Description
Join Our Dynamic HR Team: We’re Looking for a Talented Team Leader
Are you a strategic HR leader who thrives at the intersection of people, policy, and public service? Kootenai County is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to lead countywide HR operations and help shape a high-performing, compliant, and service-oriented workforce that supports our community.
This is a perfect leadership role for a collaborative, confident professional ready to partner with County leadership, Elected Officials, and department heads to deliver modern, effective human resources programs.
**This position is on site at our Coeur d’ Alene, ID location and is not eligible for remote work**
Why You’ll Love This Opportunity:
Competitive Pay: $106,953.60 - $127,088.00 annual, depending on experience.
Amazing Benefits: Enjoy an exceptional benefits package including health care for eligible employees and their dependents at our free medical clinic offering primary care, select medications and select lab services.
Generous Paid Time Off: Full-time employees earn up to 8 hours of vacation each month, with increases based on years of service—because we believe in giving you the time to recharge!
Retirement: The County provides a robust retirement plan through the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI), helping you plan for your future.
Student Loan Forgiveness: As a public employer our employees may qualify for the federal Public Student Loan Forgiveness program.
We’re looking for a candidate with:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Management, or a related field
- Five (5) or more years of experience managing an HR department
- Strong working knowledge of employment law, benefits administration, compensation, employee relations, and compliance
- Proven ability to lead teams, resolve conflict, and handle sensitive matters with discretion
- Public sector experience (preferred but not required).
- A PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or PSHRA certification (preferred but not required).
- A solid understanding of federal and state employment practices.
- The ability to always maintain confidentiality.
What You’ll Do:
As Human Resources Director, you will direct all functions of the County’s HR Department, providing both strategic vision and hands-on leadership. You will lead the department by handling a wide range of responsibilities including:
- Providing strategic leadership for all countywide HR functions, policies, and practices.
- Overseeing HR operations, including budgets for health insurance, risk management, and compliance.
- Building strong collaborative relationships with officials, department heads, employees, and external partners.
- Managing job classification, compensation structures, and pay practices.
- Administering benefits, wellness programs, and cost-effective plan negotiations.
- Serving as the county ADA Coordinator, overseeing accommodations, training, and accessibility initiatives.
- Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; advising leadership on HR and legal matters.
- Leading recruitment, hiring, onboarding, succession planning, and staffing strategies.
- Advising on employee relations, investigations, discipline, and terminations.
- Directing risk management, safety programs, insurance, and claims administration.
- Managing leaves, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and workplace compliance programs.
- Analyzing workforce and claims data to implement proactive HR solutions.
- Developing and delivering leadership development and HR training programs.
- Overseeing performance evaluations, EEO compliance, and accurate personnel recordkeeping.
- Take a closer look at the full job description to see if this role is the right fit for you
This role works closely with the Board of County Commissioners, Elected Officials, department leaders, legal counsel, and external partners to ensure consistent, fair, and legally sound HR practices.
Life in Beautiful Kootenai County:
Nestled in the stunning north of Idaho, Kootenai County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From breathtaking mountains to pristine lakes, our area offers the perfect balance of work and play. With a thriving community of approximately 180,000 residents, you’ll enjoy a low-crime, peaceful atmosphere. Our County Seat in Coeur d'Alene is known for its picturesque lakeside views and vibrant lifestyle.
Ready to Apply?
Visit our online application page Kootenai County Employment Opportunities to submit your application, cover letter and resume by 5:00 PM PST February 6, 2026.
We encourage early applications, as the position may close before February 6, 2026, if a successful candidate is selected.
Candidates for employment must successfully complete the County's pre-employment and drug screening. As a public entity, human resource employees pass a national fingerprint clearance background check.
Questions? Reach out to our Human Resources team at (208) 446-1640 or email kcrecruit@kcgov.us.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets Preference/Drug-Free Workplace
