Initial Posting Date:
01/14/2026Application Deadline:
01/25/2026Agency:
Department of AgricultureSalary Range:
$7,353 - $11,373Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Human Resources DirectorJob Description:
Are you a strategic HR leader who thrives at the intersection of people, policy, and purpose? This is an opportunity to shape the culture, workforce strategy, and leadership practices of a mission-driven state agency while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership.
As the agency’s senior Human Resources leader, you will play a critical role in fostering a collaborative, equitable, and high-performing workplace—one where employees feel supported and empowered to do their best work in service of Oregonians.
In this executive-level role, you will provide strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight for all Human Resources functions within the Department. You will serve as a key member of the agency’s leadership team, guiding both long- and short-term human capital strategies that directly support the agency’s mission and goals.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing high-level oversight of workplace relationships, employee engagement, and HR policies that support organizational effectiveness.
Leading, planning, directing, and evaluating all phases of Human Resources and Payroll/Benefit administration.
Serving as a strategic advisor to agency leadership and managers on performance management, employee relations, and organizational development, with an emphasis on collaboration, problem-solving, and early resolution.
Developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and initiatives that align with state requirements and agency priorities.
Acting as an HR generalist with responsibility for labor relations, employee relations, recruitment, classification, policy development, and compliance.
Partnering closely with DAS-CHRO, Labor Relations, and the Department of Justice on complex and sensitive matters.
Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion principles across HR practices and workplace culture.
Identifying innovative and practical solutions to workforce challenges that balance employee needs with organizational goals.
Supporting managers statewide, including in remote work environments, to ensure consistent and effective people management practices.
For additional details about this position, email heidi.dozier@oda.oregon.gov to request a copy of the position description.
The State of Oregon offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:
Excellent medical, vision, and dental coverage
Paid holidays, personal business leave, vacation, and sick leave
Optional benefits such as basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability
Deferred compensation savings program
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare expenses
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the stability and benefits of public service.
*Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet one of the following:
Six years of supervision, management or progressively related experience
OR
Three years related experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field
The ideal candidate will possess the following desired skills and attributes:
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with managers, employees, labor groups, etc.
Strong communication skills to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, verbally and in writing, with a diverse group of partners. Including delivering consultations, training, or written guidance that resolves inquiries or issues.
Experience analyzing HR data and HRIS reports to identify trends, support decisions, and recommend process or operational improvements.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and successfully manage competing priorities.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the desired attributes listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a non-traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our attributes listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.
Your Workday candidate profile, cover letter, and resume are your opportunity to tell your story. In your cover letter please include your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more that 2 pages). Application materials may be reviewed for professionalism, clarity, and attention to detail. Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/Cover Letter field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application.
In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the “desired skills and attributes” section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.
Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/Cover Letter.
Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account.
The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submittal these questions are necessary to complete the application process.
Want to Know More?
The listed salary range is non-PERS qualifying. PERS-qualifying employees will see an additional 6.95% reflected in the range.
This recruitment is for one full-time Human Resources Manager 2 position and may be used to fill future vacancies.
This position is not represented by the union and is Management Service.
Helpful Links and Contact Information:
Learn more about ODA
Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.
Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon.
The Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity; affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. The Department strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Department is an E-Verify employer.
For questions about this position or to request an alternate format, please contact: Heidi Dozier Heidi.Dozier@oda.oregon.gov or at (503) 339-5294.