ELDE - Human Resources Operations Technician

City of Oakland; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37.5 hour work weeks

15 paid holidays

CalPERS retirement

Full employee health coverage

Dental and vision coverage

Sick leave and vacation accrual

Deferred compensation options

Job summary

The City of Oakland is seeking a detail-oriented Human Resources Operations Technician (ELDE) to maintain employee HR records, support payroll, onboarding and offboarding, and refine HR processes. You will work in partnership with the Finance Payroll team and HR staff, handling data in Oracle R12 and NeoGov, with a focus on timely, accurate service.

This exempt position emphasizes process improvement, documentation, and proactive support across City HR operations, in a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Focus on accuracy and detail in HR data entry and records management.
• Customer service oriented approach when assisting employees and staff.
• Proficient communication and relationship-building across teams.

Responsibilities

• Process a variety of HR transactions to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Enter master data into the City’s HRMS (Oracle R12).
• Assist with revising and improving technical HR processes and procedures.
• Train HR staff and departmental users on NeoGov and onboarding/offboarding procedures.
• Enter, review, and audit payroll/HR data with high accuracy.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Customer service

Communication

Relationship building

Organized

Independent and collaborative

Dependable and results-driven

Critical thinking

Education

Associate’s degree in HR management or related field

High school diploma

Tools

HRMS (Oracle R12)

NeoGov

Job description

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

HRM is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Human Resources Operations Technician (ELDE) who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and equitable services. This role combines hands‑on HRIS data entry and employee record maintenance with technical HR support, offering an opportunity to contribute to daily operations and long‑term process improvements. In partnership with the Finance Department’s Payroll team and HR staff, the Human Resources Operations Technician will maintain and update employee HR records and data in City systems to support accurate and timely personnel actions, payroll processing, onboarding, and offboarding. The position will also develop and refine procedures, create user documentation, and implement solutions that enhance service delivery across the organization. This is an at‑will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules (per Charter Section 902f). Exempt Limited Duration positions may not exceed a period of one year.

Why join the City of Oakland's Human Resources Management Department?

The Human Resources Management (HRM) Department recruits, develops, and sustains a talented, diverse workforce that serves the Oakland community. HRM values equity, professional growth, and a strong, committed workforce. As an internal service department, HRM prides itself on customer service, problem-solving, and professionalism, serving as a model for public‑sector human resources. Working in HRM offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting employees who deliver essential services, fostering a collaborative environment grounded in equity, inclusion, and public service, and providing opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and contributions that strengthen both the City’s workforce and the community it serves.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Focused on accuracy and detail. You carefully review your work, identify discrepancies, and ensure information is accurate, complete, and reliable.
• Customer service oriented. You assist employees and department staff with patience, professionalism, and a proactive approach that fosters trust and collaboration.
• A strong relationship builder with excellent communication skills. You communicate clearly, listen actively, and build productive relationships across teams.
• Organized and detail-oriented. You manage multiple tasks and deadlines accurately and efficiently.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively. You contribute effectively to team projects while exercising sound judgment when working alone.
• Dependable and results-driven. You remain focused and dependable under pressure while delivering high‑quality outcomes that support citywide payroll and HR operations.
• A strong critical thinker and decision‑maker. You analyze complex issues and determine the best course of action promptly.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Processing a variety of HR transactions to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Entering master data into the City’s Human Resources Management System (HRMS), Oracle R12.
• Assisting with revising and improving technical HR processes and procedures.
• Training HR staff and departmental users on NeoGov and onboarding/offboarding procedures.
• Entering, reviewing, auditing, and maintaining payroll/HR data with a high degree of accuracy.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will directly support City of Oakland employees by helping reduce time to hire and improve onboarding processes, strengthening the City’s ability to deliver essential public services.
• You will gain experience in a complex, full‑service municipal environment while developing technical, analytical, and customer service skills that support long‑term career growth in public service.
• You will join a collaborative, supportive team within a department committed to equity, inclusion, and becoming an employer of choice, with opportunities for growth and advancement in Payroll and HR.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will perform a high volume of detailed, routine HRIS transactions and employee record updates. The work can be repetitive and requires sustained focus, consistency, and accuracy, even when handling similar transactions throughout the day.
• You will manage multiple time‑sensitive transactions and deadlines while maintaining accurate employee records and ensuring that personnel actions are processed correctly and timely.
• You will troubleshoot system limitations, resolve discrepancies, and research incomplete or conflicting information. Success in this role requires patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to getting the details right because even small data‑entry errors can affect employees and downstream HR processes.

Competencies Required:

• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self‑control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Mathematical Facility: Performing computations and solving mathematical problems
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue

Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.

Education:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. An Associate’s degree, from an accredited college or university, in human resources management, public administration, business management, or closely related field is desirable.

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience providing technical, clerical, or administrative support in human resources, employee benefits, and/or payroll. The qualifying experience must have included performing data entry, maintaining electronic records, and operating an automated Human Resources Information System (HRIS). Experience working in a public sector agency is highly desirable.

License or Certificate / Other Requirements:

Incumbents in this classification may be required to travel to various locations to perform assigned duties and must be able to do so in a timely and reliable manner. A valid California driver’s license is required only when operating a vehicle is an essential function of the position.

This is an at‑will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules, per Charter Section 902f. All applications received will be forwarded to HRM for further consideration.

Meeting the minimum qualification requirements may not result in further consideration, only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Exempt Limited Duration Employee (ELDE): This is an at‑will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules (per Charter Section 902f). Exempt Limited Duration positions may not exceed a period of one year.

What’s in it for you?

• Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks
• 15 paid holidays
• Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
• Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre‑tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
• Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
• Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
• Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre‑tax plan and an after‑tax ROTH 401(k) plan
• Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.

*Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found here: Working for Oakland | City of Oakland, CA

Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.

Disaster Service Workers

All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.