Payroll Specialist

The Position

The Port of Portland is hiring for a Payroll Specialist III or a Payroll Specialist II.

Being a Payroll Specialist at the Port means playing a critical role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. This work requires attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a strong customer service mindset. You will directly support the people who keep the Port running every day. If you enjoy working with complex processes, troubleshooting issues, and delivering accurate, reliable results, payroll is a rewarding space to grow your career.

As a Payroll Specialist III, you will help serve the people who serve the Port by delivering accurate, timely, and employee-focused payroll support across the organization. This role combines strong customer service with advanced payroll knowledge, ensuring employees are supported through complex payroll processes with care, accuracy, and professionalism. You will independently manage payroll operations, troubleshoot payroll and timekeeping issues, support payroll tax and compliance activities, and serve as a trusted payroll resource for employees, managers, and internal partners. This is a hands-on payroll position requiring full-cycle payroll processing experience.

We also welcome candidates who may be a strong fit at the Payroll Specialist II level. This role is ideal for payroll professionals who are building their expertise and looking to expand their knowledge of payroll operations, compliance, and systems. You will support payroll processing, timekeeping administration, payroll tax activities, and employee inquiries while working closely with senior payroll staff to develop your skills and contribute to accurate, timely payroll services.

Salary Range (level dependent) This position may be filled at either level based on experience and demonstrated payroll expertise. Payroll Specialist III: $59,000 – $79,000 Typically requires advanced payroll experience, independent management of payroll processes, and the ability to resolve complex payroll and timekeeping issues. Payroll Specialist II: $54,000 – $68,667 Ideal for payroll professionals developing their payroll, compliance, and systems knowledge through hands-on payroll administration and support. Placement within the range is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.