Head of Recruiting & HR

Salary : $147,938.88 - $179,820.60 Annually
Location : City Hall - 250 East L Street Benicia, CA 94510, CA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 25/26 #34
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Definition
The City of Benicia is currently reviewing the structure of the Human Resources Department to determine whether this position will be full-time or part-time. Please note that it is possible that the role may be designated as an hourly, part-time position without benefits. We are accepting applications from candidates interested in either full-time or part-time employment.
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking HR leader to guide and strengthen the City's people strategy, workplace culture, and organizational effectiveness. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative public service environment-overseeing everything from labor relations and recruitment to employee development, safety, and risk management.
We are looking for a recognized HR professional who is passionate about supporting employees and leadership while navigating the unique complexities of public sector human resources. A more detailed brochure is currently in development and will be available soon.
Distinguishing Characteristics

To plan, organize, and direct the activities of the Human Resources Division and the City's Human Resources Management System including employee and labor relations, equal employment opportunity, recruitment and selection, employee benefits, classification and compensation, development and administration of policies and procedures, workers compensation, safety and employee risk management, and employee training and development programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises direct supervision over assigned personnel.

Representative Duties / Qualifications
The representative duties listed include essential and marginal functions that vary by position. Individuals with disabilities will be considered for placement into positions in this class based upon an assessment of the essential functions of the particular position.
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Establish goals, objectives, policies, procedures and priorities related to the activities of the Human Resources Division and the City's Human Resources Management System;
Analyzes and develops recommendations on a wide range of personnel related issues;
Serves as a resource to City supervisors, managers, department heads, and City Manager;
Monitors and analyzes laws and pending legislation pertaining to personnel, management and employee relations which impact City operations;
Prepares a variety of written documents including reports, proposals, contracts, publications, correspondence, charts and tables;
Manages activities relative to labor and employee relations including labor negotiations, disciplinary actions and grievance procedures;
Oversees workers compensation and safety and employee risk management programs;
Plans, organizes, coordinates and supervises the work of assigned employees;
Directs or assists in recruitment, training and evaluating employee work performance;
Develops, coordinates and administers a variety of City-wide programs and projects;
Prepares and/or assists in the preparation, analysis and administration of the division budget;
Represents the division and department to outside agencies and organizations;
Participates in outside community and professional groups and committees;
Provides technical assistance as necessary; selects and supervises professional, technical and clerical staff of the division;
Oversees and assists in the administration of the City's Personnel Rules and Regulations

Knowledge of:

Principals, practices, methods and laws pertaining to public personnel administration including municipal employee relations, equal employment opportunity, anti-sexual harassment, workplace violence, recruitment, job analysis, employee benefits, classification, compensation and training; analytical, statistical and research methods; modern management methods and practices including supervision and training; municipal budget administration, and basic computerized systems.
Ability to:

Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; mediate problems and resolve conflicts; work with sensitivity within complex political environments; research and analyze technical information, organizational and administrative problems; create, recommend and implement effective courses of action; maintain confidentiality; learn quickly, work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines; apply a high degree of independent judgment; provide training, supervision and evaluation of assigned staff; and establish and maintain effective work relationships with a variety of people contacted in the course of work.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Education
Education: Equivalent to Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major work in public administration, human resources, business administration or a closely related field.
Experience: At least five years of broad and increasingly responsible experience in human resources, including at least two years of supervisory/management responsibility and two years of experience in employee/labor relations. Experience in a local government agency is preferred.
Special Requirements:
This position requires frequent evening and weekend work, including attendance at meetings, conferences, and proctoring of examinations.

Candidates must be willing and able to work these hours, as well as travel locally and out of town for meetings, seminars, and conferences as needed.
Supplemental Information
All submitted materials, including supplemental questions, will be carefully reviewed. Candidates whose education and experience most closely align with the position requirements will be invited to move forward in the selection process, which may include an assessment center and interviews.
Prior to appointment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a background investigation and a pre-employment medical examination.
Please note that meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement to the next step in the recruitment process.
Applicants who require reasonable accommodations due to a disability at any stage of the application or selection process are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
The Human Resources Manager position with the City of Benicia is classified as a Mid-Manager role and is part of the City's Unrepresented Management Group.
01

To provide us with an opportunity to evaluate your background, responses to the Supplemental Questions are required in addition to your application. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process for this position. All work experience that is described or included in your supplemental responses(s) should have occurred during employment of one/more of the Employers you listed in the "Work Experience" section of your application. If not, you will need to provide additional information as to where/how you received that experience.
~ I have read and understand the above instructions.

02

This position is currently under review to determine whether it will be filled as a part-time or full-time role. Which option best reflects your interest?
I am only interested in a full-time position
I am only interested in a part-time position
I am interested in either full-time or part-time

03

What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, or closely related field
Bachelor's degree in another field
Master's degree in Public Administration, Human Resources, Business Administration, or closely related field
Master's degree in another field

04

Have you worked in a local government/public sector Human Resources department?
No, but I have HR experience in other sectors
Yes, 1-4 years
Yes, 5+ years

05

If you answered yes to the question above, please list where you have worked, your job title, and the years you worked there.
06

How many years of supervisory or management experience in a Human Resources department do you have?

• Less than 2 years
• 2-4 years
• 5-7 years
• 8+ years

07

Please describe your highest-level role within a Human Resources Department (preferably in local government). Include the HR duties you performed and indicate your level of expertise in each area of responsibility.
08

Please describe your experience resolving complex workplace issues, communicating sensitive information, and working in organizationally complex environments
09

Please describe your experience advising executive leadership.
10

Please describe your experience in Human Resources, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and training. Please include your level of responsibility and involvement.
11

Please describe your experience in employee or labor relations, including handling grievances, disciplinary actions, or negotiations. Please include your level of responsibility and involvement.
12

Please describe your level of involvement in collective bargaining (e.g., participated as a team member, led portions of negotiations, served as chief negotiator) and indicate the number of years of experience.
13

Please describe your familiarity with employment laws and regulations, such as EEO, FMLA, and ADA.
14

Please describe your experience with workers' compensation, including your level of responsibility and involvement.
15

Please describe your experience developing or implementing HR programs, policies, or initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness or compliance.
16

Please describe your experience managing a Human Resources department budget and/or departmental resources, including your level of responsibility and scope of oversight.
17

Which Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS/HRIS) are you familiar with (e.g., NeoGov, Workday, PeopleSoft, SAP SuccessFactors, ADP, Tyler Munis, UKG/Kronos, or similar)? For each system, please identify your level of experience (e.g., basic, intermediate, or advanced).
18

If desired, please explain any education, experience, special training or certificates you have that would help you in this position that have not been previously addressed in your application or supplemental questions.
19

Do you certify that the information and statements made in connection with this application and supplemental questionnaire are complete and true to the best of your knowledge? Please note that intentional misrepresentation of your qualifications will be grounds for disqualification from this selection process and/or removal from the eligibility list.
~ I have read and understand the above information and certify the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge.

Required Question