Assistant Director of Human Resources & Risk Management (08-26)

Salary: $10,373.00 - $13,788.00 Monthly
Location : Whittier, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-034
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 09/30/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 12:09 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 293

Description
POSITION WILL CLOSE AFTER RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 150 APPLICATIONS OR OCTOBER 29,2026 WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST
DEFINITION:
Under administrative direction, plans, manages, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department, which includes recruitment, selection, equal employment opportunity, employee and labor relations, classification, compensation, training, grievance and disciplinary process, employee recognition, benefits, industrial safety, risk management, Workers' Compensation, emergency management, and wildlife management; implements policies and procedures related to program areas within the City; coordinates activities with other City officials, departments, outside agencies, organizations, and the public; serves as the secretary to the Personnel Board; provides responsible and complex staff support to the City Council and City Manager and other City personnel; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The AssistantDirector of Human Resources is the administrative management level class, which oversees all functions and operations of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department and is responsible for the activities of recruitment, selection, employee and labor relations, classification, compensation, training, grievance and disciplinary process, employee recognition, Workers' Compensation, emergency management, and wildlife management. The incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative in establishing efficient and effective departmental operations consistent with City policies and administrative guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of City Manager in that the latter has overall responsibility for the administration of all City Departments and operations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives administrative direction from the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, and office support personnel.
Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Assists in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating the operations and activities of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department. Participates in the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, priorities, policies, procedures, and work plans; collaborates with City departments in the interpretation and application of personnel policies; evaluates operational effectiveness and recommends process improvements to enhance organizational performance, service delivery, and achievement of departmental goals.
• Assists in overseeing the recruitment, selection, supervision, training, development, and performance evaluation of department personnel. Provides leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities; addresses performance issues and disciplinary matters as appropriate; ensures compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Assists with the development, administration, and monitoring of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department budget. Participates in forecasting staffing, equipment, and operational needs; monitors expenditures; recommends budget adjustments; and assists in preparing budget presentations and supporting documentation.
• Reviews and evaluates departmental operations, administrative systems, and service delivery methods. Identifies opportunities for operational improvements, implements best practices, and recommends changes to policies, procedures, and workflows to improve efficiency and customer service.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and administration of citywide human resources and risk management programs, policies, and procedures, including performance management systems, employee engagement initiatives, workers' compensation, safety programs, the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), and unemployment claims administration.
• Assists with labor relations activities, including preparing for negotiations, conducting cost analyses, participating in meet-and-confer sessions, administering labor agreements, and interpreting Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Coordinates or conducts classification and compensation studies and assists with workplace investigations involving employee complaints, discrimination, harassment, and other personnel matters. Provides guidance to department managers and supervisors regarding employee relations and disciplinary processes.
• Assists in administering the City's personnel rules, policies, and procedures, ensuring consistent interpretation, application, and compliance. Recommends revisions to policies and procedures to address operational needs, legal requirements, and best practices.
• Provides professional and technical assistance to the City Manager, City Council, Personnel Board, department directors, supervisors, and employees. Prepares reports, presentations, correspondence, resolutions, ordinances, and policy recommendations related to human resources and risk management matters.
• Assists in directing employee and labor relations activities, including serving as a member of the City's labor negotiations team, developing negotiation strategies, costing proposals, drafting contract language, administering labor agreements, and resolving labor-management issues.
• Assists with the coordination of the City's emergency preparedness and continuity planning efforts, including serving in a leadership capacity for disaster preparedness activities, coordinating training and exercises, maintaining emergency plans and related resources, and promoting organizational readiness.
• Interprets and applies applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to assigned responsibilities. Responds to inquiries from City staff, public agencies, and members of the public; resolves sensitive and complex issues with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Represents the Human Resources and Risk Management Department at professional meetings, interagency committees, and community events. Monitors emerging trends, legislation, and best practices in human resources, labor relations, benefits administration, organizational development, and risk management, and recommends program enhancements as appropriate.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with City leadership, employees, employee organizations, governmental agencies, community organizations, consultants, and the public.
• Serves as Acting Human Resources Director in the Director's absence, exercising delegated authority over departmental operations, personnel, and strategic initiatives as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Functions as a member of the City's management team and participates in discussions, initiatives, and decision-making processes regarding issues of importance to the City, including matters outside the immediate scope of Human Resources and Risk Management.
• May be exposed to confidential and privileged information, including personnel, labor relations, legal, and organizational matters, and is responsible for maintaining confidentiality and exercising appropriate discretion.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of five years of increasingly responsible experience in human resource administration, labor relations, benefit administration and risk management, including at least two years at a management or supervisor level, and a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, public administration or closely related field.

License/Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of:
Modern principles, practices, and techniques of public human resources administration, organization, and operation; recruitment and selection techniques and procedures; principles and practices of public industrial safety, loss control, benefit programs, insurance programs, Workers' Compensation, and property liability; benefit and retirement system administration; principles and practice of employer-employee relations; principles and technique for the administration of employee assistance program; principles and practice for emergency preparedness and disaster response; principles and practices of budget administration; methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations, including labor laws; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:
Assists in planning, directing, managing, assigning, and coordinating the work of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department; assists in the development and administration of departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance measures; interprets and applies laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; participates in labor negotiations and assists with the development and administration of labor agreements and contract language within established authority; analyzes complex administrative, personnel, benefits, labor relations, and safety issues and recommends appropriate solutions; assists with the planning, coordination, and implementation of citywide emergency preparedness programs; provides direction, training, and evaluation of assigned staff; performs mathematical calculations accurately; interprets, explains, and applies applicable laws, codes, and regulations; reviews, analyzes, and maintains accurate records and data; organizes, prioritizes, and follows through on assignments; works independently and collaboratively as part of a management team; interacts with the public, employees, and City officials with diplomacy, tact, and professionalism; resolves conflicts and develops effective solutions; exercises sound judgment and makes decisions within established guidelines; evaluates complex issues and develops recommendations and appropriate courses of action; follows written and oral instructions; promotes and practices safe work methods; communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; and establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City employees, management, labor representatives, governmental agencies, and the public.

Skill to:
Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.
Supplemental Information

Medical:
Applicants will be required as a prerequisite to employment to successfully pass a
physical examination, including a drug screen, the cost of which will be paid by the City.

Selection/Exam Process: The person selected will be expected to perform all the functions of the position. Based on a review of the applications and the supplemental applications received, the candidates appearing to be the most qualified and meeting the City's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam.

Exam Information: (Dates to be determined.)
Panel Oral Interview: 100%

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
BENEFIT PROGRAM

The City of Whittier provides a comprehensive Management Benefits Program including:
Retirement: Employees hired prior to 1/1/13 and Lateral Transfers with recent service from CalPERS Agencies, 3% at 50 Plan for sworn management, 2.5% @ 55 for non-sworn management with the Single Highest Year Formula, and may have a future CalPERS contribution as established by Public Employee Retirement Law. New hires as of 1/1/13 will have the new CalPERS 2.7 @ 57 Plan, for Sworn Management, and 2% @ 62 for non-sworn management with Three Year Average Formula, and will have a mandatory CalPERS contribution as established by Public Employee Retirement Law. The City participates in the CalPERS EPMC Program for Department Heads. There is no deduction for Social Security.
City paid Deferred Compensation up to 4.5% of employee's base salary (or 1.5% City pai