Search Jobs

The County of San Mateo Human Resources Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resources Technician (HR Tech). This recruitment is designed to establish an eligible list to fill current and future vacancies across multiple Human Resources divisions, including two current openings in the Employee Benefits and Wellness Division.

 

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building or advancing a career in public sector human resources, particularly in environments that integrate HR systems, data, and customer service to support a diverse and dynamic workforce.

 

Human Resources Technicians perform a wide variety of technical and paraprofessional duties in support of the County’s HR operations, contributing to innovative service delivery and a high-performing organization.

 

HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISIONS

Human Resources Technicians support a variety of specialized divisions within the Human Resources Department, each playing a critical role in delivering services to employees, departments, and the public.

 

Employee Benefits and Wellness administers the County’s comprehensive benefits programs and provides direct support to employees and retirees. This includes customer service, benefits education, eligibility determination, coordination with vendors and healthcare providers, and analysis and reporting of benefits data.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion promote a fair and inclusive workplace by supporting compliance with employment laws, advancing equity initiatives, and assisting with programs that foster a respectful and diverse work environment.

 

Employee and Labor Relations serves as a strategic partner to departments by providing guidance on employee performance and conduct, interpreting labor agreements and policies, and supporting the resolution of workplace issues and investigations.

 

Human Resources Information Management (HRIM) supports the County’s HR systems and workforce data, including maintaining HR information systems, supporting system users, managing access and security, running reports, and contributing to workforce analytics and data-driven decision-making.

Classification and Compensation manages a competitive and fair compensation system, as well as standardized and equitable classifications that define the scope and skills required of all County jobs.

 

Risk Management and Workers’ Compensation focuses on employee safety and well-being by supporting workers’ compensation programs, managing claims processes, and assisting with compliance and risk mitigation efforts.

 

Talent Acquisition manages recruitment and selection processes to attract and hire a qualified and diverse workforce. Responsibilities include coordinating recruitments, supporting examinations, managing applicant tracking systems, and assisting with outreach and recruitment marketing strategies.

 

Training and Development supports employee growth through training programs and professional development initiatives, including coordinating training logistics, managing learning management systems, tracking participation and outcomes, and supporting the delivery of learning opportunities across the organization.

 

Workforce Engagement and Community Partnerships supports the County’s workforce and the community through talent pipeline and internship programs designed to foster equity and inclusion; organizational development and employee retention programs.

 

Mail Services distributes internal and postal mail for all County departments; and provides accurate, timely, and cost-effective services to enhance communication and operational efficiency across the County.

 

Strategic Support and Partnerships advances department-wide initiatives and organizational priorities by supporting projects, partnerships, and programs that enhance HR service delivery and organizational effectiveness.

 

Each division offers opportunities to work with HR systems, data, and customer-focused services.

 

 

THE CURRENT OPPORTUNITY: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND WELLNESS

 

There are currently two vacancies within the Employee Benefits and Wellness Division, one is a regular, classified position and the other is a limited term position. Limited term positions are full-time fully benefited, temporary positions. Limited term employees receive medical and dental benefits, like regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan (401-A).  This current limited term position is funded for up to one year. 

 

The Employee Benefits and Wellness division administers comprehensive benefits programs and provides direct support to County employees and retirees.

 

Key Responsibilities of the Human Resources Technician:

• Provide frontline customer service via phone, email, and in-person support regarding employee benefits
• Conduct benefits education sessions, trainings, and presentations
• Interpret and explain benefits programs, eligibility, and policies
• Reconcile benefits reports and assist with audits
• Develop dashboards and reports using Excel and other tools
• Analyze and communicate complex benefits data in a clear and concise manner
• Support events such as the annual Benefits Fair
• Collaborate with vendors, healthcare providers, and internal stakeholders

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are seeking candidates who are passionate about continuing a career in human resources and who value the role of human resources in creating and retaining a well-qualified, engaged, and high-performing workforce.

 

Successful candidates will demonstrate these competencies:

• Strong customer service skills and commitment to public service (Call center experience is helpful but not required)
• Organized, efficient, and capable of working independently within established guidelines
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data visualization)
• Ability to manage and interpret large datasets
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, with the ability to engage effectively and present comfortably with a large and diverse audience
• Knowledge of HR-related systems and applications and a willingness to embrace technology
• Ability to quickly learn new processes, policies, and systems
• Team-oriented mindset and the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of personalities
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Initiative and accountability for completing work accurately and timely
• High attention to detail and sound judgment when handling sensitive and confidential information

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Three years of increasingly responsible administrative support work
• At least two years of human resources-related experience

 

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of human resource/personnel administration and management
• Federal, State, and local legislation involving human resource/personnel functions
• Organization, procedures, and operating details of the County or similar public agencies
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Modern office methods, procedures, and equipment, including computer systems and HR-related programs and applications

 

Skill/Ability to:

• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Employ good judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies
• Learn and interpret laws, rules, and regulations
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Achieve operating efficiency in an administrative office environment
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with employees, departments, and the public

Application/Examination

Anyone may apply. Current San Mateo County and San Mateo County Superior Court employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help, or temporary positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

 

Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the 'Apply' button. If you are not on the County's website, please apply at https://jobs.smcgov.org.

 

The supplemental questionnaire must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.

 

The examination process will consist of the following:

• Pass/Fail Application Screening (which may include a short phone interview screening) where your submissions are evaluated for relevance to the position and needs of the County
• Civil Service Panel Interview, which will determine your ranking on an eligible list and referral to the hiring manager for consideration, should you pass the interview. Depending on the number of applicants, the interview may be waived, and eligibility list ranking will be based on the Application Screening

 

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination process. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

 

~ TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE ~
Deadline for Applications: April 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Application Screening: May 5-7, 2026
Panel Interview: May 18-19, 2026

 

ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

The County of San Mateo serves a diverse population of over 750,000 residents and is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

 

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

 

If you are looking to grow your HR career while contributing to meaningful public service, we encourage you to apply.

 

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

 

 

HR Contact: Chet Overstreet (04162026) (Human Resources Technician – Confidential) 

A 2.5% supervisory differential will apply.

For priority consideration, apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted with qualified candidates throughout the recruitment period. The position will remain open until filled and posting may close abruptly. 

Overview:
Are you passionate about fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace? Valley Water is looking for a dynamic Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program Administrator to lead and innovate in our Equal Employment Office. Join us and make a tangible impact by ensuring fair treatment for all employees, handling sensitive matters with discretion, and driving positive change through collaboration and diplomacy. If you have a keen analytical mind, excellent problem-solving skills, and a dedication to upholding EEO principles, we want you on our team!
 
The Program Administrator will plan, direct, manage and oversee activities and operations of complex, management-designated programs in EEO. The successful candidate will have excellent analytical, reasoning and research skills, using their best judgement to respond to requests about EEO. They will be able to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and tact. Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are essential for this role, as is a customer-service oriented mindset to regularly engage with employees, administrative staff, union leaders, client groups, and other key stakeholders on a variety of employee relations matters. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, is results oriented, and builds positive relations through collaboration and diplomacy. You should be able to manage competing demands, have a passionate interest in EEO, and reflect our organization’s core values as you work with internal and external partners:

• Sustaining a healthy work-life balance for employees and placing a high value on all the things that provide enrichment and fulfillment.
• Acknowledging that all individuals are unique and important and will be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Creating an inclusive work environment, which reflects and supports the diversity of the community and enriches our perspectives.

Our Commitment: 
Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Program Management: Planning and leading Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs, projects, and activities.
• Compliance: Interpreting and applying Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Case Management/Investigations: Processing EEO complaints from intake through final disposition, including organizing, directing, inquiring, and evaluating cases.
• Conflict Resolution: Tackling conflicts when discrimination complaints arise.
• Policy Implementation: Implementing policies and recommending administrative changes to prevent discrimination and mitigate liabilities. 
• Develop complex, sensitive, and confidential memos. 
• Designing and delivering training programs for managers, supervisors, and employees in EEO and related topics.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
 
Ideal Experience:

• Six (6) years of experience in assigned program area of EEO, including either one (1) year in experience planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing various projects or programs, or serving as a Valley Water-recognized subject matter expert or advisor in EEO program area. 
• Experienced in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate an ability to be a strong partner in the organization.
• Effectively advise and provide consultative services to departments and supervisors on EEO matters.
• Conflict-resolution skills to maintain a harmonious and productive work environment. 
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Reporting and conducting EEO investigations. 

Ideal Knowledge:

• EEO practices and programs in a public sector environment.
• State and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Workplace investigations, dispute resolution, and grievance procedures best practices.

Ideal Training and Education:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human resources management, organizational development, industrial or organizational psychology, public or business administration, or a related field.
 
Substitution
Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years. 

 

Required License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
 
Possession of HR Certificate and/or SHRM certificate is a plus. 

To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)

Labor Relations & Equal Employment Unit (Position Code 16)

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date. 

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite, after completion of the probationary period (one year).