HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER-HARBOR (LEAVES AND PAYROLL MANAGEMENT)

Job Description:

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER-HARBOR (LEAVES AND PAYROLL MANAGEMENT)

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER-HARBOR (LEAVES AND PAYROLL MANAGEMENT)

(This is an at-will position)

This recruitment has been extended through Monday August 25, 2025

Salary Range: $129,859 - $181,802

THE ROLE

The Human Resources Officer-Harbor (Leaves and Payroll Management) is responsible for managing employee leave programs, return-to-work processes, workplace accommodations, injury claims, payroll and timekeeping, and implementation of benefit plans. Supervising a team of 3, this role ensures that time-off, payroll, accommodations, and injury claims are handled accurately and in compliance with labor laws. You will serve as the main contact for employees, managers, vendors, and regulatory agencies. The position involves implementing best practices, training staff, and managing complex leave and accommodation cases with a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.

THE TEAM

The Human Resources Division at the Port of Long Beach plays a pivotal role in supporting port operations by ensuring the workforce is skilled, motivated, and able to contribute to the efficient and safe operation of one of the nation's largest international trade gateways. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Human Resources Officer-Harbor will be part of a team of 28 professionals dedicated to managing recruitment, training, workforce development, payroll, employee relations, succession planning, environmental health and safety, and the implementation of employee benefit plans and bargaining unit contracts—all while providing exceptional service to the Port’s workforce.

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach is a global leader in green port initiatives and top-notch customer service, moving cargo with reliability, speed, and efficiency. With its deep-water, rail access, and ongoing investment in state-of-the-art facilities, the Port continues to be the preferred gateway for Asia-Pacific trade and an exemplary model for its environmental innovations and initiatives. The Port operates entirely on revenue generated from its operations and grants, and is not funded by taxes or the City’s General Fund. As the premier U.S. gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the Port handles trade valued at more than $300 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the United States, including 575,000 in Southern California. In 2025, the Port is celebrating “20 Years of Leading Green,” marking two decades of its landmark Green Port Policy that has dramatically reduced environmental impacts from operations. In 2024, industry leaders named Long Beach “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for the sixth consecutive year. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning $2.3 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability.

CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)

To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual inf ormation session on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, @ 5:00 pm PDT viaMS Teams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. Candidates who call in will not be able to see the presentation. To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087, Phone Conference ID: 615 241 092 # Click here to join the meeting.

To learn more about the ways we are building the Green Port of the Future, please visit: https://polb.com/environment .

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding leave management, retirement, medical plan enrollment, payroll, injury claims, return-to-work programs, workplace accommodations (ADA compliance), and relevant workplace policies.
• Supervise, train, and support team members handling payroll and leave processes, including performance management and professional development.
• Develop and implement leave management strategies and departmental policies in line with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provide training and resources to managers and staff on leave policies, payroll, and related practices.
• Manage workplace accommodations and injury claims, advising on eligibility, return-to-work plans, and required processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws regarding pay, time-off, leave programs, FLSA, ADA, and workers’ compensation.
• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, policy compliance, and timely resolution of payroll issues.
• Manage the complete process for workplace accommodations under the ADA, including the interactive process and documentation.
• Develop and implement procedures to improve payroll and leave administration efficiency and compliance.
• Advise and train managers and employees on payroll issues, leave eligibility, and workplace accommodations.
• Monitor legislative changes and industry trends to maintain compliance and enhance leave and payroll management practices.
• Ensure smooth integration of new hires and transfers into the HRMS system, guiding them on onboarding and benefits.
• Serve as Time Recording Administrator (TRS), managing timekeeping procedures for accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency in leave and payroll management.

These are just a few examples. You will be able to do so much more.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

What we’re looking for...

Requirements for the position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, public administration or a related field is required. Education may be substituted for lengthy experience and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• 3+ years of professional-level experience in a Human Resources Department with a focus on payroll, workplace accommodations, workers’ compensation claims, and/or leave management is required.
• At least one year serving in a supervisory or lead capacity is required.
• Strong knowledge of employment and labor laws including FMLA, CFRA, FEHA, ADA, FLSA, and payroll processes.
• Experience with HRIS/HRMS systems is required (preferably BlueZone).
• Experience with payroll systems is required (preferably Tenrox/Upland PSA).

Desirables:

• Experience in a union environment.
• Professional Human Resources based certifications.
• Experience in public sector human resources.
• Knowledge of CalPERS retirement systems and workers’ compensation administration.

WHAT SUCCESS WILL LOOK LIKE:

The successful candidate must have the ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with tact and discretion, while maintaining strict confidentiality. They will be a strong, strategic leader with expertise in leave management, payroll, and compliance, and have excellent problem-solving skills and a keen eye for process improvement. The ideal candidate will be able to balance operational efficiency with employee advocacy, ensuring that the Port’s workforce is supported while maintaining compliance with employment laws and best practices.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The final filing date for this recruitment is Monday, August 25, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PDT.

The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice to accept additional applications. Individuals determined to be qualified and best aligned to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit a cover letter and resume (as PDF attachments) to hrexecrecruitment@polb.com . Incomplete submissions (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com .

SAVE THE DATES:

SparkHire video interviews will be conducted the week of September 2 - September 7, 2025 (asynchronous video interviews) and final round interviews will be conducted on Friday, September 19, 2025 (in-person). Candidates should ensure availability. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check.

LOCATION:

This position is an on-site role based at 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802. The selected party is expected to be on-site Monday thru Friday.

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of $129,859-$181,802 (placement depends on qualifications). An attractive package of executive-level benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States. The Port’s generous benefits package includes:

.

• Auto Allowance - $450.00 per month
• Executive Leave - 40 hours per year.
• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for social security, paid by the employee.
• Pay for Performance - Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
• Deferred Compensation - The City matches a percentage of base salary for qualified members contributing to the 457(b) plan.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Life Insurance - City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance - City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at the equivalent of two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service. An employee’s vacation accrual may be adjusted upon hire to provide credit for previous full-time employment at a public service agency. Credit for public service shall only be given for completed years of service as a full-time permanent employee. Public Service credit shall not apply to any other benefits.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Annual Physical - Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at the city's expense through the city-provided program.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university - or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

www.polb.com

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

Retirement:California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% or 2.7% (depending on hire date) @55 for "Classic" members and 2% @62 for new members as defined by PEPRA, subject to the compensation limitations set by PERS. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.

Health and Dental Insurance:The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.

Life Insurance:City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.

Disability Insurance:City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.

Management Physical:Annual City-paid physical examination.

Vacation:Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service.

Executive Leave:Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each year.

Sick Leave: One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.

Holidays:Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.

Transportation Allowance:Monthly allowance is allocated by classifications below;

• Department Head $650.00
• Deputy Director/Manager/Director (Harbor/Utilities) $550.00
• Division Officer/Superintendent/ Chief of Staff / Administrator / Principal DCA $450.00
• Assistant to Executive / Executive Assistant / Executive Secretary/ Executive Support Staff $300.00

Deferred Compensation Plan:Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation).

• Classic CalPERS Members: The City will contribute a maximum of up to two percent (2%) of base salary* for all qualified Classic CalPERS members.
• Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) CalPERS Members: Effective the second full pay period following City Council adoption, the City contribution will increase from two percent (2%) to three percent (3%) of base salary* for all qualified PEPRA CalPERS members.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA):Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.

Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule:Available (subject to City Manager approval).

Paid Parental Leave: The City provides one hundred and sixty (160) hours of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of salary, for the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child, regardless of the gender, marital status or sexual orientation of the parent.

Closing Date/Time: 8/25/2025 4:30 PM Pacific

Salary:

$129,859.00 - $181,802.00 Annually