About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a skilled Workplace Investigator – Human Resource Consultant 4 to join our team in Seattle, WA. In this role, you will serve as an expert providing advice and consultation to management and employees regarding personnel complaints and investigation processes. This position handles sensitive, complex, and critical personnel investigations, and provides advice and strategic guidance specifically related to personnel complaints, investigation processes, and resolutions to help ensure equal employment opportunities are provided for all employees. This position directly supports the agency goal areas of Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to be an employer of choice that reflects the many diverse communities we serve by conducting timely, thorough, and impartial workplace investigations.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Workplace Investigator will:

• Provide expert investigation and consultative services to agency management and employees.
• Maintain a caseload of workplace investigations in response to complaints of harassment, sexual harassment, gender bias, failure to accommodate, retaliation, violence and/or discrimination based on protected statuses under federal and state law.
• Function as a skilled impartial investigator. 
• Research and timely conduct sensitive, and complex personnel investigations through an equitable lens and prepare associated written reports; including, but not limited to Title VII, harassment, retaliation complaints, and workplace conduct.
• Develop investigation scope and plan, utilizing interview techniques, records research, and evidence gathering. 
• Organize, verify, analyze, and preserve the information gathered during the investigation process, and effectively convey information gathered in an unbiased manner.
• Develop and prepare thorough, impartial, clear, and concise investigation reports.
• Log and track investigations and complaints in the Electronic Content Management System.
• Provide analysis and recommendations regarding areas of risk and possible action to appointing authority and/or senior management.
• Administer investigation policies and practices independently and make decisions on complex labor relations and employee relations issues with widespread impact, including providing clear interpretation of CBAs, civil service rules and applicable state and federal laws.
• Provide coaching, advice, and training to HR staff or management with respect to agency policy, procedures, interview techniques, report writing, and investigative best practices.

 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, one if the following is required:

• Bachelor’s degree with focus on business, human resources, or related field AND at least three (3) years of broad-based professional human resources experience, including facilitating organizational development/change, and advising and consulting on human resources issues.

OR

• High School equivalent AND five (5) years of broad-based professional human resources experience, including facilitating organizational development/change, and advising and consulting on human resources issues.

OR

• Equivalent combination of education/experience.

 
In addition to one of the above, the following is also required:

• Substantive HR experience to be able to think fast and accurately make decisions based on HR best practices.
• Experience in generalist/employee relations, labor relations, and/or conducting workplace investigations.
• Proficient skills with MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong communication skills both in the written and verbal form to prepare letters, reports, and deliver presentations. Strong interpersonal skills to be able to work with managers and their employees on employee relations issues that are often sensitive and confidential in nature.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying employment laws (state and federal) accurately and consistently.
• Competent research and analytical skills to be able to identify unique employment issues and solutions.

 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• PHR / SPHR and/or SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP.
• Performance management experience.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Experience mentoring/coaching professional level HR employees.
• Experience with HRIS (applicant tracking system, learning management system, performance management system, etc.).
• Experience as a generalist in the public sector, to include advising and interpreting civil service rules.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying union contracts.
   
  

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.   
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary range listed includes the legislative approved general wage increase of 3%, effective on July 1, 2024.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. 
• 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 . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• 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 .

 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 occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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 for more information.

 
Check out this video to learn more:

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 via email.
 
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-05424 in the subject line.