission-driven team committed to serving all County employees. The Human Resources department embraces a modern work environment where members of our team have flexibility and autonomy. Within the department hybrid and remote work are the norms, and we maintain a consistent, intentional focus on continuous improvement, the pursuit of excellence, and a welcoming workplace culture.

For more information about our organization, please


How to Be Successful in the Role: You'll be successful if you're a strong, objective investigator who can manage a high volume of sensitive matters while staying organized and meeting deadlines. You'll use your ability to analyze complex information, ask the right questions, evaluate conflicting information, and clearly communicate well-supported findings and recommendations. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to managers, helping them navigate performance, corrective action, misconduct, and disciplinary matters while maintaining neutrality and confidentiality. You'll bring an understanding of collective bargaining environments and know when to partner with Labor and Employee Relations on contract or employee issues. Most importantly, you'll bring sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to build trust while remaining independent and objective.

Your Future in this Role: A career with Pierce County means joining an organization invested in your growth. Through leadership development, robust online learning, and a variety of training opportunities, we provide continuous professional development at every stage. This commitment empowers you to contribute meaningfully while advancing your skills and supporting resilient communities, reliable infrastructure, and equitable outcomes for all.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

Employee Relations

• Advise and counsel managers and supervisors regarding employee relations matters, including workplace misconduct, performance management, corrective action, documentation, and discipline.
• Consult with supervisors and managers regarding appropriate responses to employee conduct and performance concerns, including assessing the nature and severity of an issue, identifying appropriate corrective measures, and ensuring consistent application of County policies and procedures.
• Assist management in developing and implementing performance improvement strategies, including establishing performance expectations, identifying deficiencies, documenting performance concerns, and determining appropriate follow-up.
• Review and provide guidance regarding disciplinary and corrective action matters, including preparation of counseling memoranda, performance improvement plans, letters of reprimand, suspension notices, termination recommendations, and other disciplinary or corrective documents.
• Draft disciplinary, corrective action, performance management, and other employee relations correspondence for review and approval by appropriate Human Resources and department leadership.

Investigations

• Conduct independent administrative investigations involving alleged violations of County policies, Standards of Conduct, workplace misconduct, and, as assigned, complaints involving alleged discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other EEO-related concerns. Employee Relations Investigator.
• Receive and assess complaints to determine investigative scope, identify applicable policies, and develop investigation plans.
• Conduct thorough interviews of complainants, respondents, witnesses, supervisors, and other individuals.
• Collect, preserve, review, and analyze documentary, electronic, video, and other forms of evidence.
• Evaluate credibility of witnesses using accepted investigative methodologies.
• Analyze conflicting evidence and determine findings based upon a preponderance of the evidence or other applicable evidentiary standard.
• Prepare clear, concise, objective investigative reports documenting allegations, evidence, findings of fact, credibility assessments, policy analysis, and conclusions. Prepare investigative findings, disciplinary recommendations, corrective action documents, and other written materials to support management decision-making.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the work of this position within a legal, human resources, judicial or law enforcement environment or similar field.
• Attach a resume.

• This position is remote for those residing in or relocating to Washington State. There are occasional in-person meetings and in-person contract bargaining meetings. This can mean once or twice per month for a few months of the year but also could be a few times per week during bargaining.
• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Demonstrated Proficiencies

• Demonstrated strong proficiency in conducting investigations including performing witness interviews, gathering, preserving, and analyzing facts, information, and evidence, and developing written reports.
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in drafting formal letters and/or reports; applying robust
• documentation, analysis, and information gathering skills.
• Demonstrated experience providing guidance or consultation regarding employee relations matters, such as workplace misconduct, performance management, corrective action, or discipline.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Suite office products including Excel, Work, One Note, Outlook, and Teams.
• Demonstrated proficiency in maintaining detailed investigative files and well-organized notes and documentation in accordance with legal requirements and records retention schedules.
• Successful experience and proficiency in exercising sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential and highly sensitive matters

Supplemental Information
How to Apply:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or visiting
• Attach a resume.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team atand include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Practices: This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the positionPierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive's Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.


We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Our benefits:

Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:

Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days

A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.

Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.

Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25

Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.

Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.

Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.

Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security:
All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
ORCA Passport Program
Pierce County employees may participate in the County's ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program.
Your Pierce County issued ORCA card is loaded with an annual Passport pass. The pass automatically renews every year. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.

Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.

Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.
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Did you attach your resume? Applications without a complete application and a resume will not be considered.
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