2024-04-29 HRStaffproposalTo:BOCC,Ryan Barrett
From:Matt Jaeger,Interim HR Director
Date:April 26th,2024
Re:Human Resources Position Creation Read ahead
_____________________________________________________________________________
I’m requesting Board approval on the creation of a new Human ResourcesGeneralistSeniorposition(Grade 124)and freezing the current HRSpecialistpositionwhichwillbecomevacantonMay31,2024.(Current Grade121).
As I’m evaluating the current Human Resources organizational structure,I’veidentifiedakeyinefficiencyofhavingonlyoneSpecialistandoneGeneralisttosupporttheentireCountystaff.
HR Specialists primarily focus on one specific area such as Recruitment or Comp &Benefits whereas a Generalist is more well-rounded to perform most any industrystandardHRfunctionsforsuccessfulday-to-day operations.The HR team is not largeenoughtosupportthenarrowfocusofspecialists.
This proposal is for an HR Generalist Senior that will be expected to contribute to allgeneralHumanResourcesareasaswellasperformhighleveldataanalysis.
An HR Generalist Senior will have the responsibility to collect,analyze,and interpretHR-related data to identify trends,forecast workforce needs,and evaluate theeffectivenessofHRprogramsandpolicies.By conducting in-depth analyses,they willenabletheHRteamtomakeinformeddecisionsthatdrivestrategicinitiatives,improve operational efficiency,and enhance organizational effectiveness.
This structure allows the most flexibility while also not being short-sighted insupportinglong-term strategic planning and effective decision making.
Data analytics are more important than ever in fostering a culture of continuousimprovementandidentifyingcriticalissues.This philosophy has a proven record ofsuccesswithourInformationServicesdepartmentthathasfocusedheavilyondata-analytics driving our decision-making process over the last 4 years.
Please see the proposed org chart and job descriptions for reference.
Budget
Anticipated HR Department budget impact:$5,285 for the remainder of 2024.See the budget worksheet for detailed cost-impact.
BUDGET WORKSHEET:00551810 PER MONTH 6/1-12/31 IMPACTBudgeted6/1-12/31 (Grade 121 Step 3)$5199 $36393ProposedIncrease6/1-12/31 (Grade 124 Step3)$5954 $41678
2024 Total Impact $755 $5285
HUMAN RESOURCE
GENERALIST SENIOR
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Human Resource Generalist
Senior
Pay Grade: 124
FLSA: Exempt
Job Class: XXXX
Effective Date: April 2024
Revision Date: April 2024
NATURE OF WORK
Under limited supervision, the Human Resource (HR) Generalist Senior will collect, compile, and analyze HR
data, metrics, and statistics, and apply this data to make recommendations related to recruitment, retention, and legal
compliance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties
performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary
duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and
may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
Collects and compiles HR metrics and data from a variety of sources including the human resource information
system (HRIS) and payroll outputs, management and employee surveys, exit interviews, employment records,
government labor statistics, competitors’ practices, and other sources.
Analyzes data and statistics for trends and patterns with attention to recruitment, hiring practices, motivation,
turnover, and compliance with employment laws and regulations.
Prepares reports of data results, presenting and explaining findings to senior leadership.
Identifies and recommends reasonable short- and long-term goals, milestones, and benchmarks for key
performance metrics.
Based on metrics and analysis, makes recommendations for policies and activities to improve the organizational
culture including suggestions to attract and hire qualified candidates, to motivate and retain employees, to
address staffing issues, and to maintain legal compliance.
Facilitates implementation of new training, development, recruiting, and other related initiatives.
May conduct or assist with conducting classification audits to ensure that jobs are properly classified as exempt
or nonexempt.
Ensures compliance with data privacy regulations and best practices.
May assist HR leadership with staffing, recruiting, and departmental budgets.
May guide and/or assist with performance, benefit, and compensation review and evaluation processes.
Performs other duties as assigned.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed in a standard office environment and involves light physical demands and
frequent use of a personal computer.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Page 1 of 2
Job Title:Human Resource Generalist Senior Job Class: XXXX
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Industrial Psychology, or
related field, plus a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Human Resources related areas
such as job classification and compensation, recruitment, selection, training, employee
benefits, and/or equal opportunity compliance preferred.
SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:
County policies and procedures.
Thorough understanding of local, state, and federal laws involving employment, HR, and HR policies.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS, payroll, and similar employee management
software.
Human resources principles, practices, and policies.
Regulations governing human resources activities.
Classification and compensation principles.
Recruiting principles, processes, and strategies.
Training principles and practices.
Human resources records, reports, and documentation.
Database management principles and recordkeeping standards.
Skills in:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Coordinating and performing a variety of human resources functions.
Maintaining compliance with regulations governing human resources activities.
Coordinating and conducting training classes.
Conducting a variety of employee/labor relations, recruiting, and training activities.
Providing human resources services and support to County departments.
Assisting in developing human resources policies and procedures.
Preparing and maintaining a variety of departmental records, files, and documentation.
Utilizing standard computer software and administering assigned databases.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with County departments and personnel, elected
officials, outside agencies, and the general public.
Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
Dealing constructively and courteously with the Department, BOCC, Lewis County and general public.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
Page 2 of 2
Human Resources Rachel Lester
Risk Management HR Generalist I
Public Disclosure Requests Lewis County Human Resources
Human Resources
To: Matt Jaeger, IT Director
From: Rachel Lester, HR Generalist I
RE: Senior Human Resources Generalist Salary Analysis
Date: April 12, 2024
Introduction:
This salary analysis aims to provide insights into the compensation range for the Senior Human Resources
Generalist position based on gathered data from various counties, municipalities, and educational institutions
primarily within Washington State. The role of a Senior Human Resources Generalist encompasses a higher level
of responsibility compared to traditional Human Resources Generalists, involving leadership in policy creation,
program execution, and strategic decision-making within the HR domain.
Job Description and Responsibilities:
The Senior Human Resources Generalist serves as a crucial intermediary between Human Resources Generalists
and higher-ranking HR management positions. Their responsibilities include aiding HR Deputy Directors or
Managers in policy formulation and execution, developing job descriptions, conducting interviews, administering
performance evaluations, analyzing HR metrics, providing guidance on best practices, and leading HR projects.
Moreover, Senior HR Generalists play a pivotal role in enhancing employee relations, ensuring compliance with
regulations, and managing compensation and benefits inquiries.
Comparison with Comparable Positions:
In determining the salary range for the Senior Human Resources Generalist position, comparable roles such as
HR Analyst, HR Specialist, HR Consultant, and HR Assistant Manager were examined. These positions share
similarities in scope of work and requisite qualifications, such as education level and years of experience.
Salary Data Analysis:
The salary data collected from various sources highlights a wide range of compensation for HR-related positions
across different counties, municipalities, and educational institutions in Washington State. The analysis reveals a
disparity in salary levels, influenced by factors such as geographical location, organizational size, and job-specific
requirements.
351 NW North Street
Chehalis, WA 98532-1900
360.740.1209
2
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage statistics for May 2023 indicate that
the national annual mean wage for Human Resources Specialists stands at $76,060. Notably, within local
government sectors, the annual mean wage for this position markedly exceeds the national average, reaching
$98,170. Washington state emerges as one of the leading remuneration hubs for Human Resources Specialists,
boasting an annual mean wage of $91,220. In specific locales such as Olympia and Tumwater, the annual mean
wage for Human Resources Specialists is recorded at $75,430, while in metropolitan areas like Seattle, Tacoma,
and Bellevue, Washington, HR Specialists command substantially higher compensation, averaging $96,630
annually. Additionally, Bremerton and Silverdale emerge as prominent metropolitan areas with an annual mean
wage for HR Specialists standing at $86,760.
The following chart represents the data collected:
County Low
Salary
High Salary Education/Misc.
Walla Walla $
-
$
-
Does not have this position.
Douglas $
-
$
-
Does not have this position.
Clark $
-
$
-
Does not have this position.
Chelan $
-
$
-
Does not have this position.
Adams $
-
$
-
Does not have this position.
Okanogan (HR
Analyst)
$
52,561.60
$
63,897.60
HS Diploma/GED six years HR experience or combo of
training/experience
Yakima (Program
Representative II)
$
54,329.60
$
68,889.60
AA or two-year technical certificate in HR or related field.
Three years professional level experience related to the
HR function OR any combo of experience and training.
Island (HR Analyst) $
62,192.00
$
74,672.00
BA in HR or related field, two years plus of specialized
experience.
Centralia College (HR
Consultant IV)
$
66,012.00
$
88,800.00
No job description available.
Spokane (HR
Generalist)
$
66,117.18
$
92,531.93
BA from accredited college in HR, public or business
administration or related field; four years’ experience
performing professional HR generalist work. Combo of
education and training will be considered.
Franklin (Generalist
II)
$
67,184.00
$
90,188.80
BA in HR or related field, two years HR experience or
combo of education and experience.
Jefferson (Analyst I) $
67,324.32
$
80,388.60
BA in HR, Public Administration or related field, and two
years of HR experience in more than one area of HR
Cowlitz (HR Analyst) $
68,376.00
$
80,448.00
BA in Public or Business Administration and two years’
experience in personnel or HR related duties and
responsibilities or a combo of education, training and
experience.
Mason (HR Analyst) $
68,852.64
$
85,870.56
AA and two years’ experience
Kitsap (HR Analyst) $
70,415.90
$
99,495.84
BA in business, HR, Public Administration or related field
plus five years HR experience
3
Clallam (HR
Specialist)
$
70,967.58
$
86,467.37
AA and five years' experience in clerical or administrative
specialist field
Whatcom (HR
Representative III)
$
72,684.00
$105,540.00
BA in business, public administration, HRM, or a related
field and four years FLSA exempt HR experience with
three years HR Generalist experience.
Cowlitz (Sr. HR
Analyst)
$
72,804.00
$
91,008.00
BA in Public or Business Administration, HRM or a related
field, three years’ experience in an HR position with HR
duties including benefits administration, or a combination
of education, training and experience.
Skagit (HRIS Benefits
Analyst)
$
73,756.80
$
98,176.00
AA or specialized training in HR, Labor Relations, HRIS or
related fields. Two years of HR or related experience.
City of Centralia (HR
Analyst)
$
75,229.00
$
92,265.00
AA with major coursework in accounting, finance,
bookkeeping, business admin, HR or a related field and
two years of experience in payroll, HR, bookkeeping, labor
relations or a related field or a combo of experience and
education
Thurston (Analyst I) $
76,152.00
$101,532.00
Ba in business, psychology, public administration or
related field, three years of applicable experience in an HR
discipline. Demonstrated proficiency as a HR Generalist
Snohomish (SR HR
Specialist)
$
76,295.52
$112,713.12
BA from an accredited institution in HR, Business
Administration, or a related field; and four years of HR
experience at a professional level with labor relations,
recruitment, personnel classification, and compensation
with a familiarity of personnel policy and procedures, HRIS
and benefits administration.
Jefferson (Analyst II) $
77,801.64
$
92,899.20
BA in HR, Public Administration or related field, and four
years of HR experience in more than one area of HR
Thurston (Analyst
SR)
$
81,924.00
$109,212.00
BA in business or public administration, HR, education,
organizational development, risk management or closely
related field. Five years applicable specialist level
experience to perform the essential and expert functions.
Pierce (HR Analyst) $
81,991.62
$104,206.39
HS Graduate or equivalent and six years’ experience in
one or more of the following areas: HR, Public Admin,
Business, or related field. Any combo of experience and
education can be substituted on a year for year basis.
King County (HR
Analyst)
$
87,233.33
$110,573.22
Lead worker, above HR Associate.
Benton (HR Assistant
Mgr.)
$
89,076.00
$108,276.00
BA in Public or Business Administration, HRM or any
related field and five years’ experience in a position with
personnel or HR duties, or combo of experience and
education.
King County (HR
Analyst SR)
$
98,215.94
$124,494.03
Supervisory
4
Key Findings:
- The annual mean wage for Human Resources Specialists nationally stands at $76,060, with variations in
different regions and industries.
- Washington State demonstrates competitive compensation for HR Specialists, with annual mean wages ranging
from $75,430 in Olympia and Tumwater to $96,630 in the Seattle metropolitan area.
- Data from counties, municipalities, and educational institutions within Washington State provides further
insight into the salary range for HR-related positions, with Senior HR Generalists commanding higher
compensation compared to entry-level roles.
- The salary range for the Senior Human Resources Generalist position varies significantly, from a low of
$52,561.60 to a high of $124,494.03 annually, depending on factors such as education, experience, and
supervisory responsibilities.
- Counties and municipalities with higher median household incomes tend to offer higher salaries for HR
positions, reflecting the local economic context and budgetary considerations.
- The HR Analyst SR position in King County has the highest starting salary and is a supervisory position. As such,
it should be considered an outlier to the data and not considered relevant to the salary study.
$- $20,000.00 $40,000.00 $60,000.00 $80,000.00 $100,000.00 $120,000.00
Okanogan (HR Analyst)
Yakima (Program Representative II)
Island (HR Analyst)
Centralia College (HR Consultant IV)
Spokane (HR Generalist)
Franklin (Generalist II)
Jefferson (Analyst I)
Cowlitz (HR Analyst)
Mason (HR Analyst)
Kitsap (HR Analyst)
Clallam (HR Specialist)
Whatcom (HR Representative III)
Cowlitz (Sr. HR Analyst)
Skagit (HRIS Benefits Analyst)
City of Centralia (HR Analyst)
Thurston (Analyst I)
Snohomish (SR HR Specialist)
Jefferson (Analyst II)
Thurston (Analyst SR)
Pierce (HR Analyst)
King County (HR Analyst)
Benton (HR Assistant Mgr.)
HR Analyst Salary Study
High Salary Low Salary
5
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the salary analysis underscores the importance of considering various factors, including location,
educational requirements, years of experience, and level of responsibility in determining the compensation
range for the Senior Human Resources Generalist position. Organizations should strive to offer competitive
salaries that attract and retain skilled HR professionals while aligning with budgetary constraints and industry
standards. Additionally, periodic reviews and adjustments to salary structures are essential to ensure fairness
and competitiveness in the labor market.
6
Based on the findings of the Senior Human Resources Generalist salary study and in accordance with the Board
of County Commissioners’ objective to maintain competitiveness in the market by positioning roles at the mid-
level range, it is recommended to consider assigning this position a grade of 124 or 125 on the Lewis County
Salary Scale. Placing the position at a grade 124 with a starting salary of $68,001 would be below the minimum
salary guidelines, ranking it within the 32nd percentile. Conversely, at a grade 125 with a starting salary of
$71,138, it would fall just below the mid-range, at 55%, and slightly below the average annual salary.
Given the circumstances outlined, it is advisable to consider initiating the incumbent's placement at a higher
step on the salary scale to align with the appropriate starting salary. Under this premise, adhering to a minimum
salary percentage of 50% would equate to approximately $71,800, while following the BOCC directive of a
midrange salary guideline would result in approximately $72,600. However, within the grade of 124, the nearest
step to either salary benchmark would be step 3, offering $71,442. Conversely, should a grade of 125 be chosen,
adhering to the same guidelines would suggest that step 2 is most suitable to meet the midrange salary
objective, with a starting salary of $72,917.
By accurately positioning this role within the salary scale, the aim is to attract and retain highly qualified
candidates for Lewis County. The recommendations for salary scores within this study are competitive and
comparable within the local market.
If further assistance or clarification of this study is needed, please contact our department at 360-740-2737 or
hr@lewiscountywa.gov.
Rac hel L .
HR Gen er al i st
A n g i e P.
HR Sp ec ial i s t
Dal ey n C.
Role:Deputy
Director
Rec r u i t m en t Co m p an d
B en ef i t s
Em p l o y ee
Rel at i o n s
Tr ai n i n g A n d
Dev el o p m en t
Rec o r d s /
Pu b l i c
Di s c l o s u r e
Cas ey M.
Role:PDR/Records
Manager
Ch er i s h W.
Role:Office Assistant for
PDR/Records
Ty ler S.
Role:Office Assistant
L ew i s Co u n t y HR Or g
Matt Jaeger | April 18, 2024
Proposing
Freezing the HR
Specialist (121)
and creating HR
Sr. Generalist
Position (124)