Description

Position Summary
The HR Manager serves as the chief human resources administrator for Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, overseeing all aspects of human resource management including recruitment, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and regulatory compliance, while assisting with labor negotiations, and policy development. This position reports to the Assistant Chief of Administration and works closely with the Fire Chief, and all district leadership. The HR Manager ensures effective, equitable, and legally compliant HR practices aligned with Washington State employment law, PERC requirements, and fire service best practices. This position provides strategic human resources leadership supporting engagement of the district's workforce while managing compliance with state and federal employment regulations. 

Compensation, Benefits & Schedule
Below is the 2026 annual base wage scale. Employees are typically hired at step A, B, or C depending on experience and progress through the scale based on the timeframes identified:

$142,310 - $160,170: PS7 Steps A through E annual anniversary progression. Employees may be eligible for educational and other pay incentives; reviewed and approved on an individual basis. 

Public office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New employees are assigned a schedule to support these hours. After their first six months of employment, new employees may be approved to select from various schedule options: five 8-hour workdays, four 10-hour workdays, or a 9/80 schedule (four 9-hour workdays with one 8-hour day and the following week with only four-9 hour days). This is an in the office position, however, remote work can be approved on an infrequent basis (illness, bad weather, etc.). Ultimately, the District can assign schedules to meet the needs of the organization. There may be occasional evening or weekend hours required for Board meetings, hearings, audits, or other district events.

CCFR offers a competitive benefit package including full family medical, dental, and vision insurance options (copay are required for some plans). 

Other benefits include: WA Department of Retirement PERS retirement, vacation leave with longevity acceleration, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, employer paid life and disability insurance, VEBA, deferred compensation matching after 5 years with longevity acceleration, longevity pay after 5 years. 

Hiring Process
The application period closes at 5:00 (PDT) on December 31, 2025. To apply, you must submit an online application located at www.Clarkfr.org, along with the supplemental questions. The following attachments are required and must be uploaded to the associated online application fields: Cover letter (required), Resume (required)

Candidates selected for interviews will be notified by email on January 6, 2026. Candidates unselected to interview will be notified via email the same day. Interviews will be January 15, 2026.
We anticipate a conditional offer of employment will occur by January 20, 2026. The conditions are successful completion of a background investigation, medical evaluation, drug screening, driving abstract/record review and employment references and/or letters of recommendation. CCFR pays all costs associated with these conditions.

*Date(s) subject to change, we will email candidates if change(s) are made. 

Please email Hiring@clarkfr.org with any questions. 

Essential Functions

Administration & Policy Development

       Develop, update, and administer comprehensive HR policies aligned with federal, state, and local employment laws and district strategic goals.

       Ensure HR policies and practices comply with Washington State employment laws, FLSA regulations, and PERC collective bargaining obligations.

       Conduct or facilitate employment-related investigations and disciplinary processes; ensure fair and consistent policy application.

       Manage compliance with Washington State leave laws including Paid Sick Leave, Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), Family Care Act, Domestic Violence Leave, FMLA, and military leave. 

       Maintain comprehensive employee records and documentation per legal retention requirements; ensure confidentiality and data security.

Recruitment & Hiring

       Develop and oversee recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes for all district positions.

       Collaborate with hiring managers and Fire Chief to attract qualified candidates; manage applicant tracking and interview coordination.

       Conduct background investigations and reference checks; ensure compliance with employment screening requirements.

       Develop relationships with educational institutions and professional organizations to expand talent pipeline.

Compensation & Benefits Administration

       Oversee the district's compensation structure and benefits programs, ensuring market competitiveness and financial sustainability.

       Coordinate with Finance Manager on payroll integration; verify accuracy of pay schedules, benefit deductions, and special pay provisions.

       Manage health insurance, retirement plans (LEOFF, PERS, 401-a), deferred compensation, and benefits enrollment.

       Conduct annual market studies and compensation analyses to ensure competitiveness in attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

       Administer workers' compensation program; coordinate return-to-work programs, disability management, and occupational health services.

       Manage leave administration including PFML claims, FMLA certifications, ADA accommodations, and leave verification.

Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining

       Serve as primary HR liaison in collective bargaining negotiations, coordinate with legal counsel, the Admin. Chief, Finance Manager, and Fire Chief on labor strategy.

       Maintain current knowledge of PERC regulations, public sector collective bargaining rights, and unfair labor practice rules.

       Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements; resolve labor grievances and disputes in accordance with contract provisions. 

       Prepare for PERC mediation or arbitration as needed; document all labor relations activities.

Performance Management & Employee Development

       Develop and implement performance management processes including goal setting, reviews, feedback, and career development planning.

       Provide guidance to supervisors on performance improvement plans, disciplinary action, and termination procedures.

       Coordinate employee training, professional development opportunities, and succession planning.

       Promote workplace engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion; serve as EEO program manager.

       Facilitate employee recognition programs, engagement initiatives, and workplace culture development.

Compliance & Legal

       Ensure HR practices comply with Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FCRA, EEOC regulations, and state and local employment law.

       Monitor Washington State employment law changes and implement required policy updates.

       Maintain compliance with PERC rules regarding employee representation and unfair labor practices; post required notices.

       Prepare compliance documentation for audits and regulatory inquiries; coordinate with external legal counsel.

Systems & Technology

       Implement and oversee Human Resources Information System (HRIS); ensure data accuracy and security.

       Maintain personnel files and records per legal requirements.

       Track HR metrics including recruitment, retention, turnover, diversity, and compensation trends.

       Utilize data analytics to track HR metrics including recruitment, retention, turnover, diversity, and compensation trends. 

       Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook); ability to implement and adapt to emerging HR technologies.

Board & Leadership Support

       Attend Board and management meetings; present HR reports, policy recommendations, and strategic initiatives.

       Prepare board agenda items and HR-related documentation.

       Provide HR consultancy to Fire Chief and leadership on personnel matters, policy interpretation, and best practices.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

       Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible HR experience.

       Minimum five (5) years of human resources experience in increasingly responsible roles, including at least three (3) years in a public sector or government HR capacity.

       Demonstrated working knowledge of public sector employment law, and PERC collective bargaining requirements.

       Experience with recruitment, compensation and benefits administration, labor relations, and employee relations in a governmental or public agency setting preferred.

       Valid driver's license allowing legal driving in WA State, and ability to maintain insurability.

       Ability to pass comprehensive background check, medical exam and drug screening.

Knowledge & Skills:

       Comprehensive knowledge of federal employment laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, FCRA, EEOC).

       Working knowledge of Washington State employment laws including Paid Sick Leave, PFML, Family Care Act, Domestic Violence Leave, and prevailing wage requirements.

       In-depth understanding of PERC regulations, collective bargaining rights, unfair labor practice rules, and public sector labor relations. 

       Knowledge of FLSA fire protection exemptions and overtime rules for fire service.

       Proficiency with compensation planning, benefits administration, market analysis, and workforce planning.

       Strong knowledge of employee relations, performance management, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution.

       Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to interpret complex employment law concepts for diverse audiences.

       Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to develop legally compliant solutions.

       Proficiency with HRIS systems, data management, and Microsoft Office applications.

       Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive personnel information.

       Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet critical deadlines.

       Ability to establish professional relationships with employees, managers, union representatives, legal counsel, and regulatory agencies.

Preferred:

       Professional certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CIPHR, or CEBS.

       Direct experience in fire service, EMS, or public safety HR.

       Experience with collective bargaining and labor negotiations.

       Master's degree in Public Administration or Business Administration.

Core Values & Attitudes

The HR Manager must exemplify excellence, integrity, and public service through:

•        Trustworthiness & Ethical Integrity: Adheres to highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct handling confidential personnel information; maintains strict confidentiality and public trust.
•        Accountability & Ownership: Takes personal responsibility for HR outcomes and compliance; proactively identifies issues and proposes solutions with minimal oversight.
•        Collaborative Teamwork: Cultivates positive relationships across organizational levels; works cooperatively to support district mission and employee well-being. 
•        Adaptability & Resilience: Responds constructively to changing employment laws and organizational needs; maintains professionalism under pressure.
•        Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Applies critical thinking to complex HR and labor relations challenges; balances employee needs with organizational objectives.
•        Service Excellence: Demonstrates responsiveness and commitment to exceptional HR service for employees, managers, Board, and public.
•        Continuous Learning: Pursues professional development; stays current with employment law, PERC regulations, and HR best practices.

 Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
 Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting with standard climate control and lighting. Occasional fieldwork or attendance at off-site meetings, conferences, or training events may be required.

Physical Demands: Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment (computer, telephone, copier, etc.) for extended periods. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing. Ability to read printed and electronic documents, analyze data, and prepare reports. Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally. Manual dexterity for keyboarding, data entry, and use of office equipment. 

Equal Employment Opportunity
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue is an equal opportunity employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the ADA. 

This job description outlines primary responsibilities and is not exhaustive. The district reserves the right to modify this position based on operational needs. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Prepared: December 2025 | Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue | Ridgefield, Washington