Job Posting: HR Operations Branch Chief

Department of Human Resources

JC-536382
-
HR Operations Branch Chief
SUPERVISOR II

$7,872.00 - $9,781.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/4/2026

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 a collaborative, people-centered human resources leader who can strengthen operations, develop teams, and deliver services employees depend on?

CalHR’s Human Resources Office is seeking an HR Operations Branch Chief to lead personnel transactions, payroll, benefits administration, leave accounting, disability benefits, protected leave, reasonable accommodation, workers’ compensation, and return-to-work services. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this position provides leadership and oversight to subordinate supervisors and staff responsible for accurate, timely, and responsive service.

In addition to supporting CalHR as the state’s human resources control agency, the Branch Chief and their team provide HR services to contracted client agencies. The role coordinates complex personnel matters, establishes clear priorities and service expectations, strengthens quality controls, and ensures employees and supervisors receive consistent guidance and timely follow-through.

The ideal candidate is a credible advisor and skilled supervisor who combines technical knowledge with sound judgment and a commitment to customer service. They delegate effectively, coach and develop staff, resolve sensitive issues, and use data and feedback to improve operations. If you are ready to lead a team whose work directly supports employees’ pay, benefits, and ability to navigate important workplace transitions, we encourage you to apply.

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

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 CalHRTalentEngagement@calhr.ca.gov. We’d love to hear from you!

Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of November 10. We look forward to meeting with you!

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

Working Conditions

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 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 3% 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: http://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA): Approximately every 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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-536382
Position #(s):
363-100-4801-007
Working Title:
HR Operations Branch Chief
Classification:
SUPERVISOR II
$7,872.00 - $9,781.00
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

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) oversees a wide range of matters related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment, and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

Our Mission: To serve as the trusted advisor to our strategic partners and the public, providing exceptional human resource services and guidance in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Our Vision: Shaping California’s future of public service excellence with fair and equitable employment opportunities and a diverse, engaged workforce.

Core Values: People Centric, Leadership, Accountability, DEIA, Integrity, and Transparency.

Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer. 
Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must include the applicant’s name in the upper-right corner and address the question below. 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 two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

  1. Describe your experience leading payroll, personnel transactions, benefits, or leave administration. Provide an example of how you directed supervisors or staff to resolve a complex issue while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely customer service.
  2. Describe an operational improvement you led in an HR program. Explain how you identified the need, engaged and supported staff through the change, and evaluated the results.

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.

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: 11/4/2026

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.

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 Human Resources
Human Resources Office
Attn: Human Resources Office - C&H Unit
1515 S Street, North Building, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95811-7258

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Human Resources
Human Resources Office
Human Resources Office - C&H Unit
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811-7258
08:00 AM - 04:00 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.
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:
  • Expert knowledge of human resources laws, rules, regulations, policies, bargaining agreements, and personnel management practices.
  • Experience overseeing personnel transactions, payroll, benefits administration, leave accounting, disability benefits, onboarding, retirement, and separations.
  • Experience overseeing leaves of absence, reasonable accommodation, protected leave, workers’ compensation, and return-to-work services.
  • Ability to gain the confidence and support of executive leadership and advise executives on complex and sensitive personnel matters.
  • Experience identifying opportunities for operational improvement, developing policies and procedures, and successfully leading and implementing change.
  • Ability to research and analyze complex information, interpret data, apply applicable requirements, and develop effective recommendations and implementation plans.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead subordinate supervisors and staff, including coaching, mentoring, training, developing, and holding employees accountable for operational outcomes.
  • Ability to establish priorities, manage competing demands, delegate appropriately, and ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality completion of assignments.
  • Experience establishing quality controls, service standards, tracking practices, and performance measures to ensure compliance and improve service delivery.
  • Ability to strengthen operational continuity through cross-training, knowledge transfer, and staff development.
  • Effective communication, business acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to clearly present complex information and recommendations.
  • Customer-service oriented, adaptable, and able to collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, client agencies, control agencies, and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel and medical information and exercise sound judgment.
  • Ability to create and promote an equitable, inclusive, accessible, engaging, and respectful workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

This position has a Conflict-of-Interest designation and requires disclosure of economic interests (Form 700).

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct that is reflective of CalHR’s mission, vision, and core values. CalHR employees are expected to model and support CalHR Core Values.

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 www.benefits.calhr.ca.gov for more information!

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Jordan Mariner
(916) 909-3748
jordan.mariner@calhr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jennifer Gothier
(916) 909-3846
jennifer.gothier@calhr.ca.gov

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:
RA Coordinators
(916) 322-5315
RACoordinators@calhr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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 applicable required 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 state 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.

Examination Information

Take the online Supervisor II Examination to become list eligible.

The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. Visit the CalHR LEAP page for additional information. 

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job