Personnel Specialist

Are you an HR operations professional who thrives on getting the details right, moving paperwork through cleanly, and being the person coworkers rely on when they need something done correctly the first time? As a Personnel Specialist with CAL FIRE's Mendocino Unit, you'll step into an HR operations role focused on the day-to-day personnel work that keeps an entire unit running. This position is built for someone who can manage detail, learn state HR rules deeply, and serve as a trusted resource for firefighters, foresters, admin staff, and chief officers as they move through appointments, transactions, benefits, and the operational HR work that supports their state careers. This role is ideal for an HR generalist or specialist ready to bring their skills into state government, or an experienced Personnel Specialist looking to lateral into a mission-driven agency. You'll process personnel actions, support new hire onboarding, manage benefits enrollment, maintain records, coordinate with payroll and classification partners, and serve as the point of contact for personnel questions across the unit. Strong writing, close attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex HR rules into plain language are central to the work. This position is located in Willits, California, and is a permanent, full-time role. The role is posted across four salary ranges, which means there's a real pathway here for entry‑level, mid‑career, and experienced HR professionals to find the right fit. This isn't just an HR paperwork job. It's a chance to be the person behind the personnel operations for one of California's most active fire and resource management units, and to build a career inside an agency where every appointment processed, every benefit enrolled, and every question answered supports the people who protect California. Why CAL FIRE? State benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement Permanent, full-time career opportunity Direct exposure to state HR operations, personnel transactions, benefits, and records management Opportunity to grow within one of California's largest public agencies Mission driven team culture focused on service, readiness, and supporting the people behind the mission About Mendocino County Mendocino County offers a strong mix of coastline, redwood forests, working ranchlands, and small town character. Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the inland Coast Range, the area gives professionals a chance to build a meaningful career while enjoying one of California's most distinctive and beautiful landscapes. With access to redwood groves, rivers, vineyards, the Pacific coast, and miles of public forest, Mendocino County is a strong fit for HR professionals who value substantive work, a close‑knit community feel, and a deep connection to the place they live. The region's mix of small‑town character and dramatic natural beauty makes it a meaningful place to serve, grow, and build a long‑term career. #J-18808-Ljbffr