City of Buena Park
Human Resources Specialist Job at City of Buena Park in Buena Park
City of Buena Park, Buena Park, CA, US, 90622
JOB BULLETIN
- 4/10 Work Schedule***
City Hall is Closed every Friday
Salary
- Effective 07/05/2025, $5,926 - $7,705 Monthly
- Effective 07/04/2026, $6,223 - $8,090 Monthly
The ideal candidate for this position will possess outstanding payroll processing techniques, understand the principles of being a knowledgeable Business Partner, and possess excellent customer service skills. Strong, fast, AND accurate payroll data-entry skills are required. This position needs a service oriented and organized problem solver who can think outside the box to fulfill the needs of our department and our business partners. A strong team member attitude is a must! If you meet the qualifications described below APPLY TODAY!
**VARIED WORK SCHEDULE**
Incumbent may occasionally be required to work varied work schedules due to recruitment efforts and special events throughout the year. Varied work schedules may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends with advanced notice.
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, performs general and moderately complex and routine technical and paraprofessional work in support of human resources and risk management functions and programs; processes payroll, benefits, and MOU updates; performs compensation and benefit analyses; researches and provides information concerning employee relations practices and completes special studies; administers recruitment and selection functions for vacant positions; assists with workers compensation and liability and claims processes; and does related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Human Resources Specialist is distinguished from the Senior Office Assistant by the breadth of the human resources responsibilities that are performed and more specialized knowledge of employment, benefits, payroll, and Human Resources Information Systems, and personnel practices and procedures. The Human Resources Specialist has both analytical and technical responsibilities and may provide technical guidance to staff.
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.
- Performs a wide variety of responsible and routine clerical, technical, administrative, and office duties in support of the Human Resources Department.
- Inputs data, runs reports, maintains files and database systems for employee/employment records and recruitment/selection activities related to human resource information systems (HRIS), including the payroll system, crystal reports, applicant tracking, learning management system (LMS), employee performance and other related systems; acts as systems administrator for the HRIS and other related systems.
- Administers a variety of benefit programs and services, including medical, dental, vision, life, voluntary insurance plans, disability, leaves, and retirement plans offered through a variety of carriers, providers and third-party administrators; explains provisions of benefit plans, service networks, coverage limitations, and related procedures to employees and retirees; assists in the coordination of annual open enrollment and health fair; prepares and reconciles billing to various benefits vendors.
- Processes personnel action forms for employee status changes; tracks hours worked to determine benefit eligibility; implements personnel status changes resulting from new labor agreements; processes benefit enrollment and changes for benefit programs including the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and other benefit providers.
- Conducts new employee orientation and explains personnel requirements and benefit plans; ensures that employment records have been verified and that personnel files have been properly completed.
- Administers I-9 program, including issuing forms to new employees, verifying eligibility of employment and completion and signing off forms, and maintaining accurate files.
- Processes employee benefit applications and/or enrollment requests for all benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability leave, FMLA, COBRA, over-aged dependents, retirement, death, and other qualifying events; responds to unemployment insurance requests; and coordinates the tuition reimbursement, SRA, RMA, and other City programs.
- Compiles statistical and employment information for departmental and State and Federal governmental reports, such as the EEO-4 Report, State Controllers Report, and Orange County Grand Jury Reports.
- Initiates and completes a variety of surveys including compensation, benefits, job specification and classification, and operational studies; assists in completing special projects; may provide technical guidance to staff, as needed.
- Performs research related to personnel practices and employee relations matters; counsels supervisors and answers basic questions concerning Personnel Rules, labor contracts, and administrative policies.
- Plans and coordinates employment functions for administrative and professional positions, such as writing job announcements, placing advertisements, screening applications, interviewing candidates, administering tests, and advising candidates of results.
- Responds to employee, retiree, and public inquires relating to basic questions concerning Human Resources matters in a courteous and customer-focused manner; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner; assists in staffing the Human Resources public counter and provides phone coverage.
- Ensures the confidentiality of personnel information by following established procedures.
- Develops, updates, and maintains a variety of personnel related forms and applications.
- Maintains and updates personnel files and records.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of human resources management; equal employment and non-discrimination laws and regulations; administrative policies and procedures; recruitment and selection activities; employee relations, compensation, benefits and employee communications practices; basic Workers Compensation practices and claims handling techniques; human resources information management and records systems; effective customer service techniques.
Ability To
Plan, organize, and complete studies, projects, and reports in accordance with department standards and work deadlines; analyze information and present clear and concise reports and recommendations; provide technical guidance to other staff positions; conduct orientation and enrollment sessions; perform basic mathematical computations with speed and accuracy; operate a variety of different types of office equipment; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, staff, employees, management, vendors, contractors, and consultants; maintain the confidentiality of sensitive personnel information and records.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
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
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is required to sit, stand, and walk. The employee must be able to talk and hear. The employee must use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; and reach above and below shoulder level with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and carries records and documents weighing at least 20 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this class 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; exercise sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines; use math and mathematical reasoning; establish priorities and work on multiple assignments and projects concurrently; meet intense and changing deadlines given interruptions; interact appropriately with staff, management, City officials, contractors, and public and private representatives, and others in the course of work.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Employees frequently work in office conditions where the noise level is usually moderate, at or below 85 decibels.
Education/Training/Experience
High School graduation or G.E.D. equivalent is required, supplemented by training or coursework in Human Resources Management. An Associates degree in a field related to human resources is desirable. Three years of administrative or technical experience in human resources work is required, preferably involving a variety of functions such as human resource information systems, employment, compensation, benefits, risk management, and/or employee relations. Specific HR experience related to payroll inputting and monthly billing reconciliation is highly desirable.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements
Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.
Applicant Information/Exam Weight
ORAL INTERVIEWS - Tentative Schedule (date subject to change):
First Round: Week of September 22, 2025
Second Round: Week of September 29, 2025
Start Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Applicants must submit a City application online through the Human Resources Department web page at www.buenapark.com/hr. Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City employment application.
All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to an oral interview and/or written exams and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made. An eligible list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.
The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability.
Americans With Disabilities
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (714) 562-3515 no later than 5 business days before the test date.
Fingerprinting
Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.
Physical Examination
Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense.
Below is a list of key benefits offered to employees of the City of Buena Park and is only a summary of benefits. They are not intended to replace or modify the legal plan documents on file in the Human Resources Department.
SALARY RANGE: Composed of six (6) steps - Entry step through E step (Except management positions). Each step represents an increase of approximately five (5) percent.
RETIREMENT: Provided through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employee pays member contribution.
VACATION: Earned at the rate of ten (10) working days per year for the first five (5) years of service. Public safety employees receive a different but equivalent benefit. Additional vacation may be earned by employees after five (5) years of service.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated on the basis of eight (8) hours per month with no maximum accumulation.
HOLIDAYS: An average of eleven (11) holidays per year.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Several plans (indemnity and HMO's) are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium according to the bargaining unit agreement.
DENTAL INSURANCE: Three (3) plans are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium. The Employee may pay a portion of the insurance premium according at bargaining unit agreement and this benefit is voluntary.
VISION INSURANCE: One plan is available. The Employee pays the insurance premium and this benefit is voluntary.
LIFE INSURANCE: Amount of coverage is based on the employee bargaining unit. Premiums are fully paid by the City.
LONG TERM DISABILITY: Fully paid by the City. Police sworn personnel are not eligible.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to all City employees and their immediate families.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: The City offers one (1) plan administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions. This is a voluntary benefit with no City contribution.
WORK SCHEDULE: 4/10 or 3/12 alternative work schedule depending upon the work location.
OC CREDIT UNION: Available to all City employees and their families.
CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: $100 per month, per child, is available to all Full-Time City employees with eligible dependents 0 - 5 years of age.
01
To better evaluate your qualifications for this position, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. An incomplete and inaccurate application may lead to disqualification. It is your responsibility to fill out the application thoroughly and accurately. Resumes will not be accepted instead of completing these questions. Please provide concise, descriptive, and detailed information when answering the questions. If you do not have experience, please write "NONE". NOTE: 'See resume', 'See above', or copy and paste of your resume are not considered qualifying responses and will not be considered when evaluating your qualifications.
- I acknowledge receipt of this information and understand the instructions.
What is your highest level of education completed?
- No Diploma
- High School or G.E.D.
- Some College - 59 units or less
- Some College - more than 60 units
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
Do you have a valid California class C driver's license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance?
- Yes
- No
Incumbents may occasionally be required to work varied work schedules throughout the year due to special events. Varied work schedules may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends with advanced notice. Are you able to meet this demand?
- Yes
- No
Which best describes your skill level of using Microsoft Excel?
- No experience
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Please Select Any Certifications You Possess
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
- PSHRA Certified HR Professional (PSHRA-CP)
- PSHRA Senior Certified HR Professional (PSHRA-CP)
- Society for HR Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
- Society for HR Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
- CalPELRA Labor Relations Master Certification (CLRM)
- Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
- None of the above
Please select the programs in which you have experiencing using:
- NeoGov (Insight)
- NeoGov (Onboard)
- Central Square (HRIS)
- Trakstar (Performance Management)
- Target Solutions (Vector Solutions) (LMS)
- Cognos Reports
- my|CalPERS Navigation
- None of the above
How many years of increasingly responsible and technical human resources experience do you have?
- No experience
- Less than 1 year experience
- 1 year to less than 2 years experience
- 2 to less than 3 years experience
- 3 years or more
Please select the areas in which you have relevant technical human resources experience:
- Payroll Processing
- Benefit Administration
- Billing Reconciliation
- HRIS
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Benefits Fair & Employee Wellness Programs
- Disability & Leave Management
- Retirement Benefit Administration (i, e. CalPERS)
- Cognos Report
- Affordable Care Act
- Worker's Compensation
- MOU Administration
- Recruitment & Selection
- Classification & Compensation
- Training & Development
- Employee Relations
- Labor Relations
Please describe your relevant work experience relating to accurate Payroll data-entry and processing into an HRIS system and running biweekly reports.
11
Please describe your work experience related to monthly billing reconciliation.
12
Please Describe Your Work Experience Related To Benefits Administration.
13
Please describe your experience researching, compiling, and reporting technical Human Resources information, such as surveys, compensation studies, and/or employment information.
14
How did you hear about this position?
- Billboard
- City Website
- Association Website in field or work
- Other Website
- Friend or Family Member
- City of Buena Park Employee
- Required Question
#J-18808-Ljbffr