Salary : $134,339.25 - $165,220.33 Annually
Location : Madera County, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Human Resources
Division: Human Resources Administration
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: UNREP

Under general direction, assists in planning, organizing, managing, and providing direction and oversight for major functions and activities of the Department of Human Resources, including classification and compensation, employee performance management, employee and labor relations, recruitment and selection, employee benefit services, equal employment opportunity, and training/staff development; participates in the development of policies and strategies for department operations; manages the effective use of department resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Director of Human Resources in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives general direction from the Director of Human Resources. Exercises supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

Class Characteristics
This is an assistant department head classification that oversees, directs, and manages the day-to-day operations of the Department of Human Resources, including short- and long-term planning as well as budget administration and reporting, development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services, and coordination of key programs/projects with other County divisions and departments and external agencies. This class provides assistance to the Director of Human Resources in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Positions apply advanced management principles and strategic thinking to decisions that impact the organization as a whole and the public being served. Positions generally serve as advisors and contributors to executive management on policies, procedures, and major County initiatives.
Examples of Duties

The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.

• Assumes management responsibility for major Department of Human Resources' programs, services, and activities, including classification and compensation, employee performance management, employee and labor relations, recruitment and selection, employee benefit services, equal employment opportunity, and training/staff development.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of division budget; assists with the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; assists with monitoring and approving expenditures; assists with managing and implementing budgetary adjustments as necessary; ensures compliance with federal and state budget requirements.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Determines equipment acquisition, training programs, and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of department services in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine County needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Administers the County's performance management and disciplinary process; ensures all County departments regularly conduct performance evaluations; provides consultation and training to staff in performance management; recommends disciplinary action; consults with County Counsel as needed.
• Assists the Director of Human Resources in collective bargaining; prepares and evaluates management proposals and responses to proposals from bargaining units; collects and analyzes data used in contract negotiations and costs out proposals from labor groups.
• Addresses issues involving contractual interpretations or disputes; assists in the grievance process including arbitration; collaborates with County Counsel to respond to claims of unfair labor practices.
• Administers and oversees employee leave programs, including the interactive accommodation process and disability leave compliance; provides guidance and consultation to County staff on compliance, interpretation, and effective implementation of the leave of absence process; collaborates with Risk Management on workers' compensation and return-to-work issues.
• Administers various County-sponsored and voluntary benefits programs, including contract administration, compliance, and training, and guidance to staff assigned to benefits, monitors benefits agreements and funding.
• Oversees or conducts investigations on behalf of the County for claims of harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and other areas; prepares and reviews reports; makes recommendations for discipline, training, and other remedial measures.
• Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Prepares and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other County departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as necessary.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in human resources and risk management; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to County needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Director of Human Resources, County Administrative Officer and/or Board of Supervisors.
• Ensures staff compliance with County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility, including the Meyers Milias Brown Act, Family Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, Pregnancy Disability Leave, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Employment and Housing Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity Act.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of public human resource administration, including recruitment and selection, equal employment opportunity, classification, job analysis, compensation and benefits administration, and employee development.
• Principles and practices of labor relations in a public agency setting, including effective negotiation techniques and the administration of labor agreements.
• Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information department.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, oversee, and manage the staff and operations of the Department of Human Resources.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the department.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Effectively administer labor agreements.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the division and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to the work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resources management, business administration or public administration, employee relations, industrial psychology, or a closely related field and six (6) years of professional-level human resources administration experience to include two (2) years of contract or policy development experience in a management or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver's license.

Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and c