Personnel Specialist Jobs
Personnel Specialist jobs are open across federal agencies, defense contractors, healthcare systems, and state governments, from entry-level HR assistant roles to senior specialist and supervisory positions, with specializations in benefits administration, recruitment, and position classification. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Posting: Senior Personnel Specialist
Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters
SENIOR PERSONNEL SPECIALIST
$5,663.00 - $7,097.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 9/16/2026
Job Description and Duties
The Senior Personnel Specialist assumes responsibility for performing a full range of highly technical, difficult, complex and sensitive payroll assignments. Utilizes a high degree of independence and judgment in resolving personnel problems and issues. Acts as an expert staff resource providing consultation in the most sensitive and complex personnel areas. Required to have a thorough and detailed knowledge of and apply State laws, Departmental and Control Agency rules and regulations, and bargaining unit contract provisions.
Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.
This position is eligible for Annual Recruitment and Retention Pay Differential - 240.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Position Details
Department Information
- First floor retail space (separate access from 12th Street)
- Café with multiple vendors
- Outdoor seating for meal breaks
- Employee fitness center which includes a yoga studio, cardio equipment and weights
- Plaza area with kitchenette on each floor
- Lactation rooms
Special Requirements
If you are using list eligibility from an on-line exam to qualify for this position, you MUST include with your application any documentation (i.e., copy of transcript, degree, license, etc.) to verify meeting the MQ’s or you may not be considered for the position.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/16/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications -
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and is a narrative discussion of how the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS” ABOVE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Desirable Qualifications
Benefits
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Alfonso Alejandre
(916) 654-1973
alfonso.alejandre@dds.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Equal Employment Opportunity Office
(916) 654-1888
OHRAS@dds.ca.gov
Additional Information
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.
All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: www.calhr.ca.gov.
If you have not taken the Senior Personnel Specialist exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click here to gain list eligibility.
Remove Any Confidential Information
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
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Find Personnel Specialist JobsPersonnel Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in personnel specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
- Experience administering employee benefits, leave programs, or position classification
- Proficiency with an HR information system or applicant tracking system
- Knowledge of federal or state employment laws including FMLA, ADA, and EEO regulations
- PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent human resources certification preferred or required
- Strong written communication skills for drafting policy documents and employee correspondence
Tips for Your Personnel Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to classification standards
Personnel specialists in federal and state government settings are evaluated against specific occupational series and grade levels. Mirror the exact language from the job announcement in your resume, including series numbers and duty descriptions, to pass automated screening.
Highlight your HR information systems experience
Employers screen for hands-on time in specific HR platforms, not just general computer skills. Name every system you have used for payroll, benefits, or records management in a dedicated skills section so hiring managers can spot your fit immediately.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists personnel specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Obtain a relevant HR certification before applying
Credentials like PHR or SHRM-CP signal foundational competency that hiring panels look for, especially when your experience is still building. Listing a certification in progress is acceptable, provided you note your expected completion date.
Prepare scenario answers for classification disputes
Interviewers for personnel specialist roles routinely ask how you handled a situation where an employee disagreed with their position classification or benefits determination. Prepare a specific example that shows your process for reviewing policy, communicating the decision, and documenting the outcome.
Follow up within five business days after interviews
Government and large-employer hiring panels move slowly, but a brief, professional follow-up email referencing something specific from your interview keeps you visible. Restate your interest and confirm you have submitted all required documents, since missing paperwork is a common disqualifier.
Personnel Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most personnel specialists?
The companies hiring the most personnel specialists right now include Amentum, Akima, and Bowhead, with the largest share of openings in Virginia, District of Columbia, and Alabama, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Federal agencies and large healthcare systems consistently account for a significant portion of active openings.
How many personnel specialist jobs are remote?
About 33% of personnel specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with availability varying by employer type and function. Benefits administration, records management, and recruiting coordination tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while classification review and onboarding roles are more frequently on-site.
How do you become a personnel specialist?
Earn a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, then gain hands-on experience through an HR coordinator, assistant, or generalist role. Building proficiency in an HR information system and earning a credential like the PHR or SHRM-CP strengthens your candidacy. Federal positions also require meeting specific occupational series qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
Can you get hired as a personnel specialist with little experience?
Yes, entry-level personnel specialist roles exist, particularly in federal agencies and large organizations that hire at trainee or developmental grade levels. Internships, HR assistant positions, or volunteer work in benefits or recruiting all count toward qualifying experience. Emphasizing any coursework in employment law, payroll, or organizational behavior helps compensate for limited work history.
What does the personnel specialist interview process look like?
Most hiring processes begin with an application review and automated scoring against job announcement criteria, followed by a structured panel interview with HR managers or subject-matter experts. Expect behavioral questions about handling sensitive employee situations, interpreting policy, and resolving classification or benefits discrepancies. Federal roles may also require a writing sample or knowledge test before a final selection decision.
Where can I find and apply to personnel specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to personnel specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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