Description
Senior Human Resources Manager
Full-Time/At-Will
Open/Competitive
The City of Pico Rivera's vision and values are to safeguard the public's trust through open and transparent business practices that consistently maintain our credibility of strong ethical stewardship of all resources. We strive to provide responsive and consistent customer service to the community and our employees; who we trust to always own the problem and solution of all our business challenges. We recognize that we must engage our workforce in productive and respectful dialogue as our success internally hinges on the dynamic and interdependent partnerships within; thus improving our chances of external success.
The goal is to positively impact our community by optimizing and engaging our workforce to improve the human experience and quality of life in the City of Pico Rivera. The City is committed to forging a model of 21st Century government to better serve the community and its employees.
The Department
The purpose of the Human Resources Department is to maximize the productivity of an organization by optimizing the effectiveness of its employees. The Department's focus is centered on innovative and strategically acquiring, developing, and retaining talent by continuously nourishing the organization's greatest resource in an effort to affect positive change. Human Resources' mission is the development of both the employees and the organization in which they operate. The Department is engaged not only in securing and developing the talents of individual employees, but also in implementing programs that enhance communication and collaboration between people in order to nurture organizational development. Employees who are engaged and aligned with the City's vision and values will always contribute to the overall mission of the organization. Above all else, the Human Resources Department values integrity, respect, and innovative talent management.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Pico Rivera is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Human Resources Manager to join its leadership team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned HR professional with strong management skills, a solid understanding of public-sector personnel operations, and a passion for supporting a modern and service-driven organization.
Working under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager, this position oversees day-to-day Human Resources operations and provides high-level guidance on recruitment, employee relations, classification and compensation, training and development, benefits, risk management support, and compliance with Federal, State, and local laws.
The Position
The Senior Human Resources Manager provides leadership and supervision to Human Resources staff, including Analysts, Technicians, Coordinators, and administrative support personnel. The role requires advanced analytical ability, excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to foster positive working relationships at all levels of the organization.
Responsibilities
The Senior Human Resources Manager will serve as a strategic partner to City leadership and oversee a broad portfolio of HR programs. Key responsibilities include:
- Lead full-cycle recruitment and selection for executive, professional, technical, and represented classifications, ensuring equity, defensibility, and modern hiring practices.
- Oversee employee and labor relations, including performance management coaching, progressive discipline guidance, complaint investigations, and MOU interpretation.
- Coordinate and support good-faith bargaining efforts in alignment with the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA), including preparing proposals, advising leadership, participating in negotiations, and maintaining legally compliant bargaining practices.
- Manage the City’s classification and compensation program, conduct salary studies, and make recommendations that support internal equity and market competitiveness.
- Administer benefits, leaves, and workers’ compensation, ensuring accurate processing, compliance with FMLA/CFRA/PDL/ADA/FEHA, and effective coordination with TPAs.
- Lead Citywide training and professional development initiatives, including supervisory academies, compliance training, succession planning, and organizational development efforts.
- Develop and update City HR policies and administrative regulations, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local laws and alignment with the City’s values of ethical stewardship and transparent practices.
- Promote collaborative problem-solving with departments, fostering proactive communication and supporting operational needs.
- Serve as a departmental leader, supervising HR Analysts, Technicians, Coordinators, and support staff while overseeing workflow, service delivery, and process improvements.
Essential Duties
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be an experienced and collaborative Human Resources professional who demonstrates:
- Significant public-sector HR experience, preferably in a city or agency environment, with a strong command of labor and employment regulations.
- Expertise in employee and labor relations, including coaching supervisors, resolving conflicts, conducting investigations, and navigating sensitive personnel matters with tact and professionalism.
- Demonstrated experience with good-faith bargaining, preparation of negotiation materials, supporting management’s bargaining positions, and ensuring compliance with the MMBA.
- Sound judgment and political acumen, with the ability to balance organization-wide priorities with department-level needs.
- A leadership style that reflects the City’s values, such as ethical stewardship, responsive customer service, and effective dialogue throughout the organization.
- Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly to employees, managers, union representatives, and executive leadership.
- Strong analytical and project management abilities, capable of leading HR initiatives, streamlining processes, and implementing solutions that improve organizational effectiveness.
- A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and modernization of HR practices and technology.
- A collaborative and supportive approach to leadership, mentoring staff, building team capacity, and fostering a positive and solution-oriented department culture.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources Management, Public or Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field is required.
- Master’s Degree is desirable.
Foreign Education: For international degree(s), submit a foreign equivalency certification (FEC) by an acceptable educational credential evaluator used to establish U.S. educational equivalency of college/university-level degrees.)
Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.
Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.
Experience
- Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional human resources experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
- Public-sector experience is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Ability to operate a variety of automated office machines, including a calculator, copier, personal computer and applicable software programs; coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing slightly skilled movements, such as data entry; exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, sitting, and/or walking; maneuver and steer equipment and machinery requiring simple, but continuous adjustments, such as the operation of an automobile.
Supervisorial Responsibilities
Ability to assign, review, plan, and coordinate the work of other employees; provide instruction and guidance to staff; approve the transfer, promotion, salary increase, discipline or discharge of staff; assess the work of employees and write performance appraisals; promote staff development and motivation; oversee a program for orientation and training of all department employees; analyze problems that arise in the areas under supervision and recommend solutions. Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Mathematical Ability
Ability to interpret descriptive economic, financial and statistical reports.
Judgment And Situational Reasoning Ability
Ability to develop, implement and maintain sound accounting and financial reporting systems and procedures; ability to assess and evaluate data processing needs and evaluate computer hardware and software; ability to exercise independent judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs; ability to develop new policies and modify existing policies, strategies and/or methods to meet unusual conditions within the context of existing management principles; ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to define consequences and to consider and select alternatives; ability to decide the time, place and sequence of operations within a system or organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution.
Language Ability And Interpersonal Communication
Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information, such as financial statements, technical operating manuals, procedures, guidelines, ordinances, and accounting methods; advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations; communicate effectively with coworkers, vendors, elected and appointed officials, and the general public, both verbally and in writing; effectively make public presentations; management and direct a group of workers, including the ability to provide counseling and mediation; ability to persuade, convince and train others.
Licenses and Certifications
- Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License and a safe driving record throughout the course of employment. City employees are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employee Pull Notice Program.
- Professional HR certifications (SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, IPMA-CP/SCP) are desirable.
Veteran's credit will amount to 10 points to be added to the interview score. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application materials in order to be eligible for veteran's credit. Veterans who wish to utilize this credit must have served on a full-time basis (not reserve or auxiliary) in the armed forces for a minimum of six months (180 days).
Application & Selection Process
Interested candidates must submit a completed City employment application, resume, and any required supplemental documents.
Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an evaluation process that may include a written assessment, oral interview, and/or practical exercise.
Recruitment will remain open until the position is filled; however, we reserve the right to close the recruitment at any time without prior notice.
AI and the Hiring Process
We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However,
we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures
fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
Compensation & Benefits
The annual salary range for this position is:
$133,356 – $154,644
The City Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package That Include
- CalPERS retirement plan
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Deferred compensation options
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
- Professional development opportunities
How To Apply
Visit the City of Pico Rivera’s website at: https://www.pico-rivera.org/our-city/city-jobs/
For Questions, Please Contact Human Resources At
(562) 801-4399 or via email at
spena@pico-rivera.org
City Hall is open Monday through Friday 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Employees work a 4/10 schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This position could also be required to work non-traditional hours including nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays based on the needs of the department.
Physical/Background Check
Upon conditional offer the selected candidate will be subject to background and reference checks and will be required to satisfactorily complete a post offer physical examination including a drug screen at the City's expense.
At-will Classification
Members in this job classification are considered at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Emergency Disaster Worker
City employees are registered as Emergency Disaster Workers and must take an oath. In the event of a declared emergency, City employees shall initially remain at work, or if recalled, shall report to work after completing critical personal and family emergency responsibilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Pico Rivera is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity at all levels of its workforce.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
The City of Pico Rivera provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals under ADA, considering each situation on an individual basis. Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodation needed, in writing, for the application and/or interview phase. If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Department staff: nkatabyan@pico-rivera.org.
City of Pico Rivera Human Resources, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera CA 90660
Mid Management and Professional & Confidential Representation – This classification is represented by City Employees Associates (CEA) under the Pico Rivera Mid-Managers and Professional, and Confidential Employees Association (PRPCEA). Membership optional.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)- Effective the first full pay period occurring on or after July 1st.
2024: 4%
2025: 3%
2026: 3%
Paid Vacation - 88 hours after one year, 128 hours after 5 years, 168 hours after 10 years, and 208 hours after 20 or more years of service.
Management/Administrative Leave - This classification may be eligible for 60 hours of administrative leave per fiscal year.
Sick Leave - 105 hours per year with the employee having the option to accumulate a maximum of 800 hours or receive pay each July for unused portion accumulated in the preceding fiscal year.
Retirement – Employees are covered under the State of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) at the 2% at 60 formula for current CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for new CalPERS Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members. Effective July 1, 2023, PEPRA members pay 7.5% of the employee's portion to CalPERS. Current CalPERS members (Tier II) pay 7% of employee's portion to CalPERS. PERS determines whether an employee is a Classic or New PERS member.
The City does not contribute to Social Security.
Holidays - The City observes twelve (12) holidays.
4/10 Schedule- Monday through Thursday.
Insurance - The City offers CalPERS health benefits to all full time employees. The City will pay 100% of the health insurance premiums for full-time employees and their qualified dependents, but not to exceed the Kaiser HMO premium. Employees may choose a different CalPERS health care provider offered by the City, however, any cost greater than the Kaiser HMO premium rate shall be paid by the employee through payroll deductions.
- Multiple CalPERS Medical plans to choose from or Cash In-Lieu of Benefits (amount paid shall be equal to the Public Employees' Medical & Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) minimum).
- Dental Insurance (3 plans to choose from), at no cost to the employee selecting HMO dental plan.
- Vision Insurance- (2 plans to choose from) at no cost to the employee.
- Group Life Insurance ($100,000 life insurance policy), at no cost to the employee.
- Short Term Disability Insurance, at no cost to the employee.
- Long Term Disability Insurance, at no cost to the employee.
Pre-Tax Dependent Care and Healthcare Flexible Spending Account: Employees may specify a dollar amount annually to be deducted from their earnings to pay for qualifying dependent care and/or eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.
Credit Union – Credit Union membership is available.
Deferred Compensation- Empower Retirement (deferred compensation plan (i.e., Internal Revenue Code Section 457 program) which employees may choose to participate in at their own expense. The City will match Association members' contributions up to a maximum of one percent (1.0%) of base compensation. Participation in the Deferred Compensation Plan is voluntary.
Tuition Reimbursement - The IRS maximum of $5,250 annually (calendar year) or the effective amount should it be adjusted by the IRS in a given year.
The City of Pico Rivera is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.
01
Instructions: By answering yes, you understand that all applicants must complete the following Supplemental Questions. Responses will be used to determine the most qualified candidates. Please provide complete, thorough answers. “See résumé” is not an acceptable response.
02
This position is a permanent regular position. Are you a retired annuitant (CalPERS retiree)?
03
If you answered "Yes", to the retired annuitant question above, are you willing to reinstate?
- Yes, I'm willing to reinstate.
- No, I'm not willing to reinstate.
- Not applicable (I'm not a CalPERS retiree.)
04
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources Management, Public or Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
05
Recruitment & Selection Management Experience Describe your experience managing full cycle recruitment in a public sector environment. In your response, include:
- Types of positions you recruited for (executive, technical, public safety, represented)
- Your role in job analysis, exam development, interview panel coordination, and onboarding
- Systems used (e.g., NEOGOV, HRIS)
- A challenging recruitment you managed and the outcome Include Employer, Job Title, and Dates of Employment.
06
Employee & Labor Relations – Situational Scenario You receive a request from a supervisor to initiate corrective action on an employee whose performance has declined, but documentation is minimal. Explain:
- The steps you would take to coach the supervisor
- How you would ensure consistency with policies, MOUs, and legal requirements
- How you would mitigate potential liability for the City
- A real example from your experience resolving a similar matter Include Employer, Job Title, and Dates of Employment.
07
Classification & Compensation Experience Describe your experience performing or leading classification and compensation work. Include:
- Types of studies conducted (classification studies, salary surveys, compaction analysis)
- Methodology you used and data sources
- Recommendations you presented and their results
- Your level of responsibility (lead analyst, project manager, approver, etc.) Include Employer, Job Title, and Dates of Employment.
08
Benefits, Leave Management & Workers’ Compensation Experience Provide an overview of your experience administering employee benefits, leave programs (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA/FEHA), and workers’ compensation. Include:
- Your role in case intake, tracking, interactive process meetings, and determinations
- Experience working with TPAs
- A complex case you managed and how you resolved it
- How you maintained compliance and confidentiality Include Employer, Job Title, and Dates of Employment.
09
Training, Organizational Development & HR Program Leadership Describe a training or organizational improvement initiative you implemented that resulted in a measurable improvement for your organization. Identify:
- The need or problem addressed
- Your role in planning and delivering the initiative
- Stakeholders involved
- Measurable results or outcomes Include Employer, Job Title, and Dates of Employment.
10
Supervisory Experience Describe your experience supervising HR staff. Include:
- Classifications supervised
- How you assigned work, provided feedback, and evaluated performance
- A supervisory challenge you faced and how you handled it
11
Disclosure Authorization and Release
I hereby authorize any former employer, its employees and representatives, or any person listed as a reference, to provide any and all information they deem appropriate regarding my employment and job performance to the City of Pico Rivera, its employees, representatives, and/or agents. This information may be provided either verbally or in writing. In addition to authorizing the release of any information regarding my employment, I hereby fully waive any rights or claims I have or may have against any former employer, its employees and representatives, educational institutions, or any person listed as a reference from any and all liability, claims, or damages that may directly or indirectly result from the use, disclosure, or release of such information by any person or party, whether such information is favorable or unfavorable to me.
I certify that all statements made in this application are true and complete and I authorize investigation of all matters herein contained. I agree and understand that any misrepresentation or omission of a material fact may be justification for rejection of my application, refusal of employment, removal of my name from the eligibility list, and/or dismissal from employment with the City of Pico Rivera. I agree to undergo a physical examination and drug screen by a City-appointed physician and fully understand that employment is contingent upon meeting the City’s physical requirements.
(Print your name and date)
