Personnel Specialist Jobs in California
Personnel Specialist jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego, where the state government, defense contractors, and large healthcare systems generate consistent demand for HR professionals who handle classification, compensation, and employee relations. Major employers with a lasting California footprint include the California Department of Human Resources, Northrop Grumman, and Kaiser Permanente, each running sizable HR operations at multiple locations. The most sought-after specialties are classification and pay analysis, labor relations, and HR information systems administration. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Job Posting: TRANSACTIONS SPECIALIST
California Civil Rights Department
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: 8/14/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of the Payroll & Benefits Manager, Supervisor I, the Limited Term Senior Personnel Specialist will perform a variety of complex administrative tasks. All work is to be completed in accordance with security regulations and directives in dealing with confidential and sensitive material, civil service laws, and rules utilizing the California Code of Regulations, Personnel Management Policy and Procedures Manual (PMLs), CalHR Pay Letters, and CalHR (SPB) Pinkies, the Selection Manual, and Federal Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection. Typical tasks include leading, organizing, planning, and assisting staff in the general operations of the Civil Rights Department’s Human Resources Branch (HRB).
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position is eligible for hybrid telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Requires daily use of a personal computer and related software applications at a workstation
- Requires ability to complete tasks that typically may require repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties, with or without reasonable accommodations and modifications to facilitate such tasks
- Requires prolonged use of a workstation for 6.5 to 7 hours per day
- Requires dependability and excellent attendance records
Position Details
Department Information
CRD is the largest state civil rights enforcement agency in the country. It enforces the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Unruh Civil Rights Act, Disabled Person Act, Ralph Civil Rights Act and the California Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The Department has jurisdiction over both private and public entities operating within the State of California, including corporate entities, private sector companies that contract with the State of California, and all State department and Local governments.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.
Special Requirements
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: 8/14/2026Who 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.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in working in a Human Resources environment performing payroll related transactions
- Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with staff at all levels
- Ability to reason in logical manner and resolve issues
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and multi-task workload, as well as work under pressure to meet various deadlines
- Experience in the California Leave Accounting System
- Experience in processing benefit forms
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to operate Microsoft programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook and SharePoint
Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:
- Pension through CALPERS
- Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Medical benefits into retirement
- Deferred Compensation options: 401k and 457b
- Leave benefit options (Vacation/Sick or Annual Leave)
- Paid Holidays
- Life Insurance
- ScholarShare (College Saving Account)
- School Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Alacielle Morales
(916) 220-2025
monique.morales@calcivilrights.ca.gov
Alyssa Ramos
(916) 957-0353
Alyssa.Ramos@calcivilrights.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:EEO OFFICER
(213) 723-6024
brenda.valle-balderrama@calcivilrights.ca.gov
Additional Application Instructions
Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678:
- "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Job duties performed
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).
Personally Identifiable Information: Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.
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.
Job Posting: TRANSACTIONS SPECIALIST
California Civil Rights Department
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: 8/14/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of the Payroll & Benefits Manager, Supervisor I, the Limited Term Senior Personnel Specialist will perform a variety of complex administrative tasks. All work is to be completed in accordance with security regulations and directives in dealing with confidential and sensitive material, civil service laws, and rules utilizing the California Code of Regulations, Personnel Management Policy and Procedures Manual (PMLs), CalHR Pay Letters, and CalHR (SPB) Pinkies, the Selection Manual, and Federal Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection. Typical tasks include leading, organizing, planning, and assisting staff in the general operations of the Civil Rights Department’s Human Resources Branch (HRB).
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position is eligible for hybrid telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Requires daily use of a personal computer and related software applications at a workstation
- Requires ability to complete tasks that typically may require repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties, with or without reasonable accommodations and modifications to facilitate such tasks
- Requires prolonged use of a workstation for 6.5 to 7 hours per day
- Requires dependability and excellent attendance records
Position Details
Department Information
CRD is the largest state civil rights enforcement agency in the country. It enforces the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Unruh Civil Rights Act, Disabled Person Act, Ralph Civil Rights Act and the California Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The Department has jurisdiction over both private and public entities operating within the State of California, including corporate entities, private sector companies that contract with the State of California, and all State department and Local governments.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.
Special Requirements
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: 8/14/2026Who 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.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in working in a Human Resources environment performing payroll related transactions
- Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with staff at all levels
- Ability to reason in logical manner and resolve issues
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and multi-task workload, as well as work under pressure to meet various deadlines
- Experience in the California Leave Accounting System
- Experience in processing benefit forms
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to operate Microsoft programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook and SharePoint
Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! We offer competitive pay, advancement opportunities, upward mobility, work-life-balance, and for many positions, flexible hours and remote work options. The State of California offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility, such as:
- Pension through CALPERS
- Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Medical benefits into retirement
- Deferred Compensation options: 401k and 457b
- Leave benefit options (Vacation/Sick or Annual Leave)
- Paid Holidays
- Life Insurance
- ScholarShare (College Saving Account)
- School Loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Alacielle Morales
(916) 220-2025
monique.morales@calcivilrights.ca.gov
Alyssa Ramos
(916) 957-0353
Alyssa.Ramos@calcivilrights.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:EEO OFFICER
(213) 723-6024
brenda.valle-balderrama@calcivilrights.ca.gov
Additional Application Instructions
Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678:
- "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Job duties performed
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).
Personally Identifiable Information: Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.
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.
See All 15 Personnel Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Personnel Specialist JobsPersonnel Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Personnel Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in personnel specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, public administration, or a closely related field
- Experience with classification, compensation analysis, or employee relations in a California employer
- Familiarity with California employment law, including FEHA and state civil service regulations
- Proficiency in HR information systems such as Workday, PeopleSoft, or SAP SuccessFactors
- Strong written communication skills for preparing position descriptions and HR policy documents
- Ability to interpret memoranda of understanding and support labor relations or bargaining processes
Personnel Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a personnel specialist in California?
Most personnel specialist roles in California require a bachelor's degree in human resources, public administration, or business, and state civil service positions require passing a California Department of Human Resources examination and placement on an eligibility list. Private-sector employers typically look for HR generalist experience alongside familiarity with California-specific employment law. Professional certifications such as PHR or SHRM-CP strengthen candidacy across both public and private employers in the state.
Which companies hire personnel specialists in California?
Companies currently hiring personnel specialists in California include Anduril, Astrion, and Providence, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large public-sector agencies, defense contractors, and integrated health systems are among the most active and consistent sources of personnel specialist openings in the state.
Which California cities have the most personnel specialist jobs?
The cities with the most personnel specialist openings in California are Sacramento County, El Segundo, and Kern County. Sacramento leads because it anchors the state government workforce and its many civil service departments, while Los Angeles and San Diego draw demand from large healthcare systems, defense contractors, and private employers whose HR teams need dedicated classification and employee relations staff.
Are there remote personnel specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and they're more common than in many HR roles, since personnel specialists spend much of their time on documentation, policy analysis, and system work that translates well to remote settings. About 63% of personnel specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with the largest share concentrated in classification, compensation analysis, and HRIS administration functions.
How can I get hired as a personnel specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a California civil service trainee classification, such as Personnel Specialist Trainee with the California Department of Human Resources, which accepts candidates with a qualifying degree and no prior HR experience. Large California health systems like Kaiser Permanente and county offices of education also run HR associate or coordinator programs that serve as direct pipelines. An internship with a California state agency, a county HR department, or a large municipal employer builds the classification and employee relations exposure that moves entry-level candidates ahead of the field.
Where can I find and apply to personnel specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to personnel specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated in real time. Search the roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 15 Personnel Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Personnel Specialist Jobs