Principal Human Resources Analyst (AM) - Benefits Administration

City of Santa Ana•Santa Ana, CA

32d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Santa Ana is seeking results-oriented individuals with a positive attitude, creativity, innovation, efficiency, a record of success, and a passion for public service to join their Human Resources Operations Division. This division supports employees throughout their entire employment lifecycle. The current vacancy is specifically within Benefits Administration, where the Principal Human Resources Analyst will be responsible for administering the City's employee benefits, rideshare, and wellness programs. This role involves supervising and overseeing the administration of advanced professional and technical functional areas within the Human Resources Operations Division, including health benefits and recruitment/selection. The position provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to management. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration, including two years of supervisory experience, and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Knowledge of public sector human resources administration and the ability to direct daily operations of a comprehensive human resources program are essential. This recruitment is continuous with a first review of applications on October 22, 2026, and may close at any time thereafter. The eligibility list may be used for future vacancies.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources administration.
Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Knowledge of public sector human resources administration.
Ability to oversee and direct the day-to-day operations and services of a comprehensive human resources program.
Possession and retention of a valid driver’s license, or alternative transportation that reasonably meets operational needs.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Assumes supervisory oversight of advanced professional and technical functional areas of the Human Resources Operations Division, including 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.