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: PERSONNEL SPECIALIST
Kern Valley State Prison
PERSONNEL SPECIALIST
$4,030.00 - $6,488.00 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: 11/13/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the direct supervision of the Personnel Supervisor I, the Personnel Specialist must have knowledge of and have the ability to effectively apply rules and regulations concerning personnel transactions, payroll, personnel document processing and related personnel functions. Gather data, informs employees both verbally and in writing of their benefits and processes benefits documents. Has basic knowledge of computer systems, ability to write and speak, and communicate effectively, uses tact and good judgment in dealing with the public and other employees, maintains personnel records, files all documents of a highly confidential nature to Official Personnel Files and assists receptionist in personnel filing overflow, ability to organize and used effective time management, ability to analyze and research information effectively and in a timely manner.
ALL OTHER DUTIES AS REQUIRED.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position Details
Department Information
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: 11/13/2026Who 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 is required and must be submitted with your Examination / Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the “Statement of Qualifications” section below for specific requirements.
Desirable Qualifications
Willingness to create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.
Benefits
Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx.
This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.
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.
Alexzandrea Medel
(661) 721-6300 ext: 5602
m_KVSP.Personnel_HiringRecruitment@cdcr.ca.gov
Cassie Palos
(661) 721-6300 ext: 5602
m_KVSP.Personnel_HiringRecruitment@cdcr.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:Duane Goree, AW-HC
(661) 721-6342
Duane.Goree@cdcr.ca.gov
Statement of Qualifications
- Describe how your work experience, training, and/or education makes you a qualified candidate for the position of Personnel Specialist.
- Describe your experience with customer service.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
To obtain list eligibility for the Personnel Specialist classification, before applying for the position, you must first take and pass the examination: Exam Bulletin | CalCareers
All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and may not be accepted:
• "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Hours worked per week
• 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).
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 9 Personnel Specialist Jobs in California
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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 Department Of Consumer Affairs, Astrion, and MANTECH, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 Los Angeles. 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 80% of personnel specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 9 Personnel Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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