Human Resources Manager - Cooperative Agricultural Support Services Authority

The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority that was originally formed as a partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Counties of Yolo and Trinity. Since then, CASS' services have expanded throughout California to support the agricultural industry and the consumers of its products by providing human resources and administrative support services. CASS' program activities include agricultural inspection, pest prevention and other programs administered by CDFA, county agricultural commissioners, and other public agencies.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Human Resources Manager to join our Administration Team. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This position will oversee HR team of 4 people.

Under the general supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the Human Resources Manager, exercises a high degree of initiative and independence in performing the more responsible, and complex consultative and analytical, advanced journey level human resource work in the areas of employer/employee relations; recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits administration, performance management, safety, training and development, workers' compensation, and other human resource functions within the Department of Human Resources. The Human Resources Manager performs complex HR duties that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and application of independent judgment and discretion.

• Responsible for overseeing day-to-day operational flow of the Human Resources Department.
• Leads in the development and implementation of policies and priorities; evaluates HR programs and projects and recommends and implements policy and procedure changes.
• Responsible for managing incoming consultant contracts which include contract extension, evaluations and ensure files are maintained.
• In consultation with Executive Officer; function as an HR consultant to clients regarding employment law, EEO, and other related matters.
• In consultation with Executive Officer, guide CASS clients, managers, and supervisors on the proper handling of sensitive issues, including conflicts/disputes discipline, confidentiality, and terminations.
• With assistance from the HR Team, conduct investigations into employee relations issues and concerns, and makes recommendations to the Executive Officer for resolution.
• Review all related claim forms to ensure supervisors meet compliance standards.
• With assistance from the HR Team, respond to inquiries from managers and supervisors regarding employee issues, human resource policies, practices, procedures, and benefits.
• Evaluate existing programs (e.g., benefits, training, personnel) and make recommendations for improvement or change to meet present or future needs.
• Act as liaison and partner with Accounting on HR related matters including payroll, benefits, Paylocity HRIS system implementation and configuration, retirement enrollment processing, etc.
• Works closely with CASS clients; employees, Workers' Compensation provider; and HR Team to facilitate the timely reporting of industrial accidents and illnesses.
• Coach and advise supervisors on CASS best practices and interpretation of CASS policies and procedures.
• Research and update policies, laws, and procedures to respond to requests for information; explain and apply interpretations of human resources procedures, polices, and rules.
• Assist the Executive Officer with design, implementation, and delivery of training and organizational effectiveness.
• Participate in ensuring human resources programs and activities are administered and implemented in compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Leads in the development and implementation of systems, policies, and procedures pertaining to human resource functions and operation.
• Assist with classification studies, development, and management of job descriptions, gathers and compiles salary and benefit data, organizes and presents information.
• Responsible for oversight wage and salary implementation and administration of benefits.

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years' experience in Human Resource Management preferred or related field (operations management, business administration, organizational development, etc.)
• HR certification preferred (SPHR or PHR preferred)
• Public or quasi-public sector knowledge and experience
• Experience with HRIS systems and implementation (Ideally in Paylocity or Paycom)
• Strong business aptitude and operations background
• ACA and/or knowledge of benefits administration
• Budget and finance knowledge and experience
• Risk Management experience with contracts and insurance
• Employer/Employee Relations experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills to create and maintain strategic partnerships, and effectively interact with all levels of the organization.
• and consulting, planning, and organizing skills.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills as well as excellent facilitation and presentation skills
• Technical principles and practices of human resources management and ability to evaluate the effectiveness and subsequently lead changes as needed in HR programs and services
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases
• Principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation
• Maintain positive working relationships with CASS administrative management team, supervisors, staff members, funding sources, and community agencies

• An Effective Collaborator. You successfully work across cultural lines on a dispersed team, and you can operate in complex situations. You can easily gain trust from team members and are known for supporting them to ensure they are set up for success.
• A Strategic Decision Maker. You thrive in a rapid growth environment where you can press forward quickly with big ideas, though you understand this often requires recognizing when to take a step back and create proactive strategic plans that empower your team members. You understand how relationships drive the implementation of new systems.
• A Humble Leader. You are an approachable active listener who inspires trust and confidence from others. Your ego is secondary; you lead by example, embodying the notion of personal responsibility and encouraging others to build on your ideas, challenging them, and expanding them. You approach challenges as learning opportunities.
• Efficient and Organized. You can take in a range of events at different levels of urgency and importance, formulate responses, and keep progress going on many fronts at once.
• Tactical Thinker. You are analytical and structured in your thinking. You love to build and maintain well-oiled systems and processes. You are a quick study, synthesizing diverse sources of information and able to discern from them a recommended course of action. You are aware of all mission-critical projects and able to connect the dots across the organization.
• Emotional Intelligence. You are self-aware and perceptive. You nurture relationships and can work and communicate well with all kinds of people. You are optimistic, empathetic, flexible, curious, and well-respected by all who work with you, irrespective of title.
• Flexible. Ability to be flexible and when necessary, manage stress successfully.

• Perform a full range of technical, and programmatic work of a specialized nature involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Participate in the planning, preparation, and attending Board of Directors meetings.
• Critical thinker with problem solving skills to research and analyze complex problems
• Ability to confront issues and lead in a constructive and effective manner.
• Provide management of HR function and leadership of HR team.
• Answer questions and provide information to CASS employees and partner agencies that requiring the interpretation and explanation of human resources program, policies, and procedure.
• Understand the organization and operation of CASS and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Develop organizational policies as well as understand, interpret, and apply general and specific existing administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Research, compile, analyze, and interpret complex data.
• Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the organization and the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to clients including cultural and ethical beliefs; and implements care in a thorough, skillful, consistent, and continuous manner.
• Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness (in-house and remote). Provides adequate notice to supervisor with respect to time-off requests.
• Performs other duties, as necessary.

• Viewed by others to be an effective team member who is flexible, cooperative, and willing to assist others, and acts as a resource to team members and clients where appropriate.
• Tactfully handles conflicts constructively and seeks appropriate assistance and directive when necessary.
• Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with co-workers, supervisor, and agency clients.

• Full-Time Regular, Exempt.
• $6,668.13 - $7,838.28 Monthly Salary, depending on qualifications.
• Benefits package including medical/dental/vision benefits including HRA, matching retirement contributions, annual and holiday leave.
• Travel and mileage reimbursement and advances provided.
• Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws.

The incumbent in this position will be required, with or without, reasonable accommodation to operate a desktop computer using a keyboard and mouse; employ repetitive wrist and arm movements; occasionally bend, stoop, and reach; lift file or supply boxes and transport related equipment up to 25 lbs.; operate a motor vehicle often to travel to off-site locations bas needed to conduct organizational related work.

Duties for the position are performed inside of buildings in an office environment. The workspace may be a cubicle or desk equipped with telephone, desktop computer, printer, chair and shelving for filing manuals, reports, and books. The incumbent in the position will be provided and equipped with standard office equipment and a cell phone.

10-15% of traveling is required for this position with accessible means of transportation, as we manage locations all throughout the State of California. Travel will be limited during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooperative Agricultural Support Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Skills & Requirements Qualifications

Resumes will be kept on file. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Cooperative Agricultural Support Services Authority is an Equal Opportunity employer and is proud to have a drug-free environment. All employment offers are contingent upon applicant successfully completing background screenings.