Provisional Human Resources Analyst I

Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District•Santa Cruz, CA

8d•$42 - $59

About The Position

Under direction, the Human Resources Analyst I performs professional and analytical work administering Santa Cruz METRO human resources programs. Areas of responsibility include recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits and retirement administration, leave management, training and development, employee and labor relations, workers’ compensation, regulatory compliance, and HRIS development and administration. The position provides professional advice and assistance to METRO management on personnel matters and performs related work as required. This is the journey-level position in the Human Resources Analyst series. The incumbent performs diverse, advanced, and complex assignments, receives occasional instruction, and applies full knowledge of the concepts, practices, procedures, and policies of the assigned function. The position is distinguished from Human Resources Analyst II, which handles more complex programs and projects requiring in-depth knowledge and interpretation and application of personnel-related laws, regulations, and policies. The role administers recruitment, benefits, retirement, leave, training, HRIS, and compliance programs; supports labor relations, classification and compensation studies, workers’ compensation, and employee relations; maintains accurate records and reports; and collaborates with employees, managers, departments, vendors, and external agencies. The employee typically works in a standard office environment with moderate noise. The position may occasionally require extended or non-regular hours and travel, and requires strict confidentiality and participation in professional development activities. A valid California driver’s license is required at appointment and throughout employment. The employee must pass a requisite background check. The employer does not sponsor work visas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources management, organizational development, business or public administration, or a related field.
Two years of professional human resources administration experience; public agency experience is preferred.
Valid California Driver’s License required at appointment and throughout employment; must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Knowledge of public agency HR administration, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits and retirement, leave management, training and development, employee and labor relations, workers’ compensation, regulatory compliance, and HRIS.
Knowledge of analytical research and reporting methods, applicable laws and regulations, record-keeping, business correspondence and report writing, project planning, customer service, English usage, and modern office practices and software.
Ability to administer and coordinate HR programs; research HR topics; collect, analyze, interpret, summarize, and present data; prepare clear written materials; and perform mathematical and statistical computations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, provide responsive customer service, remain calm in stressful situations, maintain tracking and filing systems, apply relevant laws and policies, balance multiple assignments, use office equipment and software, communicate effectively, and maintain effective working relationships.
Must pass a requisite background check.
Must maintain strict confidentiality of work-related information and participate in professional development activities.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with transit agency or transportation system activities and functions.
Certified Professional (CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SCP) certification from a recognized human resource certification organization.

Responsibilities

Plan and administer recruitment and selection processes, including job analyses, announcements, application screening, assessments, interview panels, eligibility lists, and related records.
Source talent and represent METRO at job fairs, community events, and college recruitment activities.
Conduct reference checks; coordinate employment offers, pre-employment screenings, and onboarding; and coordinate hiring of temporary help through employment agencies.
Process employment verification requests and provide related administrative support.
Administer benefits and retirement programs, including enrollments, withdrawals, benefit calculations, vendor and contract coordination, payroll and invoice audits, program changes, reports, and external audits.
Respond to benefit coverage and claim issues and provide information and guidance to employees, retirees, managers, carriers, brokers, providers, and administrators.
Administer leave management, including tracking requests and balances, evaluating medical certifications, coordinating salary continuance and leave programs, and supporting return-to-work processes and reasonable accommodations.
Conduct classification, compensation, and benefits studies and respond to requests for salary and benefits information.
Assist with labor relations, negotiations, contract implementation, grievance and misconduct investigations, and meetings with union representatives and management.
Advise employees and management on HR matters, policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
Administer training and development activities, including researching and delivering training, new-hire orientation, open enrollment meetings, exit interviews, and external training coordination.
Track the departmental budget and process invoices and requisitions.
Participate in administering the workers’ compensation program, monitoring claims, processing documentation, coordinating with related parties, and assisting with budget and expense review.
Participate in developing and improving HR policies, programs, systems, procedures, and methods of operation.
Support implementation and maintenance of HRIS and related databases, including system configuration, records, process design, upgrades, integrations, and issue resolution.
Administer Learning and Talent HRIS modules and develop dashboards and reports to track progress, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
Administer or assist with HR compliance programs and respond to complaints, public records requests, and legal inquiries; analyze data and prepare reports and other documents.
Attend professional meetings and training and review publications to remain current in the HR field.
May supervise assigned clerical or support staff, including scheduling, assigning, directing, evaluating, and training their work.
Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.

Benefits

Medical insurance for employees and qualified dependents, with multiple HMO and PPO plan choices; METRO contributes 95% of monthly premiums and the employee is responsible for 5%. Premium participation continues after retirement.
Dental insurance premiums paid by Santa Cruz METRO for employees and qualified dependents.
Vision insurance premiums paid by Santa Cruz METRO for employees and qualified dependents.
CalPERS retirement pension, with applicable Classic 2.5% at 55 or PEPRA 2% at 62 formulas depending on eligibility.
457(b) deferred compensation plan with two plan providers.
$25,000 life insurance and $50,000 AD&D coverage provided; additional Life/AD&D coverage is available.
Long-term disability insurance available after one year of service, with premium paid by Santa Cruz METRO and a monthly maximum benefit of $3,000.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential mental, financial, legal, and other assistance, with premium paid by METRO.
Discounted Tickets at Work program.
Discounted pet insurance program.