Personnel Specialist

Are you looking for a job you can feel passionate about? The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is seeking hard-working, resourceful, and enthusiastic individuals committed to excellence in a fast-paced environment while delivering quality customer service. The Personnel Specialist (PS) plays a key and primary role in supporting the California State Payroll System (CSPS) Project by performing essential data validation, employee record cleanup, and process documentation to ensure accurate information is ready for system conversion. The PS also participates in system testing and works with statewide and departmental teams to support a smooth transition to the new HR, payroll, travel, and expense system.

In addition to CSPS responsibilities, the PS ensures employees are paid accurately and on time by documenting, reviewing, and processing payroll, personnel, benefits, and leave transactions in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, policies, and deadlines. Under the general direction of the Supervisor I, the PS is also responsible for personnel transactions, payroll processing, benefits administration, and leave accounting for employees across multiple bargaining units and excluded classifications. The incumbent is expected to interpret and apply personnel laws, rules, regulations, policies, and MOUs and develop increasing independence as experience is gained.

CalRecycle has adopted telework for employees who can effectively perform their essential work functions remotely. This position may offer telework opportunities under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, consistent with the CalEPA telework policy and future program needs. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. All employees may be required to report to their designated headquarters at their own expense.

Per CalHR, the Personnel Specialist classification is eligible for an annual recruitment and retention bonus, payable upon meeting the criteria outlined in Pay Differential 240.

Beginning July 1, 2026, CalRecycle staff will be office-centered, requiring employees to report to the office at least four days per week. This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under Government Code 14200, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program needs. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the positions designated headquarter location, as reflected on the duty statement and at their own expense.

California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move the state towards a circular economy that reduces waste and reuses all materials.

Through landmark initiatives like the Integrated Waste Management Act and Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, California works toward a society that uses less, recycles more, and takes resource conservation to higher and higher levels.

CalRecycle’s Mission: Protecting California’s environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.

CalRecycle values diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to protect the environment and preserve resources by empowering Californians to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Join CalRecycle to improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov

When submitting application in hard copy, applicants are required to submit a standard state application (Form Std.678) with an original signature, and clearly indicate HRC0005536 & Position # 835-336-1303-920  in the “Job Title(s)” section of the Standard State Application or you will not be considered for the position.

If you would like to use education in conjunction with experience to satisfy the minimum qualifications, you must attach a copy of your degree and/or transcripts (unofficial or official) to your application to ensure the educational requirements have been met for this position. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

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: 10/25/2026

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Applicants must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. Please see "Statement of Qualifications" section below for instructions. 

Department Website: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources - HRC0005536
(916) 341-6646
[email protected]

Hiring Unit Contact:
Isaac Clark
(916) 324-1200
[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:
EEO Officer
(916) 341-6660
[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.