Human Resources Specialist

Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range minimum THE CITY Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on, visit Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign score of 100%, visit Municipal Equality Index website. THE POSITION This position is a member of the City's Human Resources Department and assists in the administration of the City's Human Resources functions in planning, developing, and coordinating: policies, procedures, legal compliance, recruitment, benefits, leaves, compensation, and a variety of related administrative duties in support of the department and the Director of Human Resources. This position will perform the full range of duties, key areas of focus will include, but are not limited to: Benefits, Employee Relations and Development, Leave Management, Training, and Recruitment. As a member of the City's unclassified service, this is an "at-will" position, and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. Perform and assist in the administration of the City's Human Resources programs and functions including recruitment and selection, benefits, leaves and workers' compensation, legal compliance, labor negotiations, and employee development. Coordinate and plan the recruitment and selection of job applicants; develop recruitment plans; prepare job announcements; coordinate advertising materials; schedule, proctor, and score employment tests; coordinate testing with departments involved for assigned positions. Prepare and track allocated positions; develop job descriptions; evaluate salary and compensation data; maintain records and related documents. Maintain employee records in association with new hires and separations; perform new hire orientation and separation meetings; update and maintain turnover and transition data. Distribute and communicate essential information to all departments; provide information and assistance to City Staff and the public regarding Human Resources programs including: policies and procedures, recruitment, benefits, leaves, legal compliance, records, and other relative information. Coordinate and assist in the administration of employee and retiree benefit programs including group life, health, and disability insurance programs; coordinate claims processing and premium compilation and payments; counsel employees regarding benefit programs. Coordinate and administer leave programs including: FMLA, CFRA, LC4850, PDL, STD, LTD, general leaves, and workers' compensation in compliance with plan documents and legal requirements. Participate and maintain safety programs including: safety committee, training, compliance, and documentation; work with various agencies and vendors to maintain general oversight. Plan, develop, monitor and coordinate employee event/educational programs and activities; develop promotional programs and materials; monitor programs; coordinate with department heads to develop ways of implementing programs. Prepare salary, benefit and classification surveys including computing and compiling survey data and results. Coordinate and track training programs including voluntary and statutory programs; maintain documentation; monitor compliance; coordinate with departments on scheduling and participation. Maintain compliance programs and requirement per local, State and Federal laws. Prepare various forms of correspondence and communication including letters, reports, bulletins, announcements, and memoranda; maintain electronic communication information; provide salary or negotiation information and employment verification information as requested. Set-up and maintain confidential personnel records for City employees including documentation of appointments, transfers, salary, vacation and sick leave; maintain a variety of files, including current classification specifications. Develop and maintain program processes and procedures, assist with the development of Human Resources programs and goals, and maintain budget tracking and planning for assigned areas. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner. Provide assistance to other Human Resources staff on projects and initiatives. Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Experience Two (2) years of professional or para-professional Human Resources work experience is required. Previous experience working in a public agency Human Resources environment is preferred. Experience in one (1) or more of the following functions is preferred: Full-cycle recruitment, talent acquisition, and onboarding Conducting confidential workplace investigations or employee relations Leave management Employee benefit or wellness administration Employee development or training Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish is preferred. Training An Associates degree from an accredited college with major course work in public administration, human resources management, psychology or a related field is required. (Education may be substituted on a year for year basis with related job experience, experience is in addition to any other required experience.) A Bachelor's degree is preferred. Certificate or Licenses Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record is required (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three (3) or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three (3) years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five (5) years). Professional Human Resources Certification through IPMA or SHRM is preferred. Special Requirements For this position you may not be related to any person currently working for the City. Relatives shall include spouse, child, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece and first cousin. Incumbents are enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City. Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation and physical. Due to the nature of the Human Resources responsibilities, while this position typically works Monday - Thursday 7am - 6pm, applicants must be willing and able to work various hours that may include early mornings, evening, Fridays, weekends and holidays as required. Working Conditions The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. This position works in an office environment with exposure to computer monitors and may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods; light and moderate lifting. The Selection Process The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam and department interview. Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above in order to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of qualified candidates. Applications must be received by 4:00 pm, September 3, 2026 in order to be considered for this opportunity. The City of Palm Springs reserves the right to accelerate or extend the Closing Date of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received. The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status. Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly. The City of Palm Springs 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 View phone number on click.appcast.io The City offers an excellent benefit package and retirement plan through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. #J-18808-Ljbffr