Human Resources Generalist - People Strategy

City of Vancouver

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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 People Strategy Team. Please read on for additional details. The HR Generalist on our People Strategy Team will be responsible for duties supporting People Strategy, leading employment policy management and working closely with HR Business Partners in support of employee and labor relations 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.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of HR experience in one or more functional areas of Human Resources.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Broad knowledge of multiple HR functions - employee and labor relations
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Perform employee relations intake and related work including employee counseling, investigations, training delivery and support; support the ADA accommodation process; coordinate employee exit process and unemployment claims, participate in labor relations work to include collective bargaining, contract management and support, MOU drafting and coordination, and related duties.
• Manage employment policies, which includes drafting and updating policies, coordinating stakeholder support, communicating changes to impacted parties, issuing policy communications and updates, and policy tracking and version control.
• Support People Strategy team on projects and initiatives, which could include employee training and development, process improvements, researching best practices and developing related materials, and data analytics.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level