Job Information
CITY OF FRESNO Assistant Director of Personnel Services in Fresno, California
SALARY:
$9,876 - $17,054/mo.
FILING DEADLINE: April 30, 2026
The City of Fresno is seeking an experienced professional to bring innovation, leadership, and strategic expertise to the Personnel Services Department, serving as a key partner in advancing the department goals.
Reporting to the Personnel Services Director, the Assistant Director assists in the planning, direction and organization of the day-to-day operations of the Personnel Services Department. In this at-will capacity, the incumbent exercises judgment and discretion in the administration and direction of personnel policies, procedures, and programs; and carries out the management responsibilities in one or more of the following functional areas: recruitment and selection, Equal Employment Opportunity, salary and benefits administration, risk management, civil service process, training and development, labor relations and organizational matters, including performance evaluations, corrective actions, grievance investigations, negotiation preparation, and workers compensation.
The incumbent will plan and coordinate major research or administrative projects; compile and analyze data pertaining to personnel program policies, and issues; and assist in the administration, coordination and development of the department budget. The Assistant Director engages with members of the public and city employees by addressing questions and concerns, delivering accurate information, and effectively resolving sensitive and complex organizational issues and complaints. While the City operates within a Civil Service environment, the ideal candidate will be able to deliver innovative workplace solutions while navigating and adhering to established rules and processes.
The Personnel Services Director is seeking a dynamic leader who is innovative, understands current employment laws and regulations, and has the ability to empower employees to accomplish the department goals and mission. The ideal candidate will be an organizational problem solver that can provide positive and proactive solutions, use sound judgment, encompass a high level of commitment to public service, and can demonstrate the ability to work well in a fast paced and demanding environment. Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, along with a collaborative, team oriented operational style will be essential to success in this role.
The ideal candidate should bring an extensive, well-rounded HR generalist foundation with professional level experience in many facets of HR. A person who can confidently navigate the full spectrum of human resources functions while providing strategic leadership is necessary in this position. A background that includes five years of increasingly responsible management experience in personnel administration, risk management, or related field, including two years at the supervisory level, and a Bachelors degree in human resources, public or business administration or related field may be considered qualifying for this position. A Masters degree in public administration or related field is highly desirable. This position also requires possession of a valid California Drivers License.
The Department currently utilizes PeopleSoft as its HRIS but is in the process of a system upgrade. The Department has also recently implemented NeoGov as its new recruitment platform, enhancing efficiency and candidate experience.
City Government
Fresno is a full-service charter city operating under a strong mayor form of government.
The City Manager, who is appointed by the Mayor, is responsible for appointing department heads in the City, including Fresno Yosemite Airport; Capital Projects; Finance; Fire; General Services; Information Services; Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services; Personnel Services; Planning and Development; Police; and Public Utilities, Public Works, and Transportation.
There are seven Council Members elected to the Cit Council. The Council appoints the City Attorney and the City Clerk. The Mayor is elected at-large and does not serve on the Council but has veto power over certain actions taken by Council Members.
Compensation and Benefits
The City offers an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package. The current annual salary range for this position is $118,512 up to $204,648. The employee benefits package, as noted below, is subject to change and includes:
Retirement:Fresno City Retirement System; reciprocity with other public California systems. The City's pension funds are among the best-funded public systems in California and the nation. The City does not participate in Social Security.
Health Insurance:City contributes toward the current monthly premium for medical, dental, and vision for employee and dependents.
Flexible Spending Account Program: IRS 125 Plan for health/dependent care.
Auto Allowance: Dependent upon approval of the City Manager, employees in this classification may be provided with an auto allowance of $300 per month.
Deferred Compensation: 457 plan available which allows tax contribution up to IRS determined limits.
Management Leave:108 hours per fiscal year with cash out provision.
Annual Leave:Accrue 15.50 hours monthly with cash out provision.
Holidays:Ten (10) City-observed holidays annually, plus birthday and two (2) personal days per year.
Life Insurance:Equal to annual salary; premium paid by City.
Long-Term Disability: City pays premium for 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days.
Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP): DROP is an optional, voluntary program that allows for retirement benefits deposited in a special savings account within your Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno. To participate, must be at least age 50 with 5 years of service. Benefits include ownership of DROP account monies; compound interest earnings; and alternative distribution options.
Additional details about the benefits offered may be found at www.fresno.gov
The Selection Process
To pursue this phenomenal career opportunity, please visit our website at www.fresno.gov/jobs. To apply, please complete an employment application and upload your letter of interest, resume, five work-related references, and copy of your bachelors degree. The final filing date for this recruitment is April 30, 2026.
Applicants deemed to have the most relevant qualifications will be referred for further consideration.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Sandra Chavez Martin, Assistant Director at 559-621-6988 orSandra.chavezmartin@fresno.gov.