Assistant Director of Human Resources

Assistant Director of Human Resources

Salary

$134,339.25 - $165,220.33 Annually

Location

Madera County, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Department

Human Resources

Division

Human Resources Administration

Opening Date

06/09/2026

Closing Date

7/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

UNREP

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Under general direction, assists in planning, organizing, managing, and providing direction and oversight for major functions and activities of the Department of Human Resources, including classification and compensation, employee performance management, employee and labor relations, recruitment and selection, employee benefit services, equal employment opportunity, and training/staff development; participates in the development of policies and strategies for department operations; manages the effective use of department resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Director of Human Resources in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general direction from the Director of Human Resources. Exercises supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

Class Characteristics

This is an assistant department head classification that oversees, directs, and manages the day-to-day operations of the Department of Human Resources, including short- and long-term planning as well as budget administration and reporting, development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services, and coordination of key programs/projects with other County divisions and departments and external agencies. This class provides assistance to the Director of Human Resources in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Positions apply advanced management principles and strategic thinking to decisions that impact the organization as a whole and the public being served. Positions generally serve as advisors and contributors to executive management on policies, procedures, and major County initiatives.

Examples of Duties

The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.

• Assumes management responsibility for major Department of Human Resources' programs, services, and activities, including classification and compensation, employee performance management, employee and labor relations, recruitment and selection, employee benefit services, equal employment opportunity, and training/staff development.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of division budget; assists with the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; assists with monitoring and approving expenditures; assists with managing and implementing budgetary adjustments as necessary; ensures compliance with federal and state budget requirements.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Determines equipment acquisition, training programs, and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of department services in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine County needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Administers the Countys performance management and disciplinary process; ensures all County departments regularly conduct performance evaluations; provides consultation and training to staff in performance management; recommends disciplinary action; consults with County Counsel as needed.
• Assists the Director of Human Resources in collective bargaining; prepares and evaluates management proposals and responses to proposals from bargaining units; collects and analyzes data used in contract negotiations and costs out proposals from labor groups.
• Addresses issues involving contractual interpretations or disputes; assists in the grievance process including arbitration; collaborates with County Counsel to respond to claims of unfair labor practices.
• Administers and oversees employee leave programs, including the interactive accommodation process and disability leave compliance; provides guidance and consultation to County staff on compliance, interpretation, and effective implementation of the leave of absence process; collaborates with Risk Management on workers compensation and return-to-work issues.
• Administers various County-sponsored and voluntary benefits programs, including contract administration, compliance, and training, and guidance to staff assigned to benefits, monitors benefits agreements and funding.
• Oversees or conducts investigations on behalf of the County for claims of harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and other areas; prepares and reviews reports; makes recommendations for discipline, training, and other remedial measures.
• Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Prepares and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other County departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as necessary.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in human resources and risk management; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to County needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Director of Human Resources, County Administrative Officer and/or Board of Supervisors.
• Ensures staff compliance with County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility, including the Meyers Milias Brown Act, Family Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, Pregnancy Disability Leave, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Employment and Housing Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity Act.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of public human resource administration, including recruitment and selection, equal employment opportunity, classification, job analysis, compensation and benefits administration, and employee development.
• Principles and practices of labor relations in a public agency setting, including effective negotiation techniques and the administration of labor agreements.
• Techniques for effectively representing the County in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information department.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, oversee, and manage the staff and operations of the Department of Human Resources.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the department.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Effectively administer labor agreements.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the division and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to the work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resources management, business administration or public administration, employee relations, industrial psychology, or a closely related field and six (6) years of professional-level human resources administration experience to include two (2) years of contract or policy development experience in a management or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver's license.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

Environmental Conditions

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Application Process

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process which may be administered by a written examination, oral interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100%.

THE APPRAISAL PANEL (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026.

To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/maderacountyca. All job postings are also included via the TDD phone at 559-675-8970 and the 24-hour job line at 559-675-8685. Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded), licenses, and certificates to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

For an open recruitment, applicants claiming veterans preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 form along with the application. Candidates who attain ranking on an eligible list and are involuntarily called to active duty may be considered for eligibility reinstatement upon their return.

PLACEMENT ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST:

The Civil Service Commission may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the examination process. If two or more candidates have the same total final score on an examination, they shall be ranked in order of their scores in that portion of the examination which has the greatest weight. The names of two or more eligibles having final ratings which are identical shall be grouped on the eligible list as tie names with equal rank for certification and appointment purposes.

Candidates who are successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list, in rank order based on a calculation of their total score from the examination process. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of six (6) months or one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to section 6-4 (b) and may be extended for up to an additional year by the Commission.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

As a condition of employment with the County of Madera, a candidate must submit to a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, and related follow up testing as necessary. Designated classifications* are also subject to a medical examination, which includes a review of medical history. TB screenings and medical exams are administered by the Madera County Public Health Department and/or health care professional designated by the County.

Designated classifications required to submit to an employment medical examination generally include those that are physical in nature or as may be required by law. If you have any questions about the pre-employment requirements, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (559) 675-7705 or hr@maderacounty.com.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT:

You will be required to submit verification of your identity and citizenship or legal right to work in the United States at the time of and as a condition of an offer of employment.

As a condition of employment, all prospective employees shall be required to be fingerprinted.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Madera County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by Federal or State law.

Benefits of employment with the County of Madera include:

• 14 paid holidays per year;
• 1 sick leave day per month (unlimited accrual);
• 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year, vacation accrual increasing thereafter with years of service (45 days maximum accrual);
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), with an enhanced 2.7% @ 55 retirement benefit formula (based on the highest 12 months with the employee paying 8% toward the retirement cost) for those individuals with current or prior qualifying public sector service that establishes eligibility as a "classic member" pursuant to the provisions of Californias 2013 Pension Reform Act (Act) and CalPERS Regulations. Individuals with no current or prior qualifying public sector service, and who are defined as new members or new employees under the Act, will be eligible for the 2% @ 62 retirement benefit formula (based on the average compensation over 36 consecutive months with the employee paying 7.75% toward the retirement cost);
• County participates in the Public Employees Retirement System Health Benefit Program and for certain selected health plans, the County pays 95% of health insurance premium for employee and 50% for either two-party or dependent coverage;
• Additional salary increases after 10, 15, and 20 years of service.

01

Please select the level of education you possess which includes major course work in human resources, business administration, public administration, organizational development or a closely related field:

• High School or Equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

02

Please select the years of progressively responsible management experience you possess in a human resources position in a public/governmental agency:

• Less than four (4) years experience.
• Four (4) to less than six (6) years experience.
• Six (6) to less than eight (8) years experience.
• Eight (8) to less than ten (10) years experience.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience.

03

Do you possess at least two (2) years of contract or policy development experience in a management or supervisory capacity:

• Yes
• No

04

I understand that I must indicate the specific time period and distinct job title in the applications work experience section. I understand that I am required to describe, in detail, my qualifying experience on my application.

• Yes, I understand.

Required Question

Employer County of Madera

Address 200 W. 4th Street

Madera, California, 93637

Phone 559.675.7705

Website http://www.maderacounty.com