Human Resources Manager

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general direction, performs complex, professional, and analytical work across a range of human resources functions, including labor relations, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits administration, training, risk management, and workers’ compensation; leads and coordinates Citywide personnel-related initiatives; and provides high-level staff support to the City Manager.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management-level classification responsible for leading and coordinating the City’s human resources programs. The position requires advanced professional expertise and independent judgment in areas such as recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, benefits administration, risk management, and workers’ compensation. The role is focused on achieving City and departmental objectives. This role provides high-level professional support to the City Manager and plays a critical role in ensuring Citywide human resources compliance, consistency, and effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

• Plans, directs, and oversees all Human Resources and Risk Management programs, including recruitment, labor and employee relations, benefits administration, classification and compensation, workers’ compensation, and workplace investigations.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff; assigns work and establishes goals to ensure efficient service delivery and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Prepares and administers the department budget; monitors expenditures and ensures alignment with fiscal policies.
• Coordinates citywide recruitment and selection processes, ensuring compliance with employment laws and best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Administers employee benefits programs and serves as liaison between employees and vendors on health, retirement, and other benefit plans.
• Manages the City’s classification and compensation system, including job description updates, salary studies, and market analysis.
• Oversees leave administration programs (e.g., FMLA, CFRA, ADA, PDL) and ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Directs risk management functions, including oversight of workers’ compensation, claims investigations, liability assessments, ADA accommodations, and Fit for Duty evaluations.
• Conducts or oversees personnel investigations and advises departments on employee relations, disciplinary matters, and grievance procedures.
• Leads or supports labor negotiations; develops strategies, interprets agreements, and advises management on labor-related issues.
• Administers consultant and vendor contracts, including drafting RFPs, evaluating proposals, and monitoring service delivery.
• Develops and delivers training programs to support staff development and regulatory compliance.
• Maintains accurate HRIS and personnel records in accordance with confidentiality and retention standards.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and policy recommendations; responds to complex inquiries and represents the department at Council and interdepartmental meetings.

These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public sector human resources, including recruitment,  classification, compensation, benefits, labor relations, performance management, and risk management.
• Federal and state employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, CFRA, ADA, FEHA, Cal/OSHA) and their application in a municipal setting.
• Labor negotiations, contract administration, grievance handling, and disciplinary procedures.
• Risk management strategies, including claims handling, liability assessment, and workers’ compensation.
• Public administration, organizational development, budget preparation, and fiscal oversight.
• Modern HR technology systems, including HRIS, applicant tracking, and common business software.
• Supervision principles, staff development techniques, and performance evaluation methods.
• Effective communication, conflict resolution, and customer service practices.

Ability to:

• Plan, manage, and coordinate complex human resources and risk management functions.
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, contracts, and policies consistently and effectively.
• Analyze issues, evaluate options, and implement solutions aligned with organizational goals.
• Exercise discretion, sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters.
• Lead and develop staff; foster collaboration and accountability.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets and reports.
• Build positive working relationships across departments and with outside stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and adaptability in a public service role.
• Demonstrate flexibility and initiative, including the ability to work extended hours as needed.

EDUCATION/ TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Personnel or Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field.

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING:

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public sector human resources administration, covering key functional areas such as recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, performance management, training and development, risk management, and benefits administration.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid Class C California Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record is required.

Certifications & Associations in one or more of following is desirable:

• ARM - Associate in Risk Management
• ARM-P - Associate in Risk Management for Public Entities
• CalPELRA - California Public Employer Labor Relations Association
• CLRP - Certified Labor Relations Professional
• CRMP - Certified Risk Management Professional
• HRCI - Society Human Resource Management Certification
• IPMA-CP – International Public Management Association Certified Professional
• IPMA-HR - International Public Management Association for Human Resources
• IPMA - SCP - International Public Management Association Senior Certified Professional
• PHR - Professional in Human Resources
• PHRca - Professional in Human Resources – California
• RIMS – Risk and Insurance Management Society
• SPHR - Senior Professional in Human Resources

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with occasional travel to offsite locations. Duties require prolonged or intermittent periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, and twisting at the waist. The position involves frequent use of a computer, requiring hand and finger dexterity, wrist movement, and tolerance to screen glare, vibration, and varying pitch.

Depending on the assignment, the position may require kneeling, pulling, and carrying materials. Must be able to safely lift and carry files, books, and reports weighing up to 25 pounds, and retrieve items from low and high storage areas such as file drawers or countertops.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data; thoroughly analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; establish priorities and work on multiple assignments and projects concurrently; and interact appropriately City staff, contractors, vendors, general public, and others in the course of work.