Job Details

ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City employee, you'll work alongside others who are passionate, motivated, and committed to public service. We strive to provide employees with the support and resources they need to thrive, both professionally and personally. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here.

The Human Resources Department plays a critical role in supporting the City's mission by partnering with departments to attract, retain, and develop a talented and diverse workforce. Our team provides citywide leadership in areas such as recruitment, benefits, classification and compensation, training, employee engagement, and labor relations.

Our mission:

Through strategic partnerships and collaboration with departments and the public, Human Resources develops and delivers programs and services to support and strengthen the City's workforce to deliver the highest standard of service to the public.

Learn more about the Human Resources Department here.

THE POSITION

The City of Santa Barbara's Human Resources Department is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and service-oriented Human Resources Analyst II to join our dynamic and dedicated team.

This journey-level professional position performs a variety of professional, technical, and analytical human resources functions including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations support, disciplinary investigations, benefits and leave administration, and employee training and development. The HR Analyst II works independently on complex assignments and provides professional support and consultation to City departments on a wide range of human resources issues and processes.

While the Human Resources Department supports all functional areas of HR, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in employee benefits and leave administration, including coordination of medical, family, and disability leaves; benefit enrollments and changes; and compliance with state and federal leave laws. This position will play a key role in ensuring employees receive accurate, timely, and compassionate support when navigating benefits and leave processes.

Candidates with experience in other areas of human resources such as recruitment, classification and compensation, or employee relations are also encouraged to apply, as assignments may vary based on departmental needs and the incumbent's background.

The ideal candidate is a resourceful and detail-oriented HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates sound judgment, and is committed to supporting City departments through excellent customer service, clear communication, and effective problem‑solving. They will be confident managing multiple priorities and contribute to the ongoing success and continuous improvement of the City's human resources programs.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports the City's workforce, fosters organizational excellence, and delivers high-quality public service.

In this role, you will:

• Administer full-cycle recruitments, including job postings, testing and selection processes, and onboarding.
• Conduct job analyses and assist with classification and compensation studies, including salary surveys and recommendations.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and employees regarding policies, procedures, and labor contract provisions.
• Support employee and labor relations efforts, including investigations, grievances, and performance management processes.
• Participate in the administration of employee benefits and leave programs.
• Research, analyze, and interpret employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Develop and deliver employee training programs and presentations.
• Participate in special projects and organizational initiatives aimed at improving HR programs and services.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Broad knowledge of human resources principles, practices, and employment laws.
• Experience administering recruitment and selection processes and supporting classification, compensation, or benefits programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.
• A commitment to public service and a desire to contribute to a positive, supportive workplace culture.

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices of human resource management and administration.
• Methods and techniques of recruitment, selection and interviewing.
• Principles for job evaluation and analysis.
• Research and analysis methods and techniques.
• Principles and practices of benefits administration.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of professional, technical and analytical human resources functions.
• Participate in developing operational reports and recommendations.
• Interpret and apply City policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Effectively administer assigned programmatic responsibilities.
• Gather, organize and analyze statistical data.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Experience: Three (3) years of professional human resource management experience including experience in municipal government.

Education and Training: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with coursework in human resource management, public administration, business administration or a related field.

A Human Resources Management Certificate from UC California, a SPHR Certificate from SHRM, and/or a CP Certificate from IPMA-HR is highly desirable.

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application”, “Extensive Experience”, or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025.