Human Resources Technician

Job Title

Human Resources Specialist

Job Description

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent attention to detail. Must have the flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to shift gears at a moment's notice. The ideal candidate must also possess excellent writing and communication skills and maintaining confidentiality is a must. The District utilizes many computer programs and systems and having a strong comfort level with technology, Microsoft Office Programs, and Neogov Insight, as well as being a quick learner to understand new programs, is necessary to be successful in this position. We welcome veterans and transitioning military. Are you a former member of the military with experience as a Personnel Specialist, Personnel Administration Specialist, Human Resources Specialist, Personnelist, Administrative Specialist, Navy Counselor (Recruiter), Yeoman, Logistics Specialist, or similar occupation? Consider joining a team of hardworking employees who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources. The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.

Located in the Administrative Services Department, this position reports to the Human Resources Manager and performs a variety of technical and administrative duties in support of the District's human resources programs. The Administrative Services Department has a staff of approximately 25 employees and the District has 148 budgeted full-time employees. Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. However, for earliest consideration, please submit your application materials by May 31, 2026.

Examples Of Duties

Performs routine assignments in support of recruitment and selection programs, including writing, advertising, posting and mailing job opportunity notices, and other recruitment materials, screening applicant qualifications, answering applicant and candidate questions regarding District employment and generating notices and correspondence to applicants; develops schedules and arranges interviews and other testing arrangements; participates in interviews for entry-level positions, conducts background, reference checks and coordinates post-offer medical evaluations.

Processes actions using the District human resources information system; sets up and maintains salary schedules, benefit deductions and benefit program codes; in-ranges, cost of living adjustments, performance evaluations and updates position control features as needed.

Processes all employee new hire, promotion, and termination data, assembles new hire packets; maintains, coordinates, and conducts new hire orientations. Processes all related paperwork and enters information into the various human resources and benefits information systems.

Administers elements of the District's benefits programs such as retiree/COBRA administration, flexible spending accounts, short/long-term disability, health, life, dental, vision, deferred compensation, FMLA, employee assistance (including auditing invoices); and reports such as the Affordable Care Act and EEO-4. Submits claims, monitors work statuses, and communicates changes to supervisors. Reconciles plan premium billings and processes invoices for payment, processes employee enrollments and changes. Coordinates and administers Workers' Compensation benefits, including processing of documents, maintaining the OSHA log and following up with injured employees regarding expected return-to-duty date.

Responds to employee and retiree questions and complaints and interfaces with third-party administrators to resolve claims issues.

Assists in the coordination of annual open enrollment process for employee benefit programs; compiles employee census data for benefit programs; reviews completed benefit enrollments for accuracy; and summarizes open enrollment data.

Assists with coordinating employee medical leaves of absence including communicating with employees and supervisors and generating required notices.

Maintains department electronic and hard copy files by coordinating, maintaining, purging, and archiving content and record management systems in accordance with the District's policies and records retention schedule; creates and organizes letters, forms, and documents; and secures confidential information.

Performs and oversees a variety of office and administrative details to ensure smooth human resources operations, including transmitting information, processing contracts and agreements, processing invoices, purchase requisitions, forms, reports, correspondence, schedules, power points, charts and other documents; performs various data-entry; responds to customers, applicants and the public on a variety of human resources related questions; backs up other department office and administrative staff when required.

Prepares responses to salary surveys and assists in preparing and conducting District surveys; compiles and generates reports of survey data; with guidance, provides classification, compensation and benefits information to other organizations.

Performs research projects of limited scope, compiles results and drafts reports and recommendations; generates and compiles statistical reports.

With guidance, interprets policies, procedures and regulations to District management, staff and the public in assigned areas of responsibility.

Coordinates District's human resources programs such as wellness and processes and maintains records on tuition reimbursement requests.

Plans and coordinates District social events and functions.

Maintains compliance with federal and state laws related to privacy, security, confidentiality, and protection of information resources.

Drives a vehicle as required to post office or overnight delivery vendor or other time-sensitive work-related needs; work-related meetings, training sessions or conferences.

Required Licenses And/Or Certifications

A valid California Class C Driver's License and safe driving record. Certificate in Human Resources is desirable.

Minimum Experience, Education, And Training Requirements

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in human resources. Experience working for a public agency preferred.

Education: A.S. Degree in Human Resources or related field or two years of college-level coursework (i.e., minimum completed units = 60 semester/90 quarter) from an accredited educational institution in human resources, organizational development, public or business administration, or a related field. Bachelor's Degree is desirable.

This is an hourly, non-exempt position. Otay Water District is a Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine Free Campus. All Otay Water District employees are at-will pursuant to California Water Code, Section 71362.

Benefits

Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status. These benefits do not apply to temporary appointments. Scheduled salary increases include the following: July 1, 2024: 6% Cost-of-Living Adjustment; July 14, 2025: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment; July 13, 2026: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment; Annual Merit Increases: Eligible employees are eligible for 3% merit increase on an annual basis until they reach the top of their salary range, based on meeting expectations on their performance review.

Vacation: 12 days/year, increasing to a max of 23 days/year. Sick Leave: 8 days/year, increasing to max of 15 days/year. Management Leave: 3 days/year. Paid Holidays: 14 days/year, including employee's birthday and two floating holidays. Alternative Work Schedule: A 9/80 work schedule may be available based on the needs of the department. Upon approval, employees would work 80 hours over 9 days and enjoy one day off every two weeks. PERS Retirement: The District contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan that includes a lifetime benefit determined by a set formula (years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation). Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).

Employee Contributions: New Member (hired on or after 1/1/13 who are new CalPERS members or do not have reciprocity with CalPERS): Are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 formula based on the employee's 36 months of highest average annual compensation to a maximum of the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS. District and employees share the normal employee CalPERS service contribution cost. Employees contribute 7.5% of salary toward the employee CalPERS service contribution cost up to the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.

Classic Member (hired before January 1, 2013, or who have reciprocity with CalPERS): Are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 55 formula based on the employee's single highest year annual compensation. Employees contribute 8% of salary toward the employee CalPERS service contribution cost.

The District is also a Social Security participant and the District and employee make contributions. Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (457 Plan): Optional plan designed to provide employees with additional retirement income. Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their income on a pre-tax or post-tax basis through payroll deductions. Employee contributions for the Deferred Compensation Plan will be matched dollar per dollar up to the maximum amount of $1,000 per calendar year. Medical/Rx Insurance: Choice of Blue Shield PPO, EPO, HMO or Kaiser plans, 100% premium paid