Human Resources

Interim Director of Human Resources

Julie Underwood is the Deputy City Manager of Operations and functions as the chief operating officer. Julie has 25 years of local government management experience, serving previously as City Manager for the City of Mercer Island, Assistant City Manager of Daly City, California, and City Manager for the City of Shoreline. Prior to becoming Deputy City Manager for the City of Kirkland, Julie served Kirkland as Director of Public Works. Julie holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and Politics from George Mason University.

City of Kirkland Core Values Video

Mission
To build, develop and retain a high performing 21st Century workforce whose work advances the mission, vision and values of the City of Kirkland

Department Functions
Human Resources is responsible for the successful design and implementation of the following functions: recruitment, training, employee relations, labor relations, compensation, benefit administration, risk management, workers compensation and performance management.

The Human Resources Department staffs and supports the following Boards and Commissions: 

Civil Service: Police Officers and Firefighters are hired and promoted under the authority of the Civil Service Commission. The Commission ensures that these Public Safety employees are hired and promoted on the basis of merit.  The Commission can also discipline and terminate for cause.

Disability Board (LEOFF 1): The Kirkland Disability Board represents LEOFF I (Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters, plan I) members in developing, amending, and updating the policies and procedures relating to LEOFF I members. The Board also reviews, approves or denies payment of medical expenses, requests for pre-authorization of medical expenditures, disability leaves, and applications for retirement.

Salary Commission: As authorized by RCW 35.21.015, in 2005 the City of Kirkland established a Salary Commission to set the salaries of the Mayor and City Council Members. The Salary Commission is made up of three citizens who are appointed for staggered terms by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.

The Human Resources Department is responsible for the negotiations, administration, and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with all the City's unions. 

View CBAs