Human Resources Specialist I/II

Job Description:

Human Resources Specialist I/II

Description

Description/Special Instructions

The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST I/II

Human Resources Specialist I: $60,451 - $81,024 annually

Human Resources Specialist II: $66,798 - $89,529 annually

The City of Elk Grove is seeking a Human Resources Specialist to join our Human Resources Department. Acting as a generalist, this position’s primary focus is to provide full-cycle Recruitment & Selection services in support of the Police Department and other City departments as needed.

The ideal candidate is a motivated HR professional with hands-on recruitment experience, preferably in a public sector environment, who can confidently manage multiple recruitments. Familiarity with the NeoGov applicant tracking system is highly valued.

In addition to recruitment expertise, the ideal candidate brings a foundational understanding of broader HR functions such as benefits, leaves, worker’s compensation and payroll, allowing them to support the team as operational needs evolve.

A strong work ethic, data-driven approach to problem solving, and an innate desire to provide quality customer service are essential to success in this role. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to balance competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and timeliness in their work.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline: (subject to change)

Filing Deadlin e: February 24 , 2026, at 11:59 pm
Oral Board Interviews: March 4, 2026 (Virtual)
Selection Interviews: Week of March 9, 2026 (In Person)

The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more.
Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Proud Heritage. Bright Future.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 182,842 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Representative Duties

DEFINITION

Under direct (Human Resources Specialist I) or general (Human Resources Specialist II) supervision, performs a variety of administrative, technical and specialized duties in support of City human resources programs and functions, including recruitment and selection, employee onboarding and orientation, salary, benefits, and leaves administration, employee training and development , and employee engagement and recognition; maintains City personnel files, records, and databases; prepares and distributes a variety of documents and correspondence; provides technical support and assistance to City staff, applicants, and the community; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct (Human Resources Specialist I) or general (Human Resources Specialist II) supervision from assigned management or supervisor personnel . Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Human Resources Specialist I : This is the entry level classification in the Human Resources Specialist series . Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine paraprofessional duties in support of human resources programs, functions, and professional staff. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult. Close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Human Resources Specialist II : This is the journey level classification in the Human Resources Specialist series . Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Human Resources Specialist class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the next lower level upon management approval, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class , subject to budgetary funds.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed /e xercised in a learning capacity for entry-level (I -level ) positions.

• Performs a variety of administrative, technical and specialized duties in support of City human resources programs and functions, including recruitment and selection, employee onboarding and orientation, salary, benefits, and leaves administration, and employee engagement and recognition.
  
• Administers job-related recruitment and selection procedures, including but not limited to completing personnel requisitions, exam planning and scheduling, creating job postings, reviewing applications, scheduling and directing interviews, and conducting background checks; negotiates job offers; ensures that assigned phases of recruitment and selection comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines.
  
• Conducts new employee orientation sessions; coordinates new hire introductions to City Council; processes benefit enrollment and forms; explains City human resources policies and procedures; provides information on benefit plans and enrollment requirements.
  
• Administers and tracks activities related to Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) , California Family Rights, Industrial/Non-Industrial Disability, Military, and other leaves of absence; provides information and guidance to employees and management on leave policies and procedures ; coordinates supplemental benefits and return to work with employees , managers, and third-party providers.
  
• Assists with workers' compensation claim processing; reviews claims and provides assistance to employees related to claim and other supplemental income programs; coordinates with payroll to ensure employee leave is accurately reflected within the payroll system; maintains related records and communicates and coordinates with third-party administrators, employees, and supervisors and management regarding claims activities.
  
• Participates in the interactive process related to reasonable accommodations; assists the Human Resources Director by coordinating meetings, preparing necessary information/documentation, serving as a point of contact for employees, and ensuring activities comply with all related rules, regulations, and processes .
  
• Enters and update s employee information in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) database; maintains and trouble-shoots the database.
  
• Coordinates bi-weekly payroll processing; creates Payroll Change Notifications (PCNs) and summary list of payroll changes; runs various payroll administration reports; processes changes; reviews forms for accuracy; researches and resolves discrepancies.
  
• Oversees , monitors , and tracks employee performance evaluations; maintains current employee/supervisor data within the performance management system; sends reminders to employees and supervisors for upcoming and/or overdue evaluations ; receives, reviews, and logs completed evaluations ; and troubleshoots issues within the online portal.
  
• Composes, types, edits, and proofreads a variety of human resources documents, including forms, memos, correspondence for department management and staff, and administrative, statistical, financial, and staff reports; inputs and retrieves data; checks draft documents for punctuation, spelling, and grammar; makes or suggests corrections.
  
• Researches, summarizes, and interprets data from various sources and prepares reports according to established procedures and practices.
  
• Participates in the planning, organiz ation , and coordination of various human resources related events such as the City’s annual open enrollment, award ceremonies, trainings, wellness and related events.
  
• Verifies and reviews forms and reports for completeness and conformance with established regulations and procedures; applies departmental and City policies and procedures in determining completeness of applications, records, and files.
  
• Provides customer service to employees, applicants, retirees, vendors, and the general community; answers a variety of questions regarding human resources procedures, policies, and regulations.
  
• Responds to employment verification, salary and benefit surveys, and other requests for information.
  
• Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, spreadsheets, files, and records, verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information; ensures compliance with established records retention schedules including archiving, scanning, and destructing files.
  

• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
  
• Principles, practices, and techniques of public sector human resources administration, including recruitment, testing and selection, salary and benefits analysis, leaves administration, and employee engagement and recognition.
  
• Recruitment and selection methods and processes including creating and posting jobs, screening applications, and scheduling tests and interview/selection panels.
  
• Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
  
• Principles and practices of research, data collection, and report preparation.
  
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
  
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
  
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
  
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
  
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  

• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
  

Ability to:

• Perform diverse recruitment and selection , employee onboarding and orientation, salary, benefits, and leaves administration, and employee engagement and recognition duties and ensure compliance with mandated regulations.
  
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
  
• Conduct basic research, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and make recommendations.
  
• Review human resources documents for completeness and accuracy.
  
• Set up and maintain a variety of files and records including accurate and complete employee records.
  
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personal information of applicants, employees, former employees, and other matters affecting employee relations.
  
• Analyze jobs and salaries and prepare recommendations.
  
• Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions.
  
• Make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately.
  
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
  
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
  
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax .
  

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy , procedural, and legal guidelines.
  
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
  

• Establish, maintain , and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  

Education and Experience:

• Human Resources Specialist I/II: Completion of the twelfth (12 th ) grade supplemented by college level coursework in human resources, business or public administration, or a directly related f ield.
  

• Human Resources Specialist II : Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience providing paraprofessional support to human resources programs and systems equivalent to the City’s Human Resources Specialist I classification .
  

Licenses and Certifications:

• None.
  

Retired Annuitants:

This is a regular full-time position. Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229. Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement.

Employment Sponsorship:

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment-based visa sponsorshi p.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer ; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone . Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required . Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment . Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information . Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 1 5 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.



Closing Date/Time: 2/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$60,451.00 - $89,529.00 Annually