Personnel & Leave Analyst

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
The Analyst II independently processes and audits complex personnel and payroll transactions; resolves payroll and employment issues; conducts research and analysis; and develops process improvements. The incumbent collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and departmental management. Working alongside subject-matter experts, the incumbent gains valuable knowledge of complex personnel, payroll, and benefits programs while applying that knowledge to increasingly complex assignments. The incumbent also administers leave programs, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), Nonindustrial Disability Insurance (NDI), Pregnancy Disability Leave, and other applicable programs.

How to Apply
Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job . I f you’re interested in exploring additional job opportunities at CalHR, please reach out to our recruitment team at [email protected] . We’d love to hear from you!

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Career Development: CalHR provides continuous learning and training opportunities to support personal and professional growth, including two Professional Development Days per fiscal year.
• Location: CalHR is centrally located near the Ice Blocks in downtown Sacramento, with many dining and shopping options nearby.
• Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is fostered through measures like telework and adjustable schedules, allowing personal and professional lives to thrive together.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration.
• Generous State Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays per year, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, employee wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• Compensation: The advertised salary reflects gross pay before taxes and payroll deductions. Actual take-home pay will vary based on applicable tax withholdings and employee benefit elections, including retirement plan contributions, health insurance, and other voluntary deductions.

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 2% 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:

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.

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). 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 processing complex personnel transactions. Provide an example of how you independently researched and resolved a difficult transaction while ensuring accuracy, compliance, timeliness, and a positive employee experience.
2. Describe your experience managing employee leaves and determining eligibility for leave programs. Provide an example of how you guided an employee through a complex leave matter while ensuring accurate administration, clear communication, and responsive service.
3. Describe a time you conducted an independent audit. Explain how you identified discrepancies, researched the issue, completed corrective actions, and communicated the outcome to provide accurate and responsive service.

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.

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:

• Knowledge of control agencies laws, rules, and resource manuals
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service in a professional and courteous manner
• Demonstrates dependability and accuracy in task completion
• Demonstrates capacity to effectively organize and prioritize tasks
• Strong understanding of FMLA, CFRA, PDL, PFL, NDI and SDI policies, and procedures.
• Strong dedication to delivering high-quality work and a solid work ethic
• Strong interpersonal skills for addressing customer inquiries and effectively conveying information to diverse audiences
• Excellent verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex information clearly
• Proficient in identifying and correcting errors while maintaining meticulous records
• Proficient in managing multiple responsibilities concurrently
• Flexible and adaptable to handle changing priorities and deadlines

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 for more information!

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.

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 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.