Human Resources Senior Specialist

01.12.2026 | Cam

Position Summary

The Human Resources Senior Specialist is a strategic generalist leadership role that serves as the backbone of Heal the Bay’s people, culture, and work environment– empowering our team to focus on protecting Southern California’s coastal waters. Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, this position collaborates closely with the Finance, Data, and Administrative teams to lead the HR function for approximately 50 staff across the main office and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. This role demands a blend of strategic HR leadership, people-centered service, technical HR expertise, and strong organizational capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • HR Leadership: Serve as a lead/primary point of contact for employees regarding all HR issues, including general HR inquiries, hiring, disciplinary action, terminations, leaves, workers’ compensation claims, and complaints.
  • Performance Management: Help support and facilitate performance management for the organization, including disciplinary action.
  • Employee Relations: Conduct investigations, as needed, and assist in addressing grievances, facilitating conflict resolution, and guiding disciplinary actions in accordance with organizational policy.
  • Onboarding & Offboarding: Lead the onboarding process for new hires, including background checks, orientation and initial training, while also managing exit interviews and transition procedures.
  • Talent Acquisition: Collaborate with hiring managers to support recruitment process, including job description development, posting, applicant screening, and interview scheduling.
  • Professional Development: Implement and support professional development initiatives and employee retention strategies, ensuring equitable access to training opportunities.
  • HR/Employment Compliance: Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, including record-keeping, training, and reporting requirements.
  • Project Leadership: Lead special projects and operational initiatives as assigned, enhancing overall HR effectiveness and efficiency.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5 years+ of progressive HR generalist experience, with a focus on strategic management and leadership.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Proficiency and working knowledge of HR systems, operations.
    Strong foundational knowledge of federal, California state, and local employment laws and compliance requirements.
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and a strong technical acumen.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience or background in a non-profit or similar environment.
  • Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM systems and their application in HR reporting.

Core Competencies

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Deep commitment to fostering a respectful, harassment-free, and supportive work environment.
  • Ethical Standards: Uphold the highest ethical standards and integrity, consistently maintaining confidentiality and earning trust across the organization.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and data-informed decision-making abilities.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to collaborate effectively across teams with a problem-solving mindset.
  • Quality Commitment: Dedication to accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement.
  • Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing professional development and knowledge sharing.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $32.00 to $36.00 an hour ($66,560 to $74,880 annually), commensurate with experience.
  • Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and 1 volunteer action day.
  • Retirement Plan: SIMPLE IRA with employer match after one year, alongside professional development opportunities.
  • Technology Stipend: Monthly $35 technology stipend.
Heal the Bay is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and we strongly encourage applications from individuals that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County. If you don’t meet all of the preferred skills above, you are still encouraged to apply and will be considered based on diverse and equivalent skills and experience.
Heal the Bay complies with AB 1008, the Fair Chance Act, during the hiring process. Once a conditional job offer has been made the candidate will be asked to complete a Live Scan criminal background check. A thorough assessment of conviction history will be considered including the nature and gravity of the criminal history, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job the candidate is seeking.