Human Resources Generalist - Operations

Salary Range

6,341.00 - 9,511.00

Job Summary

Did you hear? The City of Vancouver was recently ranked third on the list of the hottest US cities to move to. That’s terrific news, and we also happen to think we rank first on the list of organizations to consider moving your career to!

The City of Vancouver’s commitments include climate action, safety, addressing houselessness and embracing a “Vancouver for All” initiative aimed at fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where barriers to participation and success are eliminated. These commitments are real, and they’re the stuff our committed staff work on daily.

If the City’s commitments or recent accolades appeal to you and you’re a Human Resources professional, we hope you’ll consider joining us in one of two newly created HR Generalist roles in the Human Resources Department. These roles are intended to round out a good staff and help us get to great!

One position will be aligned with our People Strategy team and work primarily on collective bargaining, employee relations, and employment policies. The other position will be aligned with our HR Operations team and work on projects, new employee orientation and onboarding, and more.

This posting is for the HR Generalist on our Operations Team. Please read on for additional details.

The HR Generalist on our Operations Team will be responsible for duties supporting HR Operations (i.e., learning and development, compensation, benefits, payroll, leave, and recruitment), leading and coordinating cross-functional projects and assisting with special projects as needed; and, in conjunction with the Engagement and Access Department, coordinating or leading employee engagement efforts.

A cover letter is required; applications submitted without one will not be considered.

This is a full-time, regular exempt position.

At this time, this position is eligible for telework or hybrid schedule. As with all routine telework positions, employees may be required to come into the office on occasion based on business needs. Telework may be subject to change at a future time. Currently, all employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the City cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Open until filled with the first review on March 13, 2026.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Engage with HR functional areas – compensation, benefits, leave, payroll, and recruitment – on projects and ongoing work to foster communication, collaboration and ensure resulting impacts are considered, accounted for and processes are sound.
• Serve as a Human Capital Management and data analytics professional with the goal of optimizing the use of technology and data to achieve HR strategic goals and streamline work and processes for the benefit of employees and the HR team.
• Build and coordinate a New Employee Onboarding (NEO) program. Develop overall framework and approach for onboarding; coordinate speakers and logistics; partner with other City departments on presentations/information to be shared; serve as resource to effectively onboard new employees.
• Work closely with Deputy HR Director and HR Operations team to build an employer brand and value proposition; promote that work in onboarding and other communication efforts.
• In partnership with the Engagement and Access Department, lead or assist with various employee engagement efforts (e.g., events, awards, surveys, etc.).
• Manage Workday Learning and Development module to include maintaining and updating the training library and assisting departments with questions relating to uploading and assigning training.
• Perform other generalist duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Minimum of 3 years of HR experience in one or more functional areas of Human Resources. Previous work as a professional-level generalist is preferred. Experience making process improvements, project coordination, HRIS experience, and knowledge of HR best practices is highly preferred.
• Experience working with diverse groups, bridging differences, and providing excellent, responsive service.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field

The City recognizes that not all candidates may have experience in every aspect of the job, but we encourage interested candidates who feel they can be successful in the role to apply.

*Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Broad knowledge of multiple HR functions - HR operations and technology
• Understanding of HR processes, work and how and where disciplines interact.
• Ability to build and/or coordinate programs and coordinate projects.
• Ability to work with a variety of software and technology.
• Ability to perform program-level work as well as detailed work accurately.
• Ability to flex in and out of various disciplines effectively by communicating thoroughly, making warm handoffs, documenting work, etc.
• Ability to build and foster positive and productive relationships with partners within HR and across departments.
• Ability to recognize opportunities for improvement and lead process improvement efforts.
• Initiative, responsiveness, organization, problem-solving mindset, strong communication skills and excellent follow-through.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Effectively engage with diverse group(s) of people and express empathy and compassion while listening. Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Vision and Values.
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others.
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Work in a safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Comply with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work.
• Consistently provide excellent and highly responsive service.
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software.
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check and a basic criminal background check.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date

Open Until Filled