Personnel Specialist

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.

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.

This position is eligible for an annual recruitment and retention pay differential as follows:

• $2,400 after 12 or more qualifying months
• $3,000 after 24 or more qualifying months
• $3,600 after 36 or more qualifying months
• $4,800 after 48 or more qualifying months

The California Department of Education (CDE) oversees the state's diverse and dynamic public school system, which is responsible for the education of nearly six million children and young adults, thousands of schools, and a broad network of educators, families, policymakers, and community partners. The CDE and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction are responsible for enforcing education law and regulations; and for continuing to reform and improve public elementary school programs, secondary school programs, adult education, some preschool programs, and childcare programs. The CDE's mission is to provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The CDE serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners, preparing students to live, work, and thrive in a highly connected world.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/15/2026

Who May Apply

How To Apply

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.

  
  

• 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.

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

Human Resources Contact:
Edgar Avila
(916) 319-0534
[email protected]

Hiring Unit Contact:
Rodney Sanchez-Hagy
(916) 319-0904
[email protected]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Randi Thompson, EEO Officer
(916) 445-9174
[email protected]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.