Senior Classification & Compensation Specialist (HRC4)
State of WashingtonDescription
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking an expert-level Human Resource Consultant (HRC) to serve as a Senior Classification & Compensation Specialist to provide statewide expertise and direction in the areas of classification and compensation for all marine and general classified positions. Working with all levels within the agency, this position will determine and approve proper allocations of marine positions, and as needed for general service positions, with potential precedent-setting impact. In this role, you will support labor management in collective bargaining and agency bargaining priorities by providing expertise in classification and compensation in the labor bargaining process, utilizing a data-centered approach to independently conduct research on allocation alignment and disparities within the classification and compensation plan and compensation structure of the agency. In addition, the successful candidate will provide guidance, direction and make recommendations to management regarding classification and compensation issues. This position will make independent position allocation decisions and provide guidance and direction to senior-level HRC.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Senior Classification & Compensation Specialist will:
- Inform the agency’s position on labor relations and bargaining activities as it relates to classification and compensation.
- Provide guidance on agency compensation practices to all levels of management; determine what components of a class and comp request should be challenged and provide justification and objective feedback toward a solution.
- Support biennial agency classification and compensation proposal projects.
- Analyze complex organizational structures and functional reporting relationships to understand impacts of decisions.
- Counsel HR staff and management on related issues, providing strategic and tactical solutions to classification and compensation issues.
- Interpret and apply applicable agency and CBA rules and policies, as well as WSF and enterprise class specifications, and provide clarification when needed.
- Provide guidance and resource materials to local HR consultants and managers for best practices in determining position allocations.
- Review, analyze and research position descriptions to determine and approve proper allocation, as needed.
- Apply current knowledge and expertise of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and overtime laws, project employment, in-training employment, clone positions, risk code indicators, and other required actions in the administration of classification and compensation for the agency.
- Perform desk and field audits and perform research as necessary.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Job Analysis and Allocation
- Demonstrates expert-level analytical capabilities and knowledge of job classification, compensation principles, organizational structures, reporting dynamics, and intersections of work performed by different job classes.
- Ability to conduct desk and field audits to research and observe the work of others at various work sites.
- Demonstrated strategic foresight in identifying potential impacts of allocation and compensation decisions.
Data Analytics
- Advanced knowledge of data queries to conduct complex research using multiple data sources, identify and present class and comp data trends, identify inequities and discrepancies, and recommend data-informed business solutions.
Labor Relations Support
- Foundational knowledge of labor relations with ability to deliver expert consultation in classification and compensation matters during collective bargaining with labor unions and help inform agency bargaining priorities.
Consultation, Communication, and Project Leadership
- Demonstrated ability to engage project stakeholders, deploy active listening skills, and build consensus through transparent communication and sound reasoning while balancing regulatory compliance with operational needs.
Compensation and Pay Analysis
- Experience applying principles of pay equity and equal pay for equal work through research of internal and external market data, identifying compression, inversion, or inequity trends and recommending solutions toward pay alignment.
Professional Writing & Presentation
- Skilled in delivering high-quality written materials using technical, business-style writing that is objective and defensible.
- Ability to present findings and recommendations to stakeholders and deliver training materials to a broad audience while tailoring communication to the audience’s technical and operational understanding.
Growth Mindset
- Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth, staying current with emerging trends, legal updates, and statewide HR practices in classification and compensation, and contributes to continuous improvement of agency processes.
Service-Oriented
- Demonstrates a willingness to take action to understand and meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
WSDOT and Marine Workforce Understanding
- Demonstrated familiarity with WSDOT’s organizational structure, Washington State Ferries operations, and marine job classification frameworks to support accurate position and workforce analysis.
Regulatory and Policy Compliance
- Ability to interpret and apply Washington State Civil Service Rules, statewide HR policies, marine collective bargaining agreements, and relevant federal or state personnel regulations to ensure consistent and compliant HR practices.
HR Systems and Data Management Proficiency
- Skilled in navigating HRMS and utilizing Excel to manage, analyze, and report personnel data with accuracy and efficiency.
Compensation and Market Analysis Expertise
- Knowledge of compensation methodologies and salary benchmarking using tools such as the Washington State Salary Survey, Marine Salary Survey, ERI, or comparable market data resources to support informed pay and classification decisions.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
- 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 individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-05373 in the subject line.