The City of SLO is actively seeking an experienced and versatile Human Resources Manager who possesses exceptional skills in handling complex issues, leading by example, and fostering positive relationships. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in labor relations, performance management, classification analysis, and other key HR functions, along with strategic thinking abilities and proficiency in leveraging technology. It is crucial for them to excel in a fast-paced environment, while also prioritizing the supervision and mentoring of the team by providing invaluable guidance. Moreover, they should be dedicated to driving HR excellence, supporting the team, and optimizing processes. Previous experience in the public sector is preferred.

TESTING PROCESS:
If you are selected for interviews, you will be contacted on or around November 16, 2023, to self-schedule for panel interviews, which will be held in-person tentatively on Thursday, November 30, 2023, so please hold that date. If selected to move forward, second round interviews will be held in-person and are tentatively scheduled for December 5, 2023.

Please note: The City of San Luis Obispo is currently offering a lump-sum incentive for most positions which may be valued up to $5,000. In addition, the City honoring service credit towards vacation accrual for completed public sector years of service. For those candidates who live 50 or more miles from San Luis Obispo County, relocation assistance up to $10,000 may be available.

JOB SUMMARY: Plans, organizes, oversees, administers, reviews, and evaluates multiple programmatic areas within the Human Resources Department. Performs highly complex professional, technical, and analytical work involved in the implementation and oversight of the City’s Human Resources programs and systems that may include classification and compensation, recruitment and selection, training and development, labor relations, and performance management. Participates in employee/employer relations activities, including the interpretation, administration, and negotiation of labor agreements. Participates as a senior member of the human resources department in special projects, assignments, and strategic planning.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This single-position classification provides direction and supervision to professional and support staff in the Human Resources Department and develops, manages, and assesses a wide variety of programs to ensure they are administered in a professional, legally compliant, and cost-effective manner. The incumbent exercises considerable discretion and independent judgment in performing extensive liaison and coordination responsibilities with City staff and representatives of public agencies. This classification is distinguished from the Director of Human Resources in that the latter has overall strategic leadership and responsibility for all human resources functions, including a comprehensive risk management program.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

The Human Resources Manager receives general direction from the Director of Human Resources. Direct supervision is provided to professional, technical, and administrative support staff in the area of human resources. The Human Resources Manager may act as the Human Resources Director in the Director’s absence.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Plans and implements the operations of the Human Resources Department; manages Human Resources staff providing Citywide services and activities relating to classification and compensation, recruitment and selection, training and development, labor relations, and performance management.
• Recommends and selects appointment of staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow; trains, motivates, and evaluates staff; establishes and monitors employee performance objectives.
• Oversees budget preparation and administration; prepares annual work plans for assigned areas.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations and provides technical assistance in the field of human resources.
• Oversees the day-to-day administration of the City’s human resources systems, reviewing personnel transactions, interpreting policies, and directing the processing and maintenance of personnel records.
• Oversees the recruitment and selection processes for new and promotional employment opportunities.
• Oversees classification and compensation administration, including periodically conducting classification and/or compensation studies, analyzing results, and presenting recommendations in accordance with the City’s Compensation Philosophy.
• Participates in labor negotiations by conducting studies and analyses related to current and potential benefits and compensation; formulates and recommends effective bargaining strategies and techniques; prepares and reviews complex cost analysis.
• Participates in and leads meet-and-confer sessions with employee groups.
• Coaches supervisors, managers, and employees in the areas of performance management, including development of performance improvement plans.
• In conjunction with departments and the Director of Human Resources, develops disciplinary documentations and participates in appeal processes and defense as necessary.
• May conduct or oversee confidential personnel investigations.
• May investigate grievances and other complaints.
• Analyzes laws, legislation, and requirements pertaining to all aspects of human resources management, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, discrimination, harassment, and workplace violence.
• Coordinates human resources related training and development and participates in the development and communication of the City’s Employee University.
• Develops recommendations and implements program changes as needed.
• Represents the City in meetings, hearings, and conferences with other human resources professionals, managers, supervisors, employees, the public, organized employee groups, and representatives of various organizations.
• Plans, organizes, and reviews the work of professional, para-professional, and administrative support staff on a project basis; provides training and policy guidance and interpretation to staff.
• Prepares reports, graphic representations, statistical summaries, and other written materials and makes oral presentations when required.
• Serves as staff liaison to City advisory bodies such as the Personnel Board.
• Provides a high level of service to internal and external customers; may serve on a variety of committees or teams related to Citywide issues.
• May serve as Acting Director of Human Resources on a relief or as-needed basis.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

• Principles and practices of public-sector human resources management administration.
• Laws and regulations relating to public-sector human resources administration, including paid leave, disability, and wage and hour.
• Statistical and financial analysis and records management principles and practices.
• Human Resources Information System applications and related reporting and analytics.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to City staff, in person and over the phone.
• Program management, budgeting, and supervisory techniques.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the use of standard office equipment.

• Manage a comprehensive human resources program.
• Oversee the work of third-party administrators, adjustors, and consultants in various areas of specialty.
• Effectively manage employees at various levels.
• Research, analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of complex actuarial, insurance, and liability-related data.
• Plan, organize, and complete projects.
• Lead and motivate employees to meet establish deadlines.
• Manage the selection, training, evaluation, and disciplining of City staff and resolution of interpersonal conflicts.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel information.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
• Work in a team atmosphere and participate on a variety of departmental and Citywide committees to enhance the provisions of all City services.
• Prepare clear, concise, and effective reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Make effective oral presentations of complex materials to diverse audiences.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Perform a variety of office support duties following standard guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in business, human resources, public administration, industrial relations, or a field related to the work.
and
Four years of professional experience administering or managing one or more human resources programs such as recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits administration, or employee relations, including two years of supervisory experience. Experience in a public agency is desirable.
or
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a nationally recognized professional human resources certificate is desirable.

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.