Senior Human Resources Staff Analyst
County of OrangeCAREER DESCRIPTION
Senior Human Resources Staff Analyst
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the needs of OCERS are met. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The recruitment will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026.
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package, a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, annual leave, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.
DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) invites you to join our team! We are now accepting online applications to fill the position of Senior Human Resources Staff Analyst.
WHO WE ARE
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $26 billion fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here.
Mission
OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.
Vision
OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.
Values- Open and Transparent
- Commitment to Superior Service
- Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
- Reliable and Accurate
- Secure and Sustainable
THE OPPORTUNITY
OCERS is seeking a motivated and experienced professional to join our team as a Senior Human Resources Staff Analyst. The Human Resources department is a fast-paced, hands-on, and essential component to the agency's smooth operation, with priorities that evolve as agency needs change. This role is well-suited for someone ready to take the next step in their career—someone who can adapt quickly, manage a high-volume workload, lead with clarity while supporting the transformation of the department, all while upholding OCERS’ high standards of service.
Under the general direction of the Human Resources Director, the Senior Human Resources Staff Analyst plays a pivotal leadership role within the department. This position assists with leading the HR team and assists with the management of the daily operations of the Human Resources Department.Responsibilities include overseeing key HR functions such as employee and labor relations, classification and compensation, benefits and leave administration, recruiting, and policy development. The Senior HR Staff Analyst is instrumental in implementing strategic initiatives, improving operational effectiveness, and supporting workforce planning and succession efforts. This position also leads cross-functional HR projects and serves as a subject matter expert in employment law, HR best practices, and agency policy.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Advanced knowledge of human resources management principles, employment law, and public sector practices.
- Ability to handle heavy workloads and manage multiple competing priorities.
- Demonstrated leadership in managing HR professionals and multiple functional areas.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to partner with executive leadership and provide sound, strategic HR guidance.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and report-writing abilities.
- A proactive and collaborative approach to improving HR processes and service delivery.
- High ethical standards and a commitment to professionalism and confidentiality.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties of the position may include, but are not limited to:
Leadership and Oversight
- Assists with the leadership of the HR team and oversee daily operations of the Human Resources Department.
- Manages and mentors HR Analysts and support staff to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.
- Assists with the implementation of HR strategies and initiatives aligned with OCERS’ goals.
- Identifies and implements process improvements and automation opportunities.
Recruitment and Selection
- Leads high-profile and executive-level recruitments in collaboration with leadership.
- Designs and implements equitable and compliant recruitment strategies.
- Trains and coaches hiring panels on effective and inclusive interview techniques.
Classification and Compensation
- Oversees classification and compensation studies across multiple departments.
- Conducts organizational analyses to assess structure, staffing, and alignment with agency objectives.
Employee and Labor Relations
- Serves as lead on employee relations matters, including investigations and disciplinary actions.
- Provides consultation to leadership on sensitive personnel matters.
- Ensures implementation and compliance with labor agreements.
Benefits and Disability Programs
- Assists with the administration of employee benefits and leave programs.
- Leads ADA and return-to-work processes; ensures compliance with all laws and policies.
Payroll and Personnel Transactions
- Oversees preparation and submission of payroll-related documents.
- Reviews and approves personnel actions in the County’s CAPS+ system.
- Ensures compliance with deadlines, rules, and policies related to payroll and HR transactions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience
- Graduation from an accredited university or college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Public or Business Administration, Psychology, Labor and/or Employment Law, or a closely related field,
and - Four (4) years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including supervising staff and performing advanced-level work in one or more core HR disciplines such as executive-level recruitment, classification and compensation, labor relations, or benefits administration.
Education/Experience Substitution:
- A professional HR certificate (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
- A master’s degree in a qualifying field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Special Requirements:
- A complete background investigation is required; a felony or misdemeanor conviction may be cause for disqualification.
- This position requires the selected individual to complete a Human Resources certificate through an accredited program (such as SHRM or a university HR program) within 18 months of hire. This requirement may be waived with a valid HR certification.
- Highly Desirable: Master’s Degree in Human Resources or a related field, or a professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CCP, or CEBS.
Click here for additional information about the Senior Human Resources Staff Analyst job classification.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Extensive knowledge of HR principles, practices, and applicable laws in a public sector environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex HR projects with professionalism and discretion.
- Skilled in strategic workforce planning, succession management, and organizational development.
- Strong data analysis and presentation skills for reports and Board-level communications.
- Ability to coach and mentor staff to build team capacity.
- Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills to foster effective working relationships across the agency.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Sample KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position:
Knowledge of
- Human Resources principles, practices, and laws, particularly in a public sector setting.
- Strategic workforce planning, succession management, and change leadership.
- Complex employment law and its practical application in employee relations.
- Methods of classifying positions, structuring compensation systems, and analyzing organizations.
- Current trends and tools in HR technology, data analytics, automation, and AI.
Skills/Abilities to
- Lead and manage complex HR projects and investigations with discretion and professionalism.
- Build trust with senior leadership, managers, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Interpret, apply, and communicate complex laws, regulations, and policies.
- Skilled in preparing reports and delivering presentations for key OCERS meetings, such as the Personnel Committee and Board of Retirement.
- Supervise, coach, and mentor HR professionals and support staff.
- Utilize data to make strategic HR recommendations and inform decision-making.
- Manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a high-stakes, dynamic environment.
- Design and implement training programs for HR and agency staff.
- Represent OCERS with integrity and professionalism in all interactions.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position.
Physical and Mental Demands
- Speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone, and in small groups.
- Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, and write.
- Mental stamina to interact professionally with members of the Board of Retirement, employers, peers, and members.
- Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and twist, to access a standard office environment.
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
Environmental Conditions
- The primary workplace is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment. Peripheral office equipment generates a quiet to moderate noise level.
- Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups, and the general public.
- Out-of-area travel may be required to attend meetings and professional conferences.
BENEFITS
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.
RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE
Application Screening | (Refer/Non-Refer)OCERS Human Resources Department will screen all applications and supplemental responses to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified of all further procedures applicable to their application status.
Qualifications Appraisal Panel (QAP)
(Weighted 100%) Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.
Project Assignment and Spark Hire Interview
Candidates who pass the QAP review will advance to the next stage of the process, which includes completing a project assignment and submitting a Spark Hire video interview. The video interview questions will be tailored to the project assignment and designed to evaluate the candidate’s approach and critical thinking skills.
Based on OCERS' needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified and all affected candidates will be notified.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Please note, the information provided in your application may be shared internally within OCERS to evaluate your qualifications for potential opportunities in other teams or departments.
HOW TO APPLYOnly online applications with the completed supplemental questions will be accepted.
E-mail is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct e-mail address is on your application and only use one e-mail account.
Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.
It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your on-line application.
You may apply online at OCERS website: https://www.ocers.org/careers-ocers
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment please contact John Nguyen at (714) 569-4855 or email jtnguyen@ocers.org. Do not submit resumes to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.EEO INFORMATION
OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.