Senior Human Resources Analyst

Create your HR destiny and help build ours! Santa Margarita Water District

is seeking a passionate, talented, and driven senior human resources professional to join our team in a position that is customizable to YOUR interests and background! This role will support key HR initiatives, advance priority projects, and partner closely with the HR Director to move work forward. This is a limited-term position budgeted for one year, created to provide coverage during the maternity leave of one of our valued staff members, with the potential to extend beyond one year based on organizational needs.

We are looking for someone seasoned (this is NOT an entry level opportunity!) who can make an immediate impact as either a well-rounded generalist or an experienced specialist in one of several areas: learning & development (including training and coaching), employee relations (including performance management & discipline), labor relations (including regular meetings, grievances, and negotiations), HRIS, classification & compensation, or benefits & leave management administration.

SMWD is in a period of rapid culture change and modernization, which is granting HR the flexibility to structure our staffing positions to maximize service excellence to the agency. We are looking to hire the best of the best, whether that person is a generalist or a specialist. This means that you don't need to be an expert in everything to impress us!

This is a continuous recruitment with the first review of applications occurring on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:00 am. If you want to join a team striving for high-performance, cutting-edge practices, and concierge level service, apply early!

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters a sense of camaraderie and purpose as we do work that truly matters. Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve the District’s goals and solve challenges with a shared commitment that is not often found in governmental agencies.

- Exemplary service excellence

- Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive

- Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency

- Environmental and resource stewardship

- Employee development and leadership training

- Building relationships that strengthen communities

Although the following is a high-level summary of the general functions of the classification, the specific assignments and areas of assignments will depend on the expertise and interests of the selected candidate.

- Provide professional HR support across multiple functional areas, including performance management, employee relations, benefits administration, leaves, and policy interpretation.

- Coach and advise supervisors and managers on effective people management and performance practices.

- Conduct or support fact-finding and documentation related to workplace issues, as needed.

- Support the administration of employee benefits programs and serve as a resource for employee inquiries.

- Lead or support HR projects, process improvements, and implementation of new programs or practices.

- Assist with development and updates of HR policies, procedures, and communications.

- Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, and District policies.

- Perform related duties as assigned.

To view the complete job description, click here.

- Strong working knowledge of HR principles and employment laws.

- Ability to manage sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.

- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

- Ability to work independently and take ownership of assignments.

- Clear written and verbal communication skills.

- Practical, solutions-oriented approach to HR work.