Human Resources Technician - Confidential (Open and Promotional)

The County of San Mateo Human Resources Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resources Technician (HR Tech). This recruitment is designed to establish an eligible list to fill current and future vacancies across multiple Human Resources divisions, including two current openings in the Employee Benefits and Wellness Division.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building or advancing a career in public sector human resources, particularly in environments that integrate HR systems, data, and customer service to support a diverse and dynamic workforce.

Human Resources Technicians perform a wide variety of technical and paraprofessional duties in support of the County’s HR operations, contributing to innovative service delivery and a high-performing organization.

HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISIONS

Human Resources Technicians support a variety of specialized divisions within the Human Resources Department, each playing a critical role in delivering services to employees, departments, and the public.

Employee Benefits and Wellness Division administers the County’s comprehensive benefits programs and provides direct support to employees and retirees. This includes customer service, benefits education, eligibility determination, coordination with vendors and healthcare providers, and analysis and reporting of benefits data.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion promote a fair and inclusive workplace by supporting compliance with employment laws, advancing equity initiatives, and assisting with programs that foster a respectful and diverse work environment.

Employee and Labor Relations serves as a strategic partner to departments by providing guidance on employee performance and conduct, interpreting labor agreements and policies, and supporting the resolution of workplace issues and investigations.

Human Resources Information Management (HRIM) supports the County’s HR systems and workforce data, including maintaining HR information systems, supporting system users, managing access and security, running reports, and contributing to workforce analytics and data-driven decision-making.

Classification and Compensation manages a competitive and fair compensation system, as well as standardized and equitable classifications that define the scope and skills required of all County jobs.

Risk Management and Workers’ Compensation focuses on employee safety and well-being by supporting workers’ compensation programs, managing claims processes, and assisting with compliance and risk mitigation efforts.

Talent Acquisition manages recruitment and selection processes to attract and hire a qualified and diverse workforce. Responsibilities include coordinating recruitments, supporting examinations, managing applicant tracking systems, and assisting with outreach and recruitment marketing strategies.

Learning and Development supports employee growth through training programs and professional development initiatives, including coordinating training logistics, managing learning management systems, tracking participation and outcomes, and supporting the delivery of learning opportunities across the organization.

Workforce Engagement and Community Partnerships supports the County’s workforce and the community through talent pipeline and internship programs designed to foster equity and inclusion; organizational development and employee retention programs.

Mail Services distributes internal and postal mail for all County departments; and provides accurate, timely, and cost-effective services to enhance communication and operational efficiency across the County.

Strategic Support and Partnerships advances department-wide initiatives and organizational priorities by supporting projects, partnerships, and programs that enhance HR service delivery and organizational effectiveness.

Each division offers opportunities to work with HR systems, data, and customer-focused services.

THE CURRENT OPPORTUNITY: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND WELLNESS

There are currently two vacancies within the Employee Benefits and Wellness Division, a regular, classified position and a limited term position. Limited term positions are full-time fully benefited, temporary positions. Limited term employees receive medical and dental benefits, like regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan (401-A).  This current limited term position is funded for up to one year. 

The Employee Benefits and Wellness division administers comprehensive benefits programs and provides direct support to County employees and retirees.

Key Responsibilities of the Human Resources Technician:

• Provide frontline customer service via phone, email, and in-person support regarding employee benefits
• Conduct benefits education sessions, trainings, and presentations
• Interpret and explain benefits programs, eligibility, and policies
• Reconcile benefits reports and assist with audits
• Develop dashboards and reports using Excel and other tools
• Analyze and communicate complex benefits data in a clear and concise manner
• Support events such as the annual Benefits Fair
• Collaborate with vendors, healthcare providers, and internal stakeholders

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are seeking candidates who are passionate about continuing a career in human resources and who value the role of human resources in creating and retaining a well-qualified, engaged, and high-performing workforce.

Successful candidates will demonstrate these competencies:

• Strong customer service skills and a commitment to public service (Call center experience is helpful but not required)
• Organized, efficient, and capable of working independently within established guidelines
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data visualization)
• Ability to manage and interpret large datasets
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, with the ability to engage effectively and present comfortably with a large and diverse audience
• Knowledge of HR-related systems and applications and a willingness to embrace technology
• Ability to quickly learn new processes, policies, and systems
• Team-oriented mindset and the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of personalities
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Initiative and accountability for completing work accurately and timely
• High attention to detail and sound judgment when handling sensitive and confidential information

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Three years of increasingly responsible administrative support work
• At least two years of human resources-related experience

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of human resource/personnel administration and management
• Federal, State, and local legislation involving human resource/personnel functions
• Organization, procedures, and operating details of the County or similar public agencies
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Modern office methods, procedures, and equipment, including computer systems and HR-related programs and applications

Skill/Ability to:

• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Employ good judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies
• Learn and interpret laws, rules, and regulations
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Achieve operating efficiency in an administrative office environment
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with employees, departments, and the public

Anyone may apply. Current San Mateo County and San Mateo County Superior Court employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help, or temporary positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the 'Apply' button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply.

The supplemental questionnaire must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.

The examination process will consist of the following:

• Pass/Fail Application Screening (which may include a short phone interview screening) where your submissions are evaluated for relevance to the position and needs of the County
• Civil Service Panel Interview, which will determine your ranking on an eligible list and referral to the hiring manager for consideration, should you pass the interview. Depending on the number of applicants, the interview may be waived, and eligibility list ranking will be based on the Application Screening

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination process. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

~ TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE ~
Deadline for Applications: April 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Application Screening: May 5-7, 2026
Panel Interview: May 18-19, 2026

ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

The County of San Mateo serves a diverse population of over 750,000 residents and is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The County strives to be an employer of choice by supporting employee development, well-being, and engagement. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

If you are looking to grow your HR career while contributing to meaningful public service, we encourage you to apply.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

HR Contact: Chet Overstreet (04162026) (Human Resources Technician – Confidential) - 

Salary : $79,248 - $99,070