City of Santa Barbara
ABOUT US
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City employee, you’ll work alongside others who are passionate, motivated, and committed to public service. We strive to provide employees with the support and resources they need to thrive both professionally and personally.
The Human Resources Department plays a critical role in supporting the City's mission by partnering with departments to attract, retain, and develop a talented and diverse workforce. Our team provides citywide leadership in areas such as recruitment, benefits, classification and compensation, training, employee engagement, and labor relations. OUR MISSION Through strategic partnerships and collaboration with departments and the public, Human Resources develops and delivers programs and services to support and strengthen the City's workforce to deliver the highest standard of service to the public.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HUMAN RESOURCES To view our benefits page click here.
POSITION The City of Santa Barbara Human Resources Department is seeking a knowledgeable and strategic Human Resources Manager to manage and coordinate the work of assigned Human Resources Division s. Depending on organizational needs, this position will manage a combination of HR functions, including any of the following:
Recruitment and Selection
Classification and Compensation
Benefits Administration
Employee and Labor Relations
Training and Development
Records Management
This leadership role is responsible for supervising professional and technical staff, administering divisional budgets, and driving initiatives that enhance workforce engagement and organizational effectiveness.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Develops and implements goals and objectives for a division of Human Resources; administers associated programs across all City departments, consistent with State and federal requirements and sound professional principles and practices.
Leads and participates in strategic planning for human resources activities, including development and implementation of short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each functional area.
Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures. Assesses and monitors workload, procedures, and administrative and support systems, identifying opportunities for improvement and directing the implementation of changes.
Represents the City with citizen groups, outside agencies and the general public. Attends and participates in City Council, Commission, committees, staff, and public and private agency meetings as required per assigned area of responsibility. Explains and presents Human Resources programs, policies and activities. Negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant and controversial issues as needed.
Ensures City compliance with a wide range of employment laws and regulations affecting City operations. Directs staff in the interpretation and application of these laws and regulations, and advises City staff in the interpretation of contracts, rules, and policies governing Human Resources programs.
Obtains, monitors, and supervises professional services and consultant work to ensure that project objectives, budgets and schedules are consistent and conform to City plans and policies.
Gathers a variety of statistical data and performs research and analysis of complex administrative, technical, or operational issues. Prepares feasibility studies and makes recommendations on the impact to the Department's operation.
Prepares and administers an HR division budget; monitors and approves expenditures.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will possess a strong professional background and highly developed expertise in all areas of human resources management. In addition, he or she will be able to demonstrate:
A broad understanding of labor and employment laws and regulations.
A commitment to professional development, innovation, and alignment with modern public sector human resources practices and technologies.
Strong communication and presentation skills needed to interpret law and policy through a broad array of communication and training tools, and to facilitate employee morale and engagement.
A customer-focused, solutions-oriented approach to meeting City and community needs within ethical and legal frameworks.
Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and meet deadlines while maintaining service quality.
BENEFITS To view our benefits page click here.
SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
Principles, practices, trends, and methods of human resources administration, including those related to personnel selection, labor and employee relations, benefits administration, classification, compensation, HRIS administration, and staff development.
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Familiarity with laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, and legal interpretations concerning human resources and personnel administration.
Principles of report writing, customer service, collective bargaining techniques, investigative techniques, financial management, and use of office productivity software.
Ability to conduct research, quantitative and qualitative analysis.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Option A:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, public or business administration, organizational development, industrial and organizational psychology, or a closely related field.
Five years of recent, paid progressively responsible and professional-level public sector human resources experience in any of the following areas: employee relations, personnel administration, labor relations, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits administration, or training and development.
Experience leading or directing the work of others is desirable.
Option B:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
Seven years of recent, paid progressively responsible and professional-level public sector human resources experience in any of the following areas: employee relations, labor relations, personnel administration, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits administration, or training and development.
Experience leading or directing the work of others is desirable.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid Class C driver license or alternative transportation method for job-related essential functions.
Ability to work extended hours.
Certification or specialized training in HR management, contract negotiations, budgeting, project administration, and related areas is desirable.
APPLYING It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application,” “Extensive Experience,” or “See Resume” are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.
The City has one vacancy within the Human Resources Department.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Human Resources Department plays a critical role in supporting the City's mission by partnering with departments to attract, retain, and develop a talented and diverse workforce. Our team provides citywide leadership in areas such as recruitment, benefits, classification and compensation, training, employee engagement, and labor relations. OUR MISSION Through strategic partnerships and collaboration with departments and the public, Human Resources develops and delivers programs and services to support and strengthen the City's workforce to deliver the highest standard of service to the public.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HUMAN RESOURCES To view our benefits page click here.
POSITION The City of Santa Barbara Human Resources Department is seeking a knowledgeable and strategic Human Resources Manager to manage and coordinate the work of assigned Human Resources Division s. Depending on organizational needs, this position will manage a combination of HR functions, including any of the following:
Recruitment and Selection
Classification and Compensation
Benefits Administration
Employee and Labor Relations
Training and Development
Records Management
This leadership role is responsible for supervising professional and technical staff, administering divisional budgets, and driving initiatives that enhance workforce engagement and organizational effectiveness.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Develops and implements goals and objectives for a division of Human Resources; administers associated programs across all City departments, consistent with State and federal requirements and sound professional principles and practices.
Leads and participates in strategic planning for human resources activities, including development and implementation of short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each functional area.
Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures. Assesses and monitors workload, procedures, and administrative and support systems, identifying opportunities for improvement and directing the implementation of changes.
Represents the City with citizen groups, outside agencies and the general public. Attends and participates in City Council, Commission, committees, staff, and public and private agency meetings as required per assigned area of responsibility. Explains and presents Human Resources programs, policies and activities. Negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant and controversial issues as needed.
Ensures City compliance with a wide range of employment laws and regulations affecting City operations. Directs staff in the interpretation and application of these laws and regulations, and advises City staff in the interpretation of contracts, rules, and policies governing Human Resources programs.
Obtains, monitors, and supervises professional services and consultant work to ensure that project objectives, budgets and schedules are consistent and conform to City plans and policies.
Gathers a variety of statistical data and performs research and analysis of complex administrative, technical, or operational issues. Prepares feasibility studies and makes recommendations on the impact to the Department's operation.
Prepares and administers an HR division budget; monitors and approves expenditures.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will possess a strong professional background and highly developed expertise in all areas of human resources management. In addition, he or she will be able to demonstrate:
A broad understanding of labor and employment laws and regulations.
A commitment to professional development, innovation, and alignment with modern public sector human resources practices and technologies.
Strong communication and presentation skills needed to interpret law and policy through a broad array of communication and training tools, and to facilitate employee morale and engagement.
A customer-focused, solutions-oriented approach to meeting City and community needs within ethical and legal frameworks.
Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and meet deadlines while maintaining service quality.
BENEFITS To view our benefits page click here.
SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
Principles, practices, trends, and methods of human resources administration, including those related to personnel selection, labor and employee relations, benefits administration, classification, compensation, HRIS administration, and staff development.
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Familiarity with laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, and legal interpretations concerning human resources and personnel administration.
Principles of report writing, customer service, collective bargaining techniques, investigative techniques, financial management, and use of office productivity software.
Ability to conduct research, quantitative and qualitative analysis.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Option A:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, public or business administration, organizational development, industrial and organizational psychology, or a closely related field.
Five years of recent, paid progressively responsible and professional-level public sector human resources experience in any of the following areas: employee relations, personnel administration, labor relations, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits administration, or training and development.
Experience leading or directing the work of others is desirable.
Option B:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
Seven years of recent, paid progressively responsible and professional-level public sector human resources experience in any of the following areas: employee relations, labor relations, personnel administration, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits administration, or training and development.
Experience leading or directing the work of others is desirable.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid Class C driver license or alternative transportation method for job-related essential functions.
Ability to work extended hours.
Certification or specialized training in HR management, contract negotiations, budgeting, project administration, and related areas is desirable.
APPLYING It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application,” “Extensive Experience,” or “See Resume” are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.
The City has one vacancy within the Human Resources Department.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr