Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Specialist

Anticipated starting salary is between $74,760 - $90,552 depending on qualifications. The Human Resources Specialist provides confidential professional and administrative support across HR functions, with primary responsibility for assigned recruitment, HRIS data administration, employee onboarding, benefits support, and records management. The position serves as a key contact for employees, applicants, and external stakeholders, delivering efficient, customer-focused HR services. The HR Specialist also supports labor relations activities, public records requests, departmental administration, and administrative support for the CHRO and HR team.

Essential Functions

• Coordinate assigned recruitment activities for entry-level, seasonal, and other positions. Prepare and post job announcements, monitor applicant activity, review applications for minimum qualifications, and support candidate screening. Schedule interviews, background checks, and pre-employment requirements; maintain candidate communications throughout the hiring process. Attend career fairs, support recruitment and onboarding activities with leadership and HR staff, assist with Human Resources Business Partner recruitments as assigned, and provide backup support during absences.
• Enter, maintain, and audit employee information in the HRIS. Process personnel transactions such as new hires, transfers, promotions, compensation changes, and separations. Ensure HR data is accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with recordkeeping requirements; generate standard reports and assist with data collection and analysis. Support employee benefits administration, including the annual benefits fair and open enrollment. Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations as assigned; maintain accurate benefits data and supporting documentation. Respond to routine employee questions about benefit plans, eligibility, enrollment, and procedures, and coordinate benefits-related communications among employees, benefit providers, and HR staff.
• Coordinate and facilitate new employee orientation programs. Prepare onboarding materials and ensure completion of required employment documentation. Provide information regarding internal policies and procedures, benefits and workplace expectations. Coordinate onboarding activities with hiring managers, HR staff, and department representatives.
• Provide confidential administrative assistance and support on personnel, collective bargaining, and labor relations matters to HR staff as assigned. Attend Labor Relations Committee and collective bargaining meetings; take notes, prepare meeting materials, distribute documentation, and calendar grievance-related activities. Assist with confidential special projects, reports, presentations, and departmental initiatives.
• Serve as the HR department records administrator by maintaining personnel files and HR records in accordance with retention schedules, legal requirements, and organizational policies. Coordinate and respond to public records requests involving HR records, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and procedures. Support records retention, archiving, and disposition activities while maintaining the confidentiality and security of sensitive employee information.
• Provide general administrative support for the department. Order and maintain supplies and equipment; collect, track, and compile budget information and supporting documentation; and receive, distribute, and process department mail and correspondence. Maintain department forms, processes, and templates in digital and paper formats. Assist with planning and coordinating department events and activities.

Required Education and Experience

Associate degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field required. Minimum of two (2) years of administrative human resources experience supporting department activities, including recruiting, HRIS data administration, and records management required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to operate Port/NWSA vehicles, travel between work sites, attend off-site meetings and/or events, and perform essential job functions. Experience in a public sector, unionized environment highly desirable. Human Resources certification such as SHRM-CP or PHR strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements

Knowledge of human resources principles, practices, and employment processes. Knowledge of HR records management and confidentiality requirements. Knowledge of recruitment and onboarding processes. Knowledge of employee benefits administration practices. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HR information systems. Ability to maintain accurate records and data in HR information systems. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines. Ability to prepare reports, meeting notes, and business correspondence accurately and professionally. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. Ability to consistently demonstrate strong ethics and conduct themselves with integrity.

This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to the organization's core values: Integrity & Transparency; Excellence; Adaptability; Stewardship; Teamwork & Partnerships; and Health & Safety. The Port seeks candidates who will embrace and model these values both internally and externally, and who understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work. We value individuals who also bring an impeccable work ethic, honesty, and integrity, and who consistently exhibit enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to succeed.

In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Proof will be required prior to employment.

Candidate must be able to successfully complete a background investigation. Candidate must also be able to obtain/maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Information on this program can be viewed here.

Unless altered by an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or by a written employment agreement signed by an employee and the Executive Director, the conditions of employment for this position are 'at-will', which means that either the Port or an employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by law. No supervisor, manager, or director of the Port, other than Executive Director, has the authority to alter these employment conditions.

THE PORT OF TACOMA IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WORKPLACE THAT IS FREE FROM ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT. WE ADHERE TO ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS.

Benefits

As an employer of choice, the Port is proud to offer an excellent benefits package. This includes medical, prescription, vision and dental with no out-of-pocket premiums and full coverage for employee, spouse, and all eligible dependents. In addition, the Port offers vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, participation in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and a Port-funded Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) account for out-of-pocket health related expenses for employees and their eligible dependents. The Port's benefits package is valued between 45%-55% of base salary.