Human Resources Manager

Western Riverside Council of Governments • Riverside, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Human Resources Manager leads WRCOG’s Human Resources division within the Administrative Services Department, reporting to the Executive Director and directly supervising one Analyst. This management role oversees the agency’s full-service HR program, combining hands-on daily operations with advice and recommendations to agency leadership. The position plans, organizes, reviews, and evaluates the division’s staff and operations, and exercises independence and discretion in developing and implementing policies and procedures, administering the budget, evaluating programs, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The manager oversees recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, performance evaluation, benefits, leave administration, employee relations, investigations, and risk management. The role maintains personnel and HRIS records, monitors employment-law changes, advises employees and managers on policies and requirements, and supports the Executive Committee and other commissions, committees, and task forces. The manager also leads staff development, improves HR processes and service delivery, and models WRCOG’s core values.

The position is based in an office environment and includes travel to meeting sites in Western Riverside County. It is a 40-hour-per-week position on a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. The anticipated start date is on or around January 25, 2027. The stated salary range is $119,475–$164,736 annually, depending on qualifications and experience; WRCOG has budgeted $150,000 or more for the position, with highly qualified candidates anticipated to be placed toward the upper end of the range.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in human resource management, risk management, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
• Five years of increasingly responsible human resources experience with a public agency, special district, or municipality.
• Two years of experience in a supervisory or lead capacity.
• A valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance, maintained throughout employment.
• Knowledge and ability to apply federal, state, and local employment laws, CalPERS requirements, and agency policies.
• Experience or ability in recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits administration, employee relations, leave management, and HR operations.
• Ability to handle confidential matters discreetly, conduct fair and thorough investigations, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively to leadership, managers, and staff, and present recommendations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, develop HR staff, and improve policies, processes, and service delivery.
• Ability to work in a standard office setting, use standard office equipment and a computer, travel to meeting sites, and communicate in person, before groups, and by telephone.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive public-sector experience, including working with and presenting to elected officials, boards, or committees.
• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, IPMA-HR/PSHRA-CP, or IPMA-HR/PSHRA-SCP.
• Experience with NEOGOV, including Insight, Onboard, Learn, Perform, and eForms, or a comparable HRIS and applicant tracking system.
• Experience with Tyler ERP and CalPERS administration.
• Familiarity with payroll practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and oversee the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Human Resources division.
• Develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; assess workloads and service delivery; and identify improvement opportunities.
• Participate in division budget development, administration, and oversight, including identifying funding needs and ensuring compliance with budgeted funding.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; address deficiencies; and recommend and implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Develop and manage requests for proposals for professional and contracted services, including scopes of work, proposal evaluation, contract negotiations, and award recommendations.
• Serve as a liaison with WRCOG departments and outside agencies, and provide staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces as needed.
• Direct the maintenance of official personnel files and ensure staff comply with WRCOG safety standards.
• Manage recruitment, testing, selection, retention, staffing plans, recruitment strategies, background checks, pre-employment exams, and related processes.
• Manage classification, compensation, and performance evaluation programs; oversee data collection and analysis; and develop salary recommendations.
• Manage employee training and certification programs supporting professional development and career growth.
• Oversee health and welfare benefits, recommend changes to coverage, benefit levels, and vendors, manage open enrollment, and oversee new-hire orientation.
• Administer leaves of absence in compliance with applicable laws and WRCOG policy.
• Provide oversight of liability and workers’ compensation programs.
• Ensure employee information in the HR information system, including benefits enrollment and payroll data, is accurate.
• Collaborate with supervisors and managers on employee relations, performance, and discipline matters.
• Receive, investigate, and respond to sensitive complaints; conduct or supervise investigations; prepare findings reports; and recommend or assist with personnel actions.
• Maintain and update personnel rules, policies, and procedures; guide employees and management on their interpretation and application; and ensure compliance with employment laws and equal employment opportunity guidelines.
• Monitor employment-law and regulatory changes and implement resulting policy and procedural updates.
• Conduct organizational and operational studies and recommend program, policy, and procedure changes.
• Attend professional meetings, keep current with HR trends and innovations, and research products and enhancements relevant to WRCOG.
• Present human resources and administrative updates and recommendations to agency leadership, the Executive Committee, and other bodies as appropriate.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid time off starting at an annual accrual of 184.08 hours, increasing up to 304.20 hours per year.
• 40 hours of management leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision coverage.
• Up to $2,022.56 toward medical premiums (2027 rate).
• CalPERS retirement, based on Classic/PEPRA eligibility.
• A 3% time and tenure benefit after three years of service.
• Professional development support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager