Human Resources Analyst

The City of La Palma is looking for a professional Human Resources Analyst to support a broad set of HR programs, spanning recruitment, classification and compensation, workers’ compensation, organizational development and training, labor relations, and risk management. This on-site role in La Palma, CA offers a salary range of USD 78,024 - 104,560 per year and emphasizes independent analysis, reporting, and the administration of key HR processes to keep city operations running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, perform a wide range of professional HR duties in recruitment and selection, job analysis, classification, compensation, workers’ compensation, organizational development and training, labor relations, and risk management; conduct and present administrative, financial, and personnel studies and reports.
• Prepare and update personnel database records for new positions, vacancies, and performance evaluations.
• Conduct job analyses and salary surveys; administer special projects as assigned.
• Provide orientations for new hires and address questions about benefits, open enrollment, and other benefits events.
• Maintain personnel and medical files in compliance with government regulations; utilize the personnel, payroll, and benefits information system to manage payroll and benefits data.
• Process FMLA and monitor leave balances, coordinating return-to-work for all employees.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver training workshops; maintain the training calendar, register participants, and assist with event site preparation and course materials.
• Establish and facilitate the City-wide Safety Committee; update job descriptions and maintain the City’s organizational charts.
• Draft, revise, and interpret provisions of personnel rules, collective bargaining agreements, and administrative policies, including fair employment and non-discrimination guidelines.
• Respond to employment verification requests and update the City’s website with HR activities; manage bulletin boards.
• Coordinate data reports for third-party benefits administrators during annual benefit renewals.
• Analyze HR and risk management program trends by attending professional meetings and reviewing industry materials.
• Coordinate documents with the third-party Workers’ Compensation Administrator and department director; communicate with employees and the administrator to process necessary documents.
• Receive, coordinate, and maintain claims and property damage reports through the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
• Investigate employee relations issues and recommend corrective actions as needed; respond to annual surveys related to City insurance.
• Administer fleet registration and insurance activities with the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority and Department of Motor Vehicles; ensure property insurance coverage City-wide.
• Process initial and fiscal year Evidence of Coverage requests for City-wide contracts; verify insurance coverage levels for contract services.
• Administer background screening through Livescan and the Department of Justice for City personnel, contractors, and volunteers.
• Provide high level customer service to internal and external customers, interpreting complex policies, rules, procedures, and ordinances.
• Attend to various administrative duties, participate in meetings, and serve on task forces and committees as assigned; oversee department administrative functions and resolve conflicts with tact and independent judgment.
• Operate standard office equipment and computer systems used for HR tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A background investigation, including a criminal record check, may be required.
• All appointments may require successful completion of a post-offer medical exam, which may include drug and alcohol screening.
• Reasonable accommodations for disability in the examination process should be requested no later than five working days prior to the scheduled exam date.
• The selection process may include testing and oral interviews.

Benefits

• 4% cost of living adjustment effective July 1, 2027
• 1% of salary contributed to a deferred compensation plan

Class Characteristics

This professional-level class operates independently within a single-position framework, delivering complex HR work and contributing to policy formulation and procedures. It is distinguished from the Human Resources Specialist role by greater judgment, specialized expertise, and initiative.

Application Procedure

• Submit an original City of La Palma online application at www.lapalmaca.gov. Ensure the completed application, resume, and supplemental questionnaires are received by the stated deadline to be eligible.
• Facsimiles will not be accepted; resumes alone do not substitute for a complete City application.
• The City notifies all applicants by email; paper notifications may be used but could be delayed.
• Applicants are encouraged to monitor email during the process.

Selection Process

• Applications are screened to identify candidates with the most relevant qualifications and required licenses/certifications for the position.
• The process may include testing and oral interviews.

Note

All City of La Palma employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers by state law. In emergencies, employees may be assigned to support rescue and relief efforts in locations and times outside normal duties, including during recovery phases.

Physical Demands

Must have mobility to work in an office setting and use standard equipment; vision to read printed materials and screens; hearing and speech to communicate in person, in groups, and by phone. This is primarily a sedentary role, with occasional standing or walking between work areas. Hand dexterity is needed for data entry and computations.

Environmental Elements

Work occurs in an office environment with moderate noise and controlled temperatures. Interactions with upset staff or external representatives may occur while enforcing policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

Evenings, weekends, or holidays may be required as part of the role.