Have you considered building your career at one of Southwest Washington’s premier employers?

At the Port of Vancouver USA, you’ll be part of the dynamic team that makes us a vital link in global trade. As an economic engine, our work supports 20,000 local jobs. As a convenient hub of marine, rail, and highway transportation, we’ve been successfully moving cargo for more than a century. Our Terminal 1 redevelopment is helping transform Vancouver’s waterfront.

There’s a reason the Port of Vancouver USA has been one of the most storied employers for 113 years and counting. Beyond offering a meaningful career and competitive salaries, the port provides unmatched benefits and work-life balance. We offer generous PTO, the potential for flexible work hours, comprehensive health insurance, an HRA to help with health-related expenses, retirement, life insurance, disability, savings plans, and more. We value teamwork, creativity, and customer service – and we center our organization on being a rewarding and supportive place to work.

If you are interested in this position, please click the Apply button.

Job Summary:

The HR Generalist is an exempt position that administers and supports a variety of human resources programs and services, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, leave administration, training, compliance, and employee communications. The position works closely with the Director of Human Resources and other members of the HR team to support department goals, provide responsive service to employees and managers, and promote consistent, compliant, and high-quality HR practices across the organization.

The HR Generalist is expected to handle routine and moderately complex employee relations matters with limited direction, exercise independent judgment when situations arise, identify appropriate options or recommendations, and escalate higher-risk, highly sensitive, precedent-setting, legal, labor relations, or disciplinary matters to the Director of Human Resources as appropriate.

Essential Responsibilities:

Essential responsibilities for the HR Generalist may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Serves as a primary HR contact for employees and supervisors regarding HR programs, policies, procedures, and employment-related matters.
Interprets and applies human resources policies, procedures, employment laws, and collective bargaining agreements, providing guidance to employees and supervisors while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
Independently addresses routine employee relations matters and workplace concerns; may conduct routine investigations and assist with complex or sensitive investigations.
Coordinates recruitment and selection activities, including job postings, applicant screening, interviews, onboarding, and employee transitions.
Develops, delivers, and/or coordinates employee orientation programs, training sessions, presentations, and educational resources related to human resources programs, policies, and compliance requirements.
Administers employee benefit programs and assists employees and supervisors with related processes and requirements.
May reconcile benefit invoices and work with accounts payable for payment.
Coordinates and administers employee leave programs, including protected and statutory leaves, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.

Supports workers’ compensation and injury-related documentation, coordination, and follow-up as assigned.

Assists in the development, coordination, and administration of employee engagement, recognition, wellness, and workplace culture initiatives designed to support employee satisfaction, retention, and organizational effectiveness.
Plans and/or attends company events and employee engagement activities that enhance workplace culture and the employee experience.
Assists with the implementation, administration, and maintenance of the Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and related processes.

Maintains employee-related databases, HRIS records, personnel files, and other HR records with accuracy and confidentiality, in accordance with applicable records requirements. Supports electronic personnel file migration, including organizing, auditing, and digitizing employee records.
Tracks employee training and certification records through appropriate databases or systems.

Assists with performance management processes and tracking.
Works with HR team to identify opportunities to improve HR processes, systems, and service delivery.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, organizational policies, and reporting requirements; assists with policy updates.
May assist with compensation administration, market studies, position reviews, and HR-related data analysis.
May support labor relations activities, including contract administration as needed.
Participates in HR projects, organizational initiatives, and cross-functional teams.
Assists the Director of Human Resources in advancing departmental goals, organizational development strategies, HR process improvements, and department initiatives.
Actively supports the Port’s mission and vision and demonstrates values consistently.
Works effectively as a team player with all Port employees.
Performs other duties as assigned.

The duties above are illustrative and not an exhaustive list. Additional responsibilities may be assigned, and duties may change as organizational needs evolve.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational development, personnel psychology, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to competently perform the job.

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including experience in recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations, HR records, compliance support, and HR systems. Demonstrated knowledge of human resources principles and practices as well as federal and state employment laws and regulations. Public sector experience preferred. Experience with union environments a plus.

License/Certification:

HRCI or SHRM certification preferred.
Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card) upon hire.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Communication Skills: Able to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively in writing and verbally with employees, managers, applicants, vendors, and other stakeholders. Able to explain HR information, policies, and processes in a clear and helpful manner while maintaining confidentiality and sound judgment. Confident in delivering training and presentations to individuals and groups. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to respectfully facilitate productive discussions and foster positive working relationships with diplomacy and tact.

Organizational Skills: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Analytical Skills: Able to gather, review, organize, and interpret data from appropriate sources; identify relevant factors; maintain accurate records; and develop practical, results-oriented recommendations.

Problem Solving Skills: Able to identify issues, apply established procedures, evaluate options, remain objective when gathering information, recommend appropriate actions, and escalate matters appropriately when needed.

Computer Skills: Advanced computer skills with an emphasis on Microsoft Office applications. Ability to use, maintain, and learn HRIS and HR-related systems.

Physical Requirements/Environment:

Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods, such as sitting or standing.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via digital tools.
Ability to operate or otherwise use computer systems, software, and standard office technologies to complete essential job tasks.
Ability to move around the office, between buildings, or throughout port locations to access files, attend meetings, interact with staff, etc.
Ability to review and interpret information in written and digital formats.
Ability to sort, organize, scan, file and prepare physical documents for processing or records retention.
Ability to occasionally move or reposition items weighing up to 25 lbs.
Ability to drive on an as-needed basis.
Work is primarily performed in an office environment but may occasionally occur at various outdoor locations where adverse weather conditions, uneven ground, exposure to moving machinery and moderate to loud noise is common.

The requirements described above are representative of the physical and mental capabilities that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you have any questions, please submit them to jobs@portvanusa.com.

The posting will remain open until August 20, 2026.

The Port of Vancouver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Port of Vancouver complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

Salary Range: $80,935 - $119,578 annually

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site