Application Deadline:
Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00am
Tentative Interview Date:
Monday, April 27, 2026
The City of Paso Robles is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our Human Resources Division as a Human Resources Specialist. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the people, programs, and services that support our organization and community.
In this dynamic role, you will work across a broad range of human resources functions, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee benefits and retirement, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, training and development, and employee relations. This position also serves as the designated backup for payroll, helping ensure employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining strict confidentiality and attention to detail.
The ideal candidate is analytical and organized, with strong Excel and data management skills, excellent communication, and sound judgment. They are comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing needs, and take a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to customer service.
About Paso Robles Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.
Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands‑on learning and innovation. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.
Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. The city also boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a burgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year‑round.
The Organization The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council‑Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City’s population has grown to approximately 31,061.
The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs.
The governing body consists of a five‑member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at‑large. All six elected positions are non‑partisan. The City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non‑elected employees.
The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025‑26 and employs 314.44 full‑time equivalent positions across several departments.
The Department The Administrative Services Department is comprised of the Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, and Information Technology divisions. The Human Resources Division is staffed by a Human Resources/Risk Manager, an Assistant Human Resources/Risk Manager, three Human Resources Specialists, and a Payroll/Risk Coordinator who oversee the organization’s human resources, risk management, and payroll functions.
Responsibilities
Coordinate and administer the full recruitment and selection process for new, promotional, and volunteer employment opportunities, including developing recruitment strategies with hiring departments, managing the applicant tracking system, preparing job announcements, administering examinations, screening applicants, and coordinating background checks.
Coordinate pre‑employment medical examinations, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) physicals, Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing, and other employment-related medical examinations.
Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits, and COBRA.
Process benefit enrollments and qualifying life event changes; reconcile monthly invoices; and coordinate with third‑party administrators to resolve issues.
Educate employees regarding the City’s health and retirement benefits and conduct new employee orientations.
Administer and process changes to the City’s CalPERS pension and 457 deferred compensation retirement programs in compliance with IRS regulations and the Public Employees’ Retirement Law (PERL).
Process and monitor employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), military leave, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) accommodations, and consult with department managers regarding the interactive process.
Process and monitor workers’ compensation claims; coordinate with employees, supervisors, medical providers, and third‑party administrators to ensure compliance and appropriate claim management.
Process personnel actions and payroll‑related changes for employees, including new hires, terminations, promotions, salary adjustments, tax withholding updates, direct deposit changes, and deferred compensation and benefit changes.
Assist in the administration of classification and compensation programs, including maintaining classification records, updating position information, and executing salary and pay adjustments.
Administer the City’s DMV pull and commercial driver programs, ensuring compliance with DOT, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and Clearinghouse regulations.
Maintain confidential employee records and data, including medical files, in accordance with retention and confidentiality requirements.
Prepare and compile data for required reporting, including CalPERS, Medicare, Social Security, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEO‑4), Affordable Care Act (ACA), and California Occupational Health and Safety Administration (Cal/OSHA).
Respond to requests for information, including employment verifications and salary and benefit surveys.
Research, compile, and analyze data to support labor negotiations, policy development, reporting requirements and special projects.
Provide information, guidance, and consultation to employees, management, and the public regarding human resources and payroll programs, policies, procedures, and the interpretation and application of applicable laws and regulations.
Maintain and coordinate a comprehensive training schedule; monitor and schedule training opportunities for City employees; and process education reimbursement requests.
Exercise discretion and sound judgment while performing liaison and coordination responsibilities with City staff and representatives of public agencies, insurance carriers, and third‑party administrators.
Work in conjunction with the Payroll/Risk Coordinator to process the bi‑weekly City‑wide payroll, ensuring accurate and timely preparation, review, and submission.
Maintain payroll system tables, deduction codes, pay codes, and earnings configurations.
Verify employee timecards, leave usage, and payroll adjustments for accuracy and compliance with City policies, memoranda of understanding, City policies, and FLSA regulations.
Calculate overtime, premium pay, and the FLSA regular rate of pay, including the inclusion of specialty pays and incentives, in compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws and memoranda of understanding.
Process wage garnishments, deductions, and payroll‑related payments, including CalPERS contributions, union payments, and tax withholdings, ensuring compliance with statutory limits and notification requirements.
Review and verify pensionable compensation reporting to CalPERS; process adjustments and corrections as necessary to ensure accurate retirement reporting.
Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll tax regulations; assist with preparation and reconciliation of quarterly and annual payroll tax filings, including W‑2 reporting.
Reconcile payroll registers to general ledger accounts and benefit vendor invoices; research and resolve discrepancies.
Research and respond to payroll inquiries and identify, troubleshoot, and resolve payroll discrepancies in coordination with employees, supervisors, and Finance staff.
Maintain accurate payroll records, reports, and supporting documentation to ensure compliance, data integrity, and audit readiness.
Knowledge of
Principles and practices of human resources in a public agency setting, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee benefits and retirement programs, payroll administration, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, training, and employee relations.
Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing employment practices, wage and hour requirements, leave administration, benefits administration, and workers’ compensation.
CalPERS pension administration requirements and 457 deferred compensation program compliance standards.
CalPERS pensionable compensation rules, special compensation reporting requirements, and post‑retirement employment limitations.
Memoranda of understanding and their application to pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Records management principles, confidentiality requirements, and proper handling of sensitive employee and medical information.
Payroll processing procedures, reporting requirements, and reconciliation practices.
Coordination of protected leave laws with wage replacement benefits, including State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), and workers’ compensation benefits.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to City staff and customers.
Principles of employment law and its applicability to public‑sector human resources administration.
Modern office practices and computer applications related to the work, including human resource information systems (HRIS), applicant tracking systems, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and advanced Excel functions.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with employees, management, union representatives, public agencies, and external partners.
Ability to
Accurately interpret and apply human resources policies, procedures, labor agreements, and applicable laws and regulations.
Analyze information, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions within established guidelines.
Administer and monitor benefits, payroll‑related processes, retirement programs, and leave programs with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Identify compliance risks and take appropriate corrective action or elevate issues as necessary.
Organize and prioritize multiple assignments and deliver a superior work product under critical and time‑sensitive deadlines.
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive employment and medical information.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and provide excellent customer service.
Exercise sound judgment, initiative, tact, and discretion in handling complex or sensitive issues.
Prepare clear and accurate correspondence, reports, reconciliations, and documentation.
Demonstrate proficiency with HRIS, payroll, and applicant tracking systems, and adapt quickly to new technologies.
Research regulatory updates and apply changes to assigned programs.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, management, union representatives, and external agencies.
Human Relations and Communications Skills Requires frequent internal and external contacts to carry out organization programs, explain specialized matters, or enforce laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. May include occasional contact with higher-level officials requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion.
Analytical Skills and Complexity Considerable analytical ability is needed to select, evaluate, and interpret data from several sources; interpretation of guidelines, policies and procedures is required.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree with coursework in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field; and
Two years of experience in human resources.
Public sector experience, payroll administration, strong Microsoft Excel skills, and bilingual proficiency in Spanish are all desirable.
Licenses and Certifications Requires possession of a valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record.
Application Process To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit an employment application and cover letter by
Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00am .
This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E‑Verify; more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR. Following appointment, a twelve‑month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237‑3962 or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as “disaster service workers” as defined in the California Government Code sections 3100 and 3101. The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00am
Tentative Interview Date:
Monday, April 27, 2026
The City of Paso Robles is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our Human Resources Division as a Human Resources Specialist. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the people, programs, and services that support our organization and community.
In this dynamic role, you will work across a broad range of human resources functions, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee benefits and retirement, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, training and development, and employee relations. This position also serves as the designated backup for payroll, helping ensure employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining strict confidentiality and attention to detail.
The ideal candidate is analytical and organized, with strong Excel and data management skills, excellent communication, and sound judgment. They are comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing needs, and take a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to customer service.
About Paso Robles Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.
Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands‑on learning and innovation. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.
Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. The city also boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a burgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year‑round.
The Organization The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council‑Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City’s population has grown to approximately 31,061.
The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs.
The governing body consists of a five‑member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at‑large. All six elected positions are non‑partisan. The City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non‑elected employees.
The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025‑26 and employs 314.44 full‑time equivalent positions across several departments.
The Department The Administrative Services Department is comprised of the Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, and Information Technology divisions. The Human Resources Division is staffed by a Human Resources/Risk Manager, an Assistant Human Resources/Risk Manager, three Human Resources Specialists, and a Payroll/Risk Coordinator who oversee the organization’s human resources, risk management, and payroll functions.
Responsibilities
Coordinate and administer the full recruitment and selection process for new, promotional, and volunteer employment opportunities, including developing recruitment strategies with hiring departments, managing the applicant tracking system, preparing job announcements, administering examinations, screening applicants, and coordinating background checks.
Coordinate pre‑employment medical examinations, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) physicals, Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing, and other employment-related medical examinations.
Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits, and COBRA.
Process benefit enrollments and qualifying life event changes; reconcile monthly invoices; and coordinate with third‑party administrators to resolve issues.
Educate employees regarding the City’s health and retirement benefits and conduct new employee orientations.
Administer and process changes to the City’s CalPERS pension and 457 deferred compensation retirement programs in compliance with IRS regulations and the Public Employees’ Retirement Law (PERL).
Process and monitor employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), military leave, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) accommodations, and consult with department managers regarding the interactive process.
Process and monitor workers’ compensation claims; coordinate with employees, supervisors, medical providers, and third‑party administrators to ensure compliance and appropriate claim management.
Process personnel actions and payroll‑related changes for employees, including new hires, terminations, promotions, salary adjustments, tax withholding updates, direct deposit changes, and deferred compensation and benefit changes.
Assist in the administration of classification and compensation programs, including maintaining classification records, updating position information, and executing salary and pay adjustments.
Administer the City’s DMV pull and commercial driver programs, ensuring compliance with DOT, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and Clearinghouse regulations.
Maintain confidential employee records and data, including medical files, in accordance with retention and confidentiality requirements.
Prepare and compile data for required reporting, including CalPERS, Medicare, Social Security, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEO‑4), Affordable Care Act (ACA), and California Occupational Health and Safety Administration (Cal/OSHA).
Respond to requests for information, including employment verifications and salary and benefit surveys.
Research, compile, and analyze data to support labor negotiations, policy development, reporting requirements and special projects.
Provide information, guidance, and consultation to employees, management, and the public regarding human resources and payroll programs, policies, procedures, and the interpretation and application of applicable laws and regulations.
Maintain and coordinate a comprehensive training schedule; monitor and schedule training opportunities for City employees; and process education reimbursement requests.
Exercise discretion and sound judgment while performing liaison and coordination responsibilities with City staff and representatives of public agencies, insurance carriers, and third‑party administrators.
Work in conjunction with the Payroll/Risk Coordinator to process the bi‑weekly City‑wide payroll, ensuring accurate and timely preparation, review, and submission.
Maintain payroll system tables, deduction codes, pay codes, and earnings configurations.
Verify employee timecards, leave usage, and payroll adjustments for accuracy and compliance with City policies, memoranda of understanding, City policies, and FLSA regulations.
Calculate overtime, premium pay, and the FLSA regular rate of pay, including the inclusion of specialty pays and incentives, in compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws and memoranda of understanding.
Process wage garnishments, deductions, and payroll‑related payments, including CalPERS contributions, union payments, and tax withholdings, ensuring compliance with statutory limits and notification requirements.
Review and verify pensionable compensation reporting to CalPERS; process adjustments and corrections as necessary to ensure accurate retirement reporting.
Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll tax regulations; assist with preparation and reconciliation of quarterly and annual payroll tax filings, including W‑2 reporting.
Reconcile payroll registers to general ledger accounts and benefit vendor invoices; research and resolve discrepancies.
Research and respond to payroll inquiries and identify, troubleshoot, and resolve payroll discrepancies in coordination with employees, supervisors, and Finance staff.
Maintain accurate payroll records, reports, and supporting documentation to ensure compliance, data integrity, and audit readiness.
Knowledge of
Principles and practices of human resources in a public agency setting, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee benefits and retirement programs, payroll administration, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, training, and employee relations.
Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing employment practices, wage and hour requirements, leave administration, benefits administration, and workers’ compensation.
CalPERS pension administration requirements and 457 deferred compensation program compliance standards.
CalPERS pensionable compensation rules, special compensation reporting requirements, and post‑retirement employment limitations.
Memoranda of understanding and their application to pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Records management principles, confidentiality requirements, and proper handling of sensitive employee and medical information.
Payroll processing procedures, reporting requirements, and reconciliation practices.
Coordination of protected leave laws with wage replacement benefits, including State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), and workers’ compensation benefits.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to City staff and customers.
Principles of employment law and its applicability to public‑sector human resources administration.
Modern office practices and computer applications related to the work, including human resource information systems (HRIS), applicant tracking systems, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and advanced Excel functions.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with employees, management, union representatives, public agencies, and external partners.
Ability to
Accurately interpret and apply human resources policies, procedures, labor agreements, and applicable laws and regulations.
Analyze information, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions within established guidelines.
Administer and monitor benefits, payroll‑related processes, retirement programs, and leave programs with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Identify compliance risks and take appropriate corrective action or elevate issues as necessary.
Organize and prioritize multiple assignments and deliver a superior work product under critical and time‑sensitive deadlines.
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive employment and medical information.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and provide excellent customer service.
Exercise sound judgment, initiative, tact, and discretion in handling complex or sensitive issues.
Prepare clear and accurate correspondence, reports, reconciliations, and documentation.
Demonstrate proficiency with HRIS, payroll, and applicant tracking systems, and adapt quickly to new technologies.
Research regulatory updates and apply changes to assigned programs.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, management, union representatives, and external agencies.
Human Relations and Communications Skills Requires frequent internal and external contacts to carry out organization programs, explain specialized matters, or enforce laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. May include occasional contact with higher-level officials requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion.
Analytical Skills and Complexity Considerable analytical ability is needed to select, evaluate, and interpret data from several sources; interpretation of guidelines, policies and procedures is required.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree with coursework in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field; and
Two years of experience in human resources.
Public sector experience, payroll administration, strong Microsoft Excel skills, and bilingual proficiency in Spanish are all desirable.
Licenses and Certifications Requires possession of a valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record.
Application Process To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit an employment application and cover letter by
Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00am .
This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E‑Verify; more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR. Following appointment, a twelve‑month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237‑3962 or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as “disaster service workers” as defined in the California Government Code sections 3100 and 3101. The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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