What are the responsibilities and job description for the PERSONNEL SPECIALIST position at Department of Parks & Recreation?
Job Posting: PERSONNEL SPECIALIST
Department of Parks & Recreation
PERSONNEL SPECIALIST
$4,030.00 - $6,488.00 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: 7/27/2026
Job Description and Duties
PERSONNEL SPECIALIST (PERMANENT/FULL-TIME) – HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION / PAYROLL/BENEFITS SERVICES / SACRAMENTO, CA
The reporting location for this position is 715 P Street in Sacramento, California. This position will work under the supervision of Personnel Supervisor II.
The reporting location for this position is downtown Sacramento, conveniently located near light rail and major freeway access. This position works under the supervision of a Personnel Supervisor I.
Why Join Our Team?
In addition to competitive State benefits, this classification is eligible for an Annual Recruitment and Retention Pay Differential, rewarding continued service in the Personnel Specialist classification. Eligible employees may receive annual payments of:
- $2,400 after 12 consecutive qualifying pay periods
- $3,000 after 24 consecutive qualifying pay periods
- $3,600 after 36 consecutive qualifying pay periods
- $4,800 annually after 48 consecutive qualifying pay periods and thereafter, subject to eligibility requirements. (https://www.calhr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/361/2025/04/Pay_Differential_240.pdf)
As a Personnel Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting California State Parks employees by processing a wide variety of complex personnel and payroll transactions. You will receive comprehensive training to independently evaluate and process sensitive personnel actions while ensuring compliance with bargaining unit agreements, departmental policies, CalHR, SPB, and SCO laws, rules, and regulations.
This position is designated as telework eligible and is office-centered.
State housing is not available. For further information regarding this position, please contact Kimberly Walker at (916) 902-8741 or kimberly.walker@parks.ca.gov.
This recruitment may be used to fill identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the Final Filing Date of this job posting.
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receives a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The percentage of the temporary salary reduction and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are determined by the position’s assigned bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not reflect the temporary salary reduction. For additional information regarding PLP 2025, please click here.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Employees must have the ability to do the following: Work in an office environment in a high-rise building, work under artificial lighting, ability to sit for long periods of time using a keyboard and computer, ability to operate effectively while working under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and exercise a high degree of independence in carrying out the assigned duties. The Personnel Specialist must maintain flexibility to work when and where assigned within the Personnel Transactions Unit. At all times, must maintain a professional and courteous relationship with both internal and external customers. Will resource materials to complete assignments include the Personnel Action Manual (PAM), Collective Bargaining Unit Contracts (MOU's), PPM, CalHR Laws and Rules.
Position Details
Department Information
Special Requirements
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a discussion of how an applicant's education, training, experience, and skills meet the criteria in the duty statement and qualify the applicant for the position.
Please include a 1-2 page(s), 12-point font, Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that describes your experience as it relates to this position/Duty Statement. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ.
Failure to include and complete the SOQ may result in disqualification for interview.
Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position Official sealed transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.
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: 7/27/2026Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 - Please see "Special Requirements."
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience reviewing and auditing employee timesheets or work hours for accuracy, including overtime and leave usage.
- Knowledge of payroll rules, pay calculations, and compliance with labor laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- Experience preparing and processing personnel or employment transactions (hiring, separations, pay adjustments, benefits changes).
- Ability to interpret and apply pay rules, company policies, or labor agreements when determining compensation or benefits.
- Strong attention to detail when entering, reviewing, or verifying payroll and personnel records.
- Experience with payroll, HR, or timekeeping systems (e.g., PIMS, CLAS, or similar HRIS/payroll systems).
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential employee information with discretion.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing forms, correspondence, or employee notices.
- Organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and adapt to changing workloads.
- Ability to research, analyze, and resolve payroll or personnel issues such as overpayments, garnishments, or benefit questions.
- Commitment to customer service when working with employees, supervisors, and outside agencies.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to support process improvements and operational needs.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Kimberly Walker
(916) 902-8741 ext:
kimberly.walker@parks.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:Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
sharon.comas@parks.ca.gov
Additional Instructions
Eligibility Information
To be appointed you must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for the Personnel Specialist. Click here for more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
- Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
- Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
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.
Salary : $4,800