Personnel Specialist

Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of June 29, 2026. We look forward to meeting with you!

Working hours for this position are from 8am - 5pm Monday-Friday.

Do you enjoy the fast-paced environment of Human Resources? The Human Resources Division, Personnel Transactions Unit, is currently seeking enthusiastic and resourceful individuals with outstanding customer service skills to serve as a Personnel Specialist. As a Personnel Specialist, you will ensure CalPERS team members are receiving their pay and benefits, while learning about various HR functions and how they intersect with payroll and benefits. As a Personnel Specialist, some of the responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• Interpreting and applying governmental laws and rules concerning personnel transactions
• Solving payroll issues by utilizing reference materials, policies, and procedures
• Answering payroll and benefit inquiries from employees
• Reviewing and reconciling attendance and payroll records
• Processing health, dental, and vision benefits in accordance with the Benefits Administration Manual
• Processing employee appointments and separations

NOTE: This classification is eligible for a $2,400 per year recruitment and retention pay differential after twelve qualifying months in the classification.

Telework Information: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with up to two days of remote work and three days or more onsite, per week.

Sponsorship
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. CalPERS does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.


How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey .
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• PERSONNEL SPECIALIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-520045


Position #(s):
275-330-1303-XXX

Working Title:
Personnel Specialist


Classification:
PERSONNEL SPECIALIST $4,030.00 - $5,044.00 A
$4,632.00 - $5,807.00 B
$4,799.00 - $6,008.00 C
$5,184.00 - $6,488.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
Multiple


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) is the nation's largest public pension fund, providing retirement and health benefits to public employees, retirees, and their families. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, we are a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. At CalPERS, we're committed to people - the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS is situated near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, and we offer competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement.


If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website !


To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video .


Special Requirements Statement of Qualifications

Please provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager's review. Applications received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific questions below will not be considered.


The SOQ must be typed, titled "Statement of Qualifications," and each response must list all relevant experience, education, and training, including duties performed. The SOQ must not exceed one page in length.

• Problem-Solving: Describe your process for completing a task when the instructions are unclear or the information is complex. How do you ensure your final result is accurate and compliant with the rules?

• Workload Management: Personnel Specialists must often pivot between processing payroll and assisting employees. Provide an example of how you have successfully managed a high-volume workload while dealing with frequent, unplanned interruptions.

Minimum Qualifications

All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. If you are using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website to find organizations that provide these services. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Posting under "Minimum Requirements."

Please Note: You may need to pass an examination to establish list eligibility prior to a final offer of employment. To find and take an exam, visit CalHR's CalCareers website .

Need help with your state application, resume, Statement of Qualifications, or interview preparation?
The CalPERS Career Services & Outreach team provides comprehensive support throughout the CalPERS hiring process. Our services include one-on-one online consultations for application assistance, Statement of Qualification review, and interview preparation. To schedule an appointment and receive personalized guidance from our team, please use the following booking link: CalPERS Career Services Consultations .



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: 6/12/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).


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
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Public Employees Retirement System
Postal
Attn: JC-520045/CB
Human Resources Division, Recruitment
P. O. Box 942718
Sacramento , CA 94229-2718


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Public Employees Retirement System
Drop-Off
HRSD, SSU JC-520045/CB
400 Q Street, Lincoln Plaza North
1st floor drop box by security desk
Sacramento , CA 95811


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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 - In addition to completing your online job application, you must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager's review. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions and questions for the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered. We ask that you not use Artificial Intelligence assistance when composing your written response. Written responses are an attempt to assess and gain an understanding of your personal writing and communication skills and abilities.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


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 apply time management practices to prioritize, schedule, and complete work effectively while meeting strict, recurring payroll deadlines.
• Knowledge of the State's personnel transactions policies, practices, and programs, including familiarity with the State Controller's Office (SCO) and CalHR manuals.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks or parts of tasks simultaneously with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, and bargaining unit contracts concerning personnel transactions and employee benefits.
• Ability to be flexible in adapting to changes in priorities, assignments, and other interruptions that may impact previously established workloads.

Benefits CalPERS team members are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most team members. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and collective bargaining agreements.


Some added benefits CalPERS offers include:

• Alternate Work Schedules
• Flexible Work Hours
• Onsite childcare facility
• Onsite fitness center
• Onsite café and nearby restaurants
• Free onsite parking available Mondays and Fridays, subject to change
• Free offsite parking available with shuttle service Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

For more details about employee benefits, visit the California Department of Human Resources website.



Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
HRSD Selection Services
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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:
CalPERS EEO
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Additional Information
Live Scan
Candidates not currently employed at CalPERS are required to submit to a criminal history review process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.

CalPERS Disclosure Requirements
If employed, you may be subject to rules imposed by Personal Trading Regulations and Conflict of Interest Code that apply to CalPERS team members, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)

Please do not include any confidential information on any documents in your application package. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your social security number, date of birth, marital status, personal photos, a copy of your driver's license, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP status.



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.