Human Resources Director

Kitsap Transit, headquartered in Bremerton, Washington, offers an exceptional opportunity for a human resources leader seeking to make a meaningful impact in a stable, well-run public transit agency. Staff tenure averages more than 14 years, and the Executive Director brings approximately 39 years of service, reflecting the agency’s longstanding commitment to continuity, collaboration, and organizational health. The region offers affordable, high-quality living in a spectacular water and mountain setting.

Bremerton’s vibrant arts district, waterfront parks, museums, and growing downtown make the community an attractive place to live and work. One of Bremerton’s most significant advantages is its direct connection to downtown Seattle. The Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry provides a 30-minute passenger-only ferry ride between Bremerton and Seattle, offering a quick, scenic, and highly convenient commute.

Kitsap Transit provides public transportation across a diverse multi-modal system that includes routed buses, passenger-only ferries, ACCESS paratransit service, vanpools, Worker/Driver buses, and demand-responsive services. The agency transports more than 3.3 million riders annually and operates with a budget of approximately $98 million and 583 FTEs. The agency maintains three labor groups and five collective bargaining agreements.

The Human Resources Department consists of 14 FTEs who are committed to supporting a positive work environment, advancing employee development, and ensuring workplace safety. The current Human Resources Director has established a strong foundation of stability, professionalism, and trust across the agency. The next Director will inherit a well-functioning department with experienced staff and will have the opportunity to elevate HR operations, modernize systems, and strengthen safety and security programs.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Human Resources Director oversees a wide range of human resources and risk management functions and serves as a key member of the executive leadership team. The Director also oversees all agency safety, security, and training responsibilities and serves as Kitsap Transit’s designated Safety Officer, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and industry standards.

• Subsidized medical insurance for employees and dependents.
• Fully paid vision and dental insurance.
• Fully paid disability and life insurance.
• Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
• State administered deferred compensation plan.
• 33.5 days of general leave per year.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• Free transportation pass for dependents, including ferry service.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in human resource management, industrial relations, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field, and five (5) years of increasingly responsible public sector human resources experience, including three (3) years of program management and supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Experience in public sector HR, labor relations, safety oversight, training, risk management, and organizational development is highly desirable.

Kitsap Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by August 30, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)