Personnel Specialist

This is an Until Filled position. The job control will remain open, and applications will be reviewed beginning July 20, 2026 , and then every week on Mondays until filled.
Join the California Department of Education as a Personnel Specialist!


The California Department of Education (CDE), Human Resources Division, Payroll and Benefits Office, is seeking a motivated, customer-focused individual to join our team as a Personnel Specialist. If you enjoy helping others, have strong attention to detail, and are interested in developing expertise in human resources, this is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career in State service.


As a Personnel Specialist, you will play a vital role in ensuring CDE employees receive accurate and timely pay and benefits by processing a variety of personnel transactions. Along the way, you will gain valuable experience in multiple areas of human resources, including:Payroll processing, benefits administration, time and attendance reporting, personnel transactions, compensation, disability insurance, state personnel laws, rules, and collective bargaining agreements. In this position, you will be responsible for processing personnel transactions related to appointments, separations, payroll, benefits, and leave programs while providing exceptional customer service to employees throughout the department. You will perform these duties in accordance with State laws and regulations, control agency requirements, departmental policies, and applicable bargaining unit agreements.


Why Join CDE?

CDE Headquarters is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, directly across from the California State Capitol. Employees enjoy easy access to beautiful parks, a wide variety of restaurants and cafés, and numerous nearby amenities. The office is within walking distance of grocery stores, including Safeway and Grocery Outlet, and is easily accessible by public transportation. If you are enthusiastic about customer service, eager to learn, and looking to develop valuable human resources skills while making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

This position is eligible for an annual recruitment and retention pay differential as follows:

• $2,400 after 12 or more qualifying months
• $3,000 after 24 or more qualifying months
• $3,600 after 36 or more qualifying months
• $4,800 after 48 or more qualifying months

Personal Leave Program 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.


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

Working Conditions


HYBRID

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Currently, the hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and working a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.


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-524243


Position #(s):
174-206-1303-110

Working Title:
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


Facility:
Human Resources Division


Department Information
The California Department of Education (CDE) oversees the state's diverse and dynamic public school system, which is responsible for the education of nearly six million children and young adults, thousands of schools, and a broad network of educators, families, policymakers, and community partners. The CDE and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction are responsible for enforcing education law and regulations; and for continuing to reform and improve public elementary school programs, secondary school programs, adult education, some preschool programs, and childcare programs. The CDE's mission is to provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The CDE serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners, preparing students to live, work, and thrive in a highly connected world.

Special Requirements
To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification.

The examination bulletin(s) may be viewed on the California Department of Education Web page at: Examinations Bulletins - Exams & Jobs (CDE Intranet) or at the link below:

Personnel Specialist:

Application Instructions
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: Until Filled
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. 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 Education
Human Resources Division-Mail In
Attn: C&P PC 3884/JC-524243
1430 N Street, Ste. 1802


Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


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


Department of Education
Department of Education Drop-Off
Attn: C&P PC 3884/JC-524243
1430 N Street (Lobby Drop-Off Box)


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 required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of "Statement of Qualifications, Your Name ," be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following:
  
  
  1. Describe your background and/or experience related to processing personnel and payroll documents.
  2. Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment and ability to organize/prioritize your
  workload to meet deadlines/demands.
  3. Describe your definition of excellent customer service and summarize how your work experience shows
  you provide that level of service.
  
  
  

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:


• Dependable, flexible, and customer service oriented.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate information and take effective action.
• Ability to organize and establish workload priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to research and provide recommendations to upper management on a variety of payroll topics.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and self-motivation.


Benefits The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee's bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:


• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commute Program


More benefit information can be found on CalHR's website: Benefits Summary


Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Rodney Sanchez-Hagy
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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:
Randi Thompson, EEO Officer
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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.


Important Application Instructions

• How to Apply for state jobs:
• Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
• DO NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, age, student identification number, driver license (unless required), examination results, LEAP status, and marital status.
• Incomplete or late application packages will NOT be considered.
• For experience to be considered, your STD 678 (state application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Applications that are submitted blank or with "see resume" in place of duties performed will be considered incomplete.
• For civil service classifications, do not use working titles.
• If you choose not to submit electronically and are mailing or dropping off your hard copy State Application (STD. 678), use the revised 06/2024 version.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. List of approved agencies: Foreign Transcript Evaluation (CL-635)
• Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application once it is submitted.
• Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

For general information about getting a job with the state, please view the job series videos here: Work4CA:How to Get a State Job Series


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.