Human Resources Manager in Lake Stevens, Washington at City of Lake Stevens

Under the direction of the Human Resources (HR) Director, the HR Manager plans, coordinates, and oversees the daily operations of key human resources functions to ensure efficient, equitable, and consistent services across the City. This position leads professional HR staff, administers core operational programs, ensures compliance with laws and policies, and advances the City’s mission, values, and HR strategic priorities.

The HR Manager exercises a high degree of professional judgment; interprets policies and labor agreements; guides City leadership on complex HR matters; and leads modernization and continuous improvement efforts aligned with departmental goals for efficient systems, engaged employees, learning and development, safe operations, and a sustainable talent pipeline.


Why City of Lake Stevens?

• Work-life balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
• Work where you live!

The City of Lake Stevens offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Retirement- through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
• Deferred Compensation- with city match.
• Excellent healthcare options- including medical, dental, vision insurance, city-paid life insurance and long-term disability, health savings accounts (HSA), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA/VEBA).
• Paid leave- including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.

See our benefits page for a complete list of all the benefits available to the City of Lake Stevens employees.

Why join the HR Team?

The Human Resources Department supports City of Lake Stevens employees by providing clear policies, reliable guidance, and efficient services that help the organization operate effectively and deliver high-quality service to the community. We focus on fair and consistent practices, responsive problem-solving, and maintaining a safe, inclusive workplace where employees can succeed.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, coordinates, and oversees daily operations of HR functional areas to ensure consistent, timely, and compliant service delivery.
• Develops and maintains efficient, streamlined HR processes, procedures, and workflows that meet department goals.
• Manages or oversees key department programs, committees, initiatives and commissions as assigned.
• Develops and recommends policy updates to ensure clarity, equity, and alignment with City values and departmental strategic priorities.
• Prepares department metrics, reports, and analyses for leadership and Council use.
• Supervises professional and technical HR staff, including hiring, training, work direction, coaching, performance evaluation, and corrective action.
• Models and reinforces City values and department guiding principles in daily work.
• Promotes a culture of teamwork, collaborative problem-solving, and people-focused service.
• Advises employees and leadership on interpretation of policies, procedures, labor agreements, and employment laws.
• Develops labor strategies and supports collective bargaining processes through analysis, research, costing, and administrative support.
• Manages department technology systems; ensures accuracy, workflow efficiency, reporting capability, and data integrity; analyzes data to support planning, compliance, and decision-making.
• Assists and supports the administration of the department budget; develops and researches budget proposals, tracks and approves expenditures.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and retention requirements.
• Collaborates and supports risk, safety, and emergency management division by promoting a culture of safety, risk awareness, and organizational readiness initiatives.
• Helps design and deliver training programs that foster a strong learning environment, encourage skill building, and promote leadership development.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

• Serves as the city’s lead negotiator as assigned and/or in the absence of the Director.
• Attends City Council meetings as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described below and in the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a typical office environment subject to working outside of normal working hours to meet critical timelines or to provide support in department emergency response events. Must be able to drive a city vehicle in order to travel to multiple city buildings to meet with employees (currently 3 separate buildings within 10 min drive apart). Evening or variable hours to attend meetings is required. Occasional travel for conferences and meetings.

Uses standard office equipment and modern software tools, including cloud-based platforms, workflow automation tools, and AI-enabled applications.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Organizational Development, Leadership, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field; and
EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in Human Resources in multiple functional areas and two (2) years of supervisory or lead experience; experience in the public sector and Civil Service system is preferred.
OR: Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications. Examples include:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of public sector human resource administration.
• Laws and regulations related to employment, labor, benefits, safety, and public records.
• HRIS platforms, data management, and reporting practices.
• Classification, compensation, benefits, and leave administration.
• Records management standards and Public Records Act requirements.
• Civil service systems, rules, and testing procedures.
• Website content management and employee communications.
• Principles of supervision, leadership, and organizational development.

• Effective recruitment, outreach, testing and selection practices.
• Lean Management System or Six Sigma principles.

Skilled in:

• Effective, professional and positive interactions with difficult individuals.
• Interpersonal behavior, using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Embracing change and providing strategic advice to leadership regarding change management.
• Leading teams with clarity, empathy, integrity, and professionalism.
• Attention to detail, being organized and managing multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Conducting investigations and handling sensitive personnel matters.
• Developing and delivering clear written and verbal communications.
• Providing technical information and assistance to others concerning employment policies and personnel transactions.
• Analyzing personnel situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action.
• Being organized, detail orientated and efficient with daily work.
• Preparing and proofreading professional correspondence with proper grammar, spelling and tone.
• Using research and analytical methods, practices, and procedures to compile information, define and resolve issues, and recommend solutions.
• Facilitating effective conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving strategies.
• Using MS Office products including Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint.

Ability to:

• Interpret policies, labor agreements, and employment laws.

• Communicate complex information in an effective, accessible and respectful way, both orally and in writing.
• Contribute and promote a positive, inclusive, employee-focused culture.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Demonstrate leadership and sound judgment by setting a positive example for others.
• Provide timely and sound advice to employees and leadership.
• Establish and maintain trust, confidence, cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, leadership, elected officials, across departments, and the public.
• Communicate effectively
• Manage and implement the operations, services and activities of the Human Resources department.
• Adapt to evolving technologies, including AI, and integrate them into routine work practices.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement through the responsible use of AI and automation.
• Apply lean or six sigma principles to continuously improve processes, procedures and implement change management.
• Facilitate effective meetings and training across various audiences.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATION or OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Professional Human Resources (PHR) or SHRM-CP certification preferred
• Completion of position-relevant background check.

Tentative Schedule:

• Applications close at 11:59pm on June 21
• Application will be reviewed between June 22-24
• Applicant will be notified no later than June 24 if they are selected for an interview
• Interviews will be held at City Hall on June 30 and/or July 1
• Position start date is anticipated to be August 3

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• A cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you believe you are a viable candidate for this position
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

The City of Lake Stevens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran’s status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. There are no limitations to who's a best fit to serve this community. If we contact you for an interview and you need specific accommodations, please let us know. Please contact Human Resources at (425) 622-9400, ten (10) days in advance to allow time for us to make proper arrangements. You're also welcome to mail your request to City of Lake Stevens Human Resources, P.O. Box 257, Lake Stevens, WA 98258; or email toHR@lakestevenswa.gov.

City of Lake Stevens Hiring Statement
The City of Lake Stevens is committed to building a team that reflects the strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences of our growing community. Research has shown that many applicants may hesitate to apply unless they feel they meet every listed qualification. In Lake Stevens, we are most interested in finding candidates who can contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional public service, even if their paths or experiences are nontraditional. If you believe you can bring dedication, transferable skills, and a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply. The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience that supports successful performance in the role. Your unique background may be exactly what helps us serve our community better.