Salary : $131,076.00 - $159,348.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: SAMA
DescriptionThe Human Resources Operations Division supports employees throughout the full employment lifecycle-from recruitment and onboarding through retirement. The current vacancy is specifically within Benefits Administration, where the Principal Human Resources Analyst will administer the City's employee benefits, rideshare, and wellness programs.
Under general direction, the Principal Human Resources Analyst supervises and oversees the administration of one or more advanced professional and technical functional areas within the Human Resources Operations Division, including but not limited to (health) benefits and recruitment and selection. Provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to management staff.
Candidates must possess a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration, including two (2) years of supervisory experience, supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Candidates must also possess knowledge of public sector human resources administration and able to oversee and direct the day-to-day operations and services of a comprehensive human resources program.
This recruitment is continuous with a first review of applications deadline of 11:59pm, Thursday, October 22, 2026. This recruitment can close at any time without notice after this deadline. The eligibility list established for this classification may be used to fill future vacancies within the Operations Division.
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To - Assumes supervisory oversight of advanced professional and technical functional areas of the Human Resources Operations Division, including but not limited to (health) benefits and recruitment and selection.
- Assists in the management of health benefit programs, including reviewing employee benefit eligibility, auditing benefit enrollment and billings, administering rideshare, health fairs, and wellness programs, coordinating benefit open enrollment, overseeing benefit orientations and retirement counseling, advising on retirement processes, assisting with internal and external benefit audits, and providing benefits assistance to staff; and administers labor agreement benefit provisions.
- Recommends, develops, and implements City rules, programs, policies, and procedures; participates in related data research and statistical analysis; prepares comprehensive written reports; identifies resource needs and opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures and reviews findings with management staff; and implements improvements.
- Participates in the development and administration of assigned program budgets, including forecasting of funds for staffing, services, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors expenditures; and recommends adjustments, as necessary.
- Oversees the preparation and administration of requests for proposals and contracts for a variety of professional and contract services; participates in the vendor selection processes; oversees submission of reports required for City Council approval; and administers and tracks approved contracts.
- Assigns, directs, coordinates, and reviews work activities and projects; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; and works with staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides and/or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; and implements discipline and termination procedures.
- Oversees and participates in the City's recruitment and selection activities; works with managers to analyze staffing needs; develops and reviews recruitment plans, testing, and selection to ensure Citywide consistency; ensures job-related valid screening techniques; advises on appropriate and effective outreach and advertising efforts; and provides related assistance and information to employees and applicants.
- Supports employee onboarding and offboarding activities, including medical and background check processes, processing of new hire paperwork, and separation administration.
- Oversees other employee related programs and activities, including the administration of performance appraisals, bilingual examinations, personnel actions forms, and seniority analysis; updates website materials; and ensures all division programs and activities are in compliance with state, federal and other regulatory agency rules, regulations, provisions, policies, and procedures.
- Provides information and assistance to City staff, the public, and outside agencies and organizations regarding Human Resources Department programs, rules, policies, and procedures.
- Provides responsible and complex assistance to management staff; participates on a variety of committees and boards; and prepares and presents staff reports and other correspondence.
- May assist in the preparation, coordination, and facilitation of employee training programs.
- May assist in the administration of Personnel Board proceedings and/or other professional boards and commissions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum QualificationsEXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration, including two (2) years of supervisory experience, supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience, education, and training must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Public sector human resources administration; benefits; recruitment and selection; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; organizational development and training; public sector pension systems; municipal budgetary processes and control; methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and applicable quantitative methods; municipal government administration; business letter writing and report preparation; office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and office software applications; and pertinent federal, state, and local public sector labor and employment laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to: Oversee and direct the day-to-day operations and services of a comprehensive human resources program; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; recommend, implement, and evaluate goals, objectives, programs, projects, policies, and procedures; understand, interpret, and apply Citywide and departmental codes, policies, and procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines; prepare clear and concise technical and staff reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; conduct complex research projects; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; maintain appropriate and effective recordkeeping; operate office equipment, including computer equipment and office software applications; communicate tactfully, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with department management, City employees, employee organizations, elected and appointed City officials, and the public.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession and retention of a valid driver's license, or alternative transportation that reasonably meets operational needs is required for this position.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE
Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
Possession of IPMA-Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP) certification is highly desirable.
Selection ProcessAll applicants are required to complete and submit an online City application (including Supplemental Questionnaire) with Resume and Cover Letter. Resumes and other attachments will be used in addition to the application in determining your qualifications. The City communicates with candidates via e-mail. You are responsible for providing a valid e-mail address that you access regularly and checking your spam folder. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Writing Skills Examination (Tentatively scheduled for week of October 26, 2026): (Qualifying) will evaluate the candidate's subject matter knowledge, analytical skills and writing aptitude. The areas that will be evaluated may include: analytical thought process and proper English and grammar usage, clarity, conciseness, organization, content, and logical progression from one idea to the next. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to continue in the selection process.
Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for week of November 2, 2026): (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience and training, communication, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Candidates must achieve a passing score in every component of the selection process in order to be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!(under SAMA)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
01
Along with a thorough application (including supplemental questionnaire responses), you must attach your resume and cover letter. Failure to provide specific, complete, and verifiable information may result in the non-consideration of your application. The following supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. The responses provided to these questions will be evaluated along with your resume, cover letter, and stated education and work experience on your application to determine whether you meet minimum qualification requirements and identify applicants that possess the most pertinent qualifications to invite to continue in the selection process. Do you understand this requirement?
02
How many years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration in benefits administration and/or recruitment & selection do you possess? (Your experience stated on your application must support this response.)
- None
- Less than 1 year
- At least 1 year, less than 3 years
- At least 3 years, less than 5 years
- At least 5 years, less than 7 years
- At least 7 years or more
03
Please describe in detail your overall progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration. If none, type N/A.
04
Please list the agency/agencies which your knowledge of public sector human resources administration is from. If none, type N/A.
05
Please describe in detail your benefits administration management experience. If none, type N/A. (Not having experience in benefits administration is not an automatic disqualifier.)
06
Please describe your experience with CalPERS pension and medical. If none, type N/A.
07
How many year(s) of supervisory experience do you possess?
- None
- Less than 1 year
- At least 1 year, less than 2 years
- At least 2 years, less than 3 years
- At least 3 years or more
08
Please describe your supervisory experience in detail. Include details such as number of employee(s) supervised, duration, and classification(s). If none, type N/A.
09
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
- Did not graduate high school / did not obtain GED
- Graduated high school / obtained GED
- Completed some college-level coursework or obtained Associate degree
- Obtained Bachelor's degree
- Obtained Graduate degree
10
The Principal Human Resources Analyst may be required to rotate between Recruitment & Selection and Benefits Administration. Do you understand this requirement?
Required Question
