Operations Technician Jobs in California
Operations Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in advanced manufacturing, utilities, semiconductor fabrication, and life sciences across the Los Angeles Basin, San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento region. Major employers with deep California roots, including Chevron, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Intel, maintain large operations technician workforces and hire across experience levels from entry-level associates to senior process technicians. The most in-demand specialties are process operations, facilities systems, and automated equipment maintenance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Position
HRM is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Human Resources Operations Technician (ELDE) who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and equitable services. This role combines hands-on HRIS data entry and employee record maintenance with technical HR support, offering an opportunity to contribute to daily operations and long-term process improvements. In partnership with the Finance Department’s Payroll team and HR staff, the Human Resources Operations Technician will maintain and update employee HR records and data in City systems to support accurate and timely personnel actions, payroll processing, onboarding, and offboarding. The position will also develop and refine procedures, create user documentation, and implement solutions that enhance service delivery across the organization. This is an at-will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules (per Charter Section 902f). Exempt Limited Duration positions may not exceed a period of one year.
Why join the City of Oakland's Human Resources Management Department?
We are looking for someone who is:
- Focused on accuracy and detail. You carefully review your work, identify discrepancies, and ensure information is accurate, complete, and reliable.
- Customer service oriented. You assist employees and department staff with patience, professionalism, and a proactive approach that fosters trust and collaboration.
- A strong relationship builder with excellent communication skills. You communicate clearly, listen actively, and build productive relationships across teams.
- Organized and detail-oriented. You manage multiple tasks and deadlines accurately and efficiently.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively. You contribute effectively to team projects while exercising sound judgment when working alone.
- Dependable and results-driven. You remain focused and dependable under pressure while delivering high-quality outcomes that support citywide payroll and HR operations.
- A strong critical thinker and decision-maker. You analyze complex issues and determine the best course of action promptly.
What you will typically be responsible for:
- Processing a variety of HR transactions to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
- Entering master data into the City’s Human Resources Management System (HRMS), Oracle R12.
- Assisting with revising and improving technical HR processes and procedures.
- Training HR staff and departmental users on NeoGov and onboarding/offboarding procedures.
- Entering, reviewing, auditing, and maintaining payroll/HR data with a high degree of accuracy.
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Working for the City of Oakland
A few reasons you might love this job:
- You will directly support City of Oakland employees by helping reduce time to hire and improve onboarding processes, strengthening the City’s ability to deliver essential public services.
- You will gain experience in a complex, full-service municipal environment while developing technical, analytical, and customer service skills that support long-term career growth in public service.
- You will join a collaborative, supportive team within a department committed to equity, inclusion, and becoming an employer of choice, with opportunities for growth and advancement in Payroll and HR.
A few challenges you might face in this job:
- You will perform a high volume of detailed, routine HRIS transactions and employee record updates. The work can be repetitive and requires sustained focus, consistency, and accuracy, even when handling similar transactions throughout the day.
- You will manage multiple time-sensitive transactions and deadlines while maintaining accurate employee records and ensuring that personnel actions are processed correctly and timely.
- You will troubleshoot system limitations, resolve discrepancies, and research incomplete or conflicting information. Success in this role requires patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to getting the details right because even small data-entry errors can affect employees and downstream HR processes.
Competencies Required:
- Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
- Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
- Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
- Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
- Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
- Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
- Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
- Mathematical Facility: Performing computations and solving mathematical problems
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
- Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
Minimum Requirements for Application
Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience providing technical, clerical, or administrative support in human resources, employee benefits, and/or payroll. The qualifying experience must have included performing data entry, maintaining electronic records, and operating an automated Human Resources Information System (HRIS). Experience working in a public sector agency is highly desirable.
License or Certificate / Other Requirements:
Incumbents in this classification may be required to travel to various locations to perform assigned duties and must be able to do so in a timely and reliable manner. A valid California driver’s license is required only when operating a vehicle is an essential function of the position.
Supplemental Information
This is an at-will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules, per Charter Section 902f. All applications received will be forwarded to HRM for further consideration.
Meeting the minimum qualification requirements may not result in further consideration, only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Exempt Limited Duration Employee (ELDE): This is an at-will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules (per Charter Section 902f). Exempt Limited Duration positions may not exceed a period of one year.
What’s in it for you?
- Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks
- 15 paid holidays
- Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
- Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
- Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
- Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
- Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
- Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.
- Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Ellaine Reyes at EReyes2@oaklandca.gov.
- CalPERS Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Medical Waiver Plan – Cash-In-Lieu
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Commuter Benefits
- Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
- Pension Benefits
- Deferred Compensation
- Specific benefits may vary depending on the assigned specific bargaining unit.
See All 78 Operations Technician Jobs in California
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Find Operations Technician JobsOperations Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations technician jobs across California.
- High school diploma or associate degree in a technical, industrial, or applied science field
- Hands-on experience operating or maintaining industrial equipment, utility systems, or manufacturing lines
- Familiarity with California Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety standards and hazard communication
- Ability to read technical schematics, process flow diagrams, and standard operating procedures
- Experience with computerized maintenance management systems or distributed control systems
- Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical, electrical, or process control failures in a production environment
Operations Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations technician in California?
The most direct path is completing an associate degree or certificate program in industrial technology, process technology, or a related field at a California community college, then applying to entry-level openings at manufacturers or utilities. California does not require a single statewide license for most operations technician roles, but specific industries add requirements: power generation roles may require a California stationary engineer license issued by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and roles handling hazardous materials often require HAZWOPER certification.
Which companies hire operations technicians in California?
Companies currently hiring operations technicians in California include Amazon, Tesla, and Anaergia, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of semiconductor plants, petroleum refineries, and large utility providers means demand is steady across a wide range of employer sizes and industry segments.
Which California cities have the most operations technician jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Fremont have the most operations technician openings in California. The distribution reflects California's industrial geography: the Los Angeles Basin anchors refining and aerospace manufacturing, the Bay Area concentrates semiconductor and biotech facilities, and the Sacramento and Central Valley corridors host utilities and food processing operations that sustain consistent hiring.
Are there remote operations technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Operations technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical presence to monitor equipment, respond to alarms, and perform mechanical tasks on-site. About 0% of operations technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those listings tend to cover scheduling, data analysis, or technical coordination duties rather than direct equipment operation.
How can I get hired as a operations technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is enrolling in a process technology or industrial maintenance certificate program at a California community college, such as those offered through the California Community Colleges system, then targeting operator trainee or technician apprentice postings at utilities and manufacturers. Large California employers including refineries and semiconductor fabs run structured new-hire training programs that accept candidates without direct experience. Candidates moving laterally from warehouse technician, production associate, or maintenance helper roles also transition successfully.
Where can I find and apply to operations technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to operations technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 78 Operations Technician Jobs in California
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