Compensation Specialist

April 24, 2026

Compensation Specialist

8 hours/day

12-months/year – 260 days

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for a broad range of professional and technical functions to include identifying and processing assignment changes, maintaining files and records, and any other projects or duties as needed within the department. Compensation Specialists ensure compliance with a wide variety of personnel policies and procedures, laws, board policies, administrative rules, and collective bargaining agreements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Calculate salary for personnel based on Collective Bargaining Agreements and accurately transmit to Payroll.
• Enter and audit data for accuracy and consistency, which may include work schedule, location, contract pay, supplemental pay, and payroll deductions.
• Maintain processes & procedures pertaining to the Compensation Specialist role.
• Participate in the annual fiscal year roll of Payroll system, auditing the information for accuracy.
• Collect, enter, and track employee education and experience, seniority, and longevity.
• Address and resolve employee and management inquiries regarding salary placement, records, supplemental payments, timekeeping issues, and district personnel policies.
• Update and maintain confidential personnel files to document personnel actions and assist with other filing as needed.
• Assist with Annual Open Enrollment Process.
• Research questions and differences and communicate or perform step(s) necessary to resolve the issue. 
• Communicate with staff, departments, vendors, and agencies providing information, clarification, and solutions regarding compensation questions while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and complying with district policy and procedures, plan documents, bargaining contracts, and state and federal regulations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, staff, and the public.
• Train employees and supervisors during department trainings or in one on one settings as needed.
• Maintain current knowledge of a variety of rules and regulations, including but not limited to the SEBB program; compliance with federal and state laws, District policy, and procedures; and negotiated contractual agreements with numerous bargaining groups.
• Actively participate in problem-solving activities with co-workers to create departmental efficiencies
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree in a related field (Human Resource, Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration) required. Additional professional experience may substitute for the required education.
• Experience in benefits administration, accounting, human resources, or related field is preferred.
• Previous Washington State retirement experience preferred.
• High level of attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to complete work in an accurate and timely manner.
• Proficient with a variety of computer applications including Microsoft Office, and other web-based programs.
• Ability to identify routine problems and propose feasible solutions, make improvements or take corrective action.
• Ability to prioritize work and multi-task effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work well under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Must be team-oriented but also able to work independently.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service and demonstrated ability to work in a positive manner with staff and patrons.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize workload and work under pressure in an environment with multiple, simultaneous tasks.
• Knowledge of state and federal Payroll/HR laws preferred

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY:

As outlined by the Policies and Procedures of Mead School District. Mead policies and Procedures can be accessed online at https://www.mead354.org/about-us/board-of-directors/board-policies

The salary range for the position is: Min $62,566.40 – Max $77,292.80 Salary placement will be at step 1 on the appropriate scale for the position.  Previous relevant experience may result in higher step placement within the posted range.

A typical work year consists of 260 days which includes 13 paid holidays. The individual number of days may vary by position as posted. Employees working less than 260 days will receive holiday pay for the scheduled holidays within the months worked.  Each employee shall accumulate twelve (12) days of sick leave per year. An employee employed less than a full work year shall be entitled to a proportionate part of the sick leave allowance. A maximum of three (3) days of annual leave are provided for all employees based on the employee’s scheduled employment hours per day to be used for an absence during work hours. Unused Annual Leave is cashed out every July.  Full-Time Employees working year-round (260 days) shall accumulate up to 25 Days (200 hours) of vacation annually. Up to 40 hours may be cashed out annually in July if the balance is above 240 hours. Balances over 280 hours as of July 1 will be forfeited prior to the new year’s accrual. 

Employees anticipated to work more than 630 hours per year will be eligible for Benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Standard benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability.  Positions anticipated to work 70 hours or more per month for at least 5 months over a 12-month period are eligible for Retirement through the State Department of Retirement Services.

Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed before employment commences. The successful candidate for this position must be fingerprinted. Employment is contingent upon clearance by the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Mead School District #354 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance procedures may be directed to the District’s Title IX/Civil Rights Officer, Josh Westermann, Section 504 Coordinator, Heather Havens and/or Affirmative Action officer, Keri Hutchins, at (509)465-6000 or via mail to 2323 E. Farwell Rd., Mead, WA, 99021.  Persons who may need some accommodation in the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Office at (509) 465-6010. #35053588