Posted: Nov 3, 2025
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Human Resources Specialist

City of Bellingham - Bellingham, WA
Part-time
Salary: $36.33 - $36.33 Hourly
Application Deadline: Nov 17, 2025
Other

Are you passionate about supporting people and processes in a collaborative, service-oriented environment?  This 20-hour-per-week, on-site position offers the opportunity to contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and a variety of HR functions that support City of Bellingham employees and departments. Apply today!

JOB SUMMARY:
Performs paraprofessional work in support of the City’s human resources functions. Provides general information and assistance to employees and managers regarding policies, procedures, programs and Civil Service processes. Supports the development and administration of selection and recruitment processes in collaboration with City departments and in consultation with human resources professional staff. Coordinates and tracks the new hire processes and facilitates new employee orientation. Contributes to special projects, provides labor relations and training support, and performs various administrative functions, as assigned.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
This position will start at Step 1 ($36.33/hour). This position is a .5 FTE (20 hours/week). Employees receive step increases in accordance with the E-Team Handbook and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $36.33 - $44.16. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. 

This on-site position in the Human Resources office is scheduled for 20 hours per week, typically spread over 4 to 5 afternoons per week, including Mondays and Fridays.  Some flexibility may be available, and the schedule could vary depending on work assignments.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

  • 13.33 hours (based on 1.0 FTE) of vacation leave per month (will be pro-rated based on assigned FTE)
  • 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
  • 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly (will be pro-rated based on assigned FTE)
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
  • Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
  • Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.


Closing Date/Time: Mon. 11/17/2025 4:30 PM Pacific Time 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:
  1. Provides general information and assistance to City employees about human resources rules, policies, regulations, procedures and processes within knowledge and expertise level.  Clarifies issues and identifies resources to support problem solving, referring matters to the appropriate staff member when necessary.
  2. Develops selection and testing processes using information obtained from job analysis, job announcements, consultation with human resources professional staff and subject matter experts. Researches available testing and evaluation methodologies through professional sources, contacts with other employers and testing services and other research. Develops selection tools including evaluation criteria and scoring standards. Composes correspondence, job announcements and other advertisements. Identifies and procures assistance from volunteer and staff evaluators, providing training and coaching in the assessment/evaluation role. 
  3. Facilitates Civil Service hiring and placement by providing departments with information on Civil Service and City selection policies and appointment procedures. Develops and presents eligibility registers to Civil Service Commission for approval.  Works with assigned Chief Examiner to resolve issues or disputes regarding Civil Service exams and develops appropriate information for Civil Service review and/or decision. Receives and responds to information requests from candidates about testing process and employment related matters.
  4. Coordinates new hire processes and facilitates new employee orientation. Prepares, reviews and processes offer letters and pre-employment materials. Collects new hire information and coordinates, tracks or completes any necessary preemployment paperwork and testing, certification or education checks, criminal history and references. 
  5. Assists departmental staff in administering a variety of functions, such as coordinating and facilitating citywide training; responding to and disseminating salary surveys; and coordination and maintenance of department records. Serves as a note taker for a variety of human resources meetings; composes and drafts reports and documents as assigned.
  6. Assists with special projects such as gathering documents to fulfill requests for information; development of informational/marketing materials; collecting data; and labor relations support.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:
  1. Performs a variety of administrative tasks, as necessary, that support human resources programs such as records management, data entry and file maintenance. 
  2. As needed, may partner with hiring officials and Human Resources Business Partners to review or modify job descriptions in order to design appropriate testing processes.
  3. Performs other related duties of a similar nature or level.

Experience and Training:

There are multiple pathways a candidate can meet the qualifications for the Human Resources Specialist through a combination of education and/or training.

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field and one (1) year of experience in human resources.
OR
  • Associate degree in business, public administration, human resources management, or related field, and three (3) years of experience in human resources.  
  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or SHRM-CP certification may substitute for two (2) years of experience or education.
OR
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skill, and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.
Necessary Special Requirements:
  • Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check (See Fair Hiring Practices).
  • Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire. 

  • This on-site position in the Human Resources office is scheduled for 20 hours per week, typically spread over 4 to 5 afternoons per week, including Mondays and Fridays.  Some flexibility may be available, and the schedule could vary depending on work assignments.

Selection Process:

For more information about the selection process and to apply online, please visit our website! 

Equal Opportunity:

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.