We collaborate across all City Departments to ensure that each staff member can flourish in an environment that is innovative, engaging, and respectful.

Our Human Resources programs align with the City’s strategic plan, values, and initiatives. These programs are administered in accordance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and Citywide policies and procedures. 

Employee and Labor Relations

Maintain collaborative relationships between management, employees, and union organizations by providing consultation on contract and policy interpretation, employment laws, rules, and regulations, conflict resolution, and grievances; and represent the City in meet and confers, contract negotiations, and Personnel Board meetings. 

Recruitment and Retention

Administer the recruitment of qualified candidates and retaining top talent in our workforce through a fair, proactive, strategic, and collaborative approach. 

Classifications and Compensation

Continuously evaluate, analyze, and make recommendations to the City’s classifications and organizational structure to maximize resources and meet operational needs.  Conduct total compensation surveys in an effort to establish and maintain fair and equitable salaries.

Employee and Organizational Development

Design, deliver, and evaluate training programs, leadership development initiatives, and workforce planning strategies to help employees achieve their full potential and establish a workplace culture of continuous improvement and organizational growth. Coordinate training programs supporting employee engagement, talent management, succession planning, and change management to ensure the organization adapts and thrives. 

Benefits Administration

Oversee and administer the City’s benefits and programs, ensuring eligible employees receive timely information and enrollment support. Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; Deferred Compensation; Retiree Health Savings Accounts (RHSA); Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Bilingual Program; Life and Basic AD&D; and Voluntary Supplemental Life.

Performance Management

Administer a performance management system that supports the City’s mission, vision, goals, and initiatives, while motivating and guiding employees toward greater self-development and improved performance.  

Employee Recognition and Reward Programs

Design, implement, and evaluate a formal, fair, and meaningful Employee Recognition and Rewards Program (ERRP) that recognizes and rewards employees for their outstanding customer service, work performance, and contributions to the City of San Mateo.

Disability Programs

Administer disability leaves and programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act, California’s Family Rights Act, Pregnancy Disability Leave, Workers’ Compensation, Temporary Modified Work, and Reasonable Accommodations. Manage the complexity of overlapping disability related leaves and programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Safety Program

Provide proactive leadership and ensure regulatory compliance to uphold workplace safety in collaboration with various stakeholders, including City Departments and the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department. Foster a culture of safety through open communication, timely hazard reporting, and active employee engagement.  Lead the safety committee to develop safety initiatives. Implement and maintain the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), as well as a Workplace Violence Prevention (WVP) Plan and related training. 

Compliance

Maintain a system to ensure the City is in compliance with required licenses, certifications, training courses, and other employment related requirements. Ensure fact-finding investigations are conducted in a timely, neutral, and comprehensive manner.

Human Resources Support to San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMC Fire)

Perform human resources activities and services on a contract basis for SMC Fire.