Transactions Personnel Specialist

Job Description and Duties

In all job functions, employees are responsible for creating an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Employees are expected to provide all members of the public equitable services and treatment, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and work toward improving outcomes for all Californians.

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CalCareers Exams: Once you find the job you want, we need to learn more about you. We will evaluate your education, experience, abilities, and knowledge through an assessment. The assessment process can take many forms, including an interview or exam, depending on the job.

Under general supervision of the Personnel Supervisor I, the Personnel Specialist (PS) is responsible for performing all aspects of personnel transactions, including but not limited to payroll, time and attendance reporting, appointments, and separations. The incumbent independently processes various complex and sensitive personnel transactions accurately in compliance with applicable bargaining unit contract/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) language, departmental policies and procedures, and Department of Human Resources (CalHR), State Personnel Board (SPB), and State Controller’s Office (SCO) laws and rules while meeting management and clients’ expectations.

This recruitment is until filled and applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis. The cutoff dates will be:

October 12, 2026
November 12, 2026
December 11, 2026
January 12, 2027
February 12, 2027
March 10, 2027

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, they must reside in the State of California once they are hired and start working.

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period as outlined on "Section 2113 - Personal Leave Program (PLP)" of the CalHR Manual. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to maintain knowledge of personnel management policies, procedures, practices, and processes relating to personnel transactions

• Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and employees

• Ability to use sound judgment in decision-making

• Ability to exercise creativity and flexibility in problem resolution

• Ability to manage time and resources effectively

• Ability to be responsive to DCA management and client needs

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Recruitment and Retention Bonus: After twelve (12) consecutive qualifying pay periods, an employee in the Personnel Specialist classification may be eligible for a recruitment and retention bonus between $2,400 to $4,800. 

FREE PARKING: We are located in the Natomas area near the Natomas Marketplace, the Promenade, and many other shopping and dining establishments. Less than ten minutes from Downtown Sacramento and we also offer free parking! 

Filing Instructions

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, as specified in the classification specification ( please include a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts with your application package. Please be aware that if you are selected for the position, you will be required to submit official sealed transcripts.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for 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.

Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Applicants who wish to submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State application (STD. 678).

Applicants who fail to submit the most current version of the STD. 678 may be disqualified.

Multiple positions may become available.

Electronic Submission:

Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as state on the job vacancy announcement.

U.S Postal Service Mail:

Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.

Hand Delivery:

Application and any applicable required documents may be hand delivered by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date will not be accepted for any reason. Do not submit applications to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Drop off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.

Please note the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application information once it is submitted. If you have updates to your online application after you have submitted it, please contact View email address on calcareers.ca.gov. For all other questions, regarding your CalHR CalCareer account, you may contact the CalCareer unit at Show phone number. 

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 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 MUST be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Cover letters and resumes do not replace the required SOQ.  Your SOQ will be considered the first job interview phase for this position. You will be invited for an on-site interview if your qualifications are competitive.
  The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, using 12-point Arial font, and answer the following:

  
  1. Describe your ability and experience in working in a high pressure/heavy workload environment and the steps you take to ensure deadlines are met.

  2. Detail your experience delivering customer service in a high-volume, confidential human resources setting.