Payroll and Personnel Specialist

This position is headquartered in our new state of the art high-rise building located in downtown Sacramento. This position is designated as remote-centered and currently works 2 days per week in the office, and as needed as work assignments require additional time in the office.

Personnel Services Branch (PSB) staff provide human resources support to CDFW employees. The Payroll and Personnel Section is responsible for performing tasks associated with appointments, separations, payroll, and leave accounting for CDFW employees in compliance with California labor laws, bargaining unit contracts, departmental policies and procedures, and control agency directives.

The Payroll and Personnel Specialist 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 and in compliance with applicable bargaining unit contracts, departmental policies and procedures, and California Department of Human Resources, California Public Employees' Retirement System, State Personnel Board, and State Controller's Office laws and rules while meeting management and client expectations.


The incumbent can expect to have multiple shifting priorities each day with critical deadlines that must be met. The incumbent is required to provide an excellent level of customer service to all CDFW employees at all times.

For more information about the specific job duties, please refer to the Duty Statement.

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:


Personal Leave Program - Human Resources - CalHR .

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. 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.


Link to Personnel Specialist Exam: CalCareers

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
The incumbent works 40 hours per week in an office setting, with artificial light and temperature control. The ability to use a personal computer and telephone is essential. The position requires bending and stooping to retrieve files; walking; occasional light lifting, up to 10 - 15 lbs.


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-532597


Position #(s):
565-011-1303-XXX

Working Title:
Payroll and 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:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California's diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.

California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.

Join us and begin a meaningful new career!

Department Website:


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: 10/8/2026
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:


Department of Fish and Wildlife
HRB Mailing Address (PO Box)
Attn: Human Resources Branch
P.O. Box 944209


Sacramento , CA 94244


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


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


Department of Fish and Wildlife
Closed Drop Off Location
Human Resources Branch
Temporarily Closed
See Filing Instructions
Sacramento , CA 95814


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 -
  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ ) is required . Please see below for SOQ instructions. Failure to include the SOQ will result in an incomplete application submission.
  
  
  Please provide a one-page Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager's review. Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to come in for an on-site interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience for each question and explain your answers thoroughly. Please include 1) places of employment; 2) pertinent dates; and 3) duties performed when responding to each question. Resumes do not take the place of an SOQ.
  1. Describe your experience with tracking multiple work assignments and what steps you implement to ensure all deadlines are met.
  2. Explain a time when you dealt with a difficult client/customer and how you handled the situation.
  

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 conduct thorough research.
- Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and bargaining unit contracts.
- Use good judgment in decision-making.
- Exercise creativity and flexibility in problem identification and resolution.
- Manage time and resources effectively.
- Responsive to CDFW management and employee needs.

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



Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jesse Downs
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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:
Civil Rights Office
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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.


Filing Instructions


You must reference Position Number 565-011-1303-XXX and RPA Number E-HRB 26-005 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.


It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at . If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.


Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.


This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.


Applicants must submit a complete and accurate application package, free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.


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.