Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter and resume, by 8am on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

Job Summary

Reporting to and under general supervision of the Human Resources Manager, with additional lead work direction from the Managing Director for Payroll and Benefits, the Human Resources management team and other lead Payroll staff, the Payroll Technician is responsible for applying thorough knowledge of payroll and personnel transactions and performs the full range of moderately complex payroll and personnel transactions for all University employees. The incumbent uses initiative and judgment to analyze information and determines a course of action within the specifications of standard practice and established guidelines; independently selects, interprets and applies the proper rules and regulations; and initiates, processes and completes a range of transactions in order to appoint, separate or change the pay and benefits status of various categories of University employees.

Key Qualifications

This position requires the equivalent of two years’ payroll and personnel experience and any equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides the required knowledge and abilities to perform the duties of the position. The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of general office methods, practices and procedures and thorough knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire, CSU policies, procedures, programs, guidelines, applicable state and federal laws, educational codes, and collective bargaining agreements. Such policies, procedures, programs, and guidelines include, but is not limited to, the Uniform State Payroll Procedures Manual, Personnel Information Management System Manual and other payroll information found in state and university administrative manuals and guidelines, Public Employees’ Retirement System Manual and the Executive Orders published by the Chancellor’s Office. Associates of arts degree preferred. Intermediate proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office (word, Excel) required. Knowledge of Google Suite and PeopleSoft preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $3,680 to $3,747 a month. This is a full time, non-exempt position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

For eligible employees, CSUEU collective bargaining agreement Article 17.10 will be honored.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community. 

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all faculty, staff, administrators, and students who are accessing campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to continue to help us protect and maintain a healthy Seawolf Community. More information related to campus level requirements can be found here: https://risk.sonoma.edu/covid-compliance-and-monitoring-office.

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/resources/fire-safety. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.