Compensation, Leave, and Personnel Policy Consultant

Job Description and Duties

Why join CalHR?
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) was named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for strengths development, a national recognition of organizations that build cultures helping people do their best work. This honor reflects our department-wide investment in a strengths-based workplace that supports growth, leadership and a stronger employee experience. Join CalHR to work in an environment that prioritizes professional development and public service.

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is the pillar of human resources management for all state employees. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 400 CalHR team members who serve as trusted advisors to our strategic partners and the public. If you are interested in providing exceptional human resource services and guidance, CalHR is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals. Get to know us more here!

CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role
Are you detail-oriented with a passion for excellence? The Personnel Services Branch (PSB) team is seeking an individual to deliver expert policy guidance and HR support statewide. In this fast-paced, flexible and collaborative role, you’ll provide specialized guidance on leave programs, Civil Service Pay Scales, employee salary, salary exceptions and determinations, and provides guidance on Section I Pay Letters. This position will also research, advise, write, and revise CalHR policies based on laws, rules and memoranda of understandings.

How to Apply
Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job . If you’re interested in exploring additional job opportunities at CalHR, please reach out to our recruitment team at View email address on us.fitly.work . We’d love to hear from you!

This position is being advertised until filled, with the following cutoff dates: 7/15/2026, 8/17/2026, 9/15/026, 10/15/2026. 

This position is eligible for a 5% Pay Differential (Pay Diff # 248).

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Career Development: CalHR provides continuous learning and training opportunities to support personal and professional growth, including two Professional Development Days per fiscal year. 
• Location: CalHR is centrally located near the Ice Blocks in downtown Sacramento, with many dining and shopping options nearby. 
• Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is fostered through measures like telework and adjustable schedules, allowing personal and professional lives to thrive together. 
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration. 
• Generous State Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays per year, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, employee wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts. 

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least two (2) days per week. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA): Every seven (7) - twelve (12) months depending on the position and based on performance, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary of the position.

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of three (3) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

1. Describe your Human Resources experience working in directly with payroll and leave programs, which you believe make you qualified for this position. Please make sure your experience directly relates to the duties for this position as described in the duty statement.
2. Describe your experience writing and implementing human resources policies and include relevant examples.
3. Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment handling multiple high priority assignments and/or requests. How do you stay organized and how do you ensure deadlines get met?
4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are very important to CalHR; please describe your personal commitment to foster a diverse and inclusive environment at work.

Note:  Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide.

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:

• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work with multiple levels of staff and management
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to interpret and apply memoranda of understandings, laws, rules, and regulations

Benefits

CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at for more information!

Additional Application Information

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.

• Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable 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 stated 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. 

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

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

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 included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.