Personnel Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Personal Leave Program 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.

Please note this is an 'Until Filled' position. The application cut-off date is July 20, 2026 11:59 PM (PST) . Interested individuals must submit their application packages by the cut-off date to be considered.

Join the California Department of Education as a Personnel Specialist!

The California Department of Education (CDE), Human Resources Division, Payroll and Benefits Office, is seeking a motivated, customer-focused individual to join our team as a Personnel Specialist. If you enjoy helping others, have strong attention to detail, and are interested in developing expertise in human resources, this is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career in State service.

As a Personnel Specialist, you will play a vital role in ensuring CDE employees receive accurate and timely pay and benefits by processing a variety of personnel transactions. Along the way, you will gain valuable experience in multiple areas of human resources, including:Payroll processing, benefits administration, time and attendance reporting, personnel transactions, compensation, disability insurance, state personnel laws, rules, and collective bargaining agreements. In this position, you will be responsible for processing personnel transactions related to appointments, separations, payroll, benefits, and leave programs while providing exceptional customer service to employees throughout the department. You will perform these duties in accordance with State laws and regulations, control agency requirements, departmental policies, and applicable bargaining unit agreements.

Why Join CDE?

CDE Headquarters is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, directly across from the California State Capitol. Employees enjoy easy access to beautiful parks, a wide variety of restaurants and cafés, and numerous nearby amenities. The office is within walking distance of grocery stores, including Safeway and Grocery Outlet, and is easily accessible by public transportation. If you are enthusiastic about customer service, eager to learn, and looking to develop valuable human resources skills while making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

HYBRID

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Currently, the hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and working a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Special Requirements

To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification.

The examination bulletin(s) may be viewed on the California Department of Education Web page at: or at the link below:

Personnel Specialist:

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:

• Dependable, flexible, and customer service oriented.

• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to use good judgment and make sound decisions.

• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate information and take effective action.

• Ability to organize and establish workload priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

• Ability to research and provide recommendations to upper management on a variety of payroll topics.

• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and self-motivation.

Benefits

The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:

• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days

• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Commute Program

More benefit information can be found on CalHR’s website: Benefits Summary

Important Application Instructions

• How to Apply for state jobs:
• Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
• DO NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, age, student identification number, driver license (unless required), examination results, LEAP status, and marital status.
• Incomplete or late application packages will NOT be considered.
• For experience to be considered, your STD 678 (state application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed will be considered incomplete.
• For civil service classifications, do not use working titles.
• If you choose not to submit electronically and are mailing or dropping off your hard copy State Application (STD. 678), use the revised 06/2024 version.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. List of approved agencies:
• Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application once it is submitted.
• Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

For general information about getting a job with the state, please view the job series videos here:

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 required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name ,” be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following:
  

  1. Describe your background and/or experience related to processing personnel and payroll documents.

  2. Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment and ability to organize/prioritize your

  workload to meet deadlines/demands.

  3. Describe your definition of excellent customer service and summarize how your work experience shows

  you provide that level of service.