Human Resources Manager

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County is seeking a motivated and collaborative Human Resources Manager to join our team. Founded in 1978, we bring diverse communities and organizations together to protect and connect people to the lands that define this special place.

About the role

The Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental conservation in Santa Cruz County. We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to provide compliance expertise, oversee recruitment and hiring, administer employee benefits, coordinate performance management, manage HR systems, and support effective employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the organization's human resources functions and day-to-day HR administration ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain and update employee policies, procedures, and handbook in alignment with best practices and organizational values.
• Serve as a resource to employees and supervisors regarding HR policies, workplace expectations, and employment-related questions.
• Lead all recruitment and hiring processes, including job postings, interview logistics, candidate communications, and offer documentation.
• Partner with hiring managers to support equitable and effective selection processes.
• Lead onboarding for new employees, ensuring a welcoming and consistent experience.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, and wellness offerings.
• Support compensation planning and salary administration in collaboration with leadership.
• Partner with brokers to research, evaluate, and recommend enhancements to employee benefit offerings.
• Support positive employee relations, employee engagement, recognition programs, coaching, and problem-solving.
• Work with supervisors to address workplace concerns and conduct, conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, and separations in a fair and consistent manner.
• Cook up staff training initiatives, including compliance training, professional development opportunities, and safety.
• Track required certifications, training, and employee development plans as applicable.
• Maintain accurate employee records, reporting, workflows, and HR documentation within the Rippling platform.
• Recommend and implement process improvements for HR operations and employee experience.
• Conduct HR data analyses such as compensation benchmarking, pay equity reviews, and demographic analyses, to inform hiring strategy, organizational equity goals, and long-term talent planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of experience, including experience independently managing an organization's HR function, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices, including employee relations, benefits, and compliance.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and work effectively with employees at all levels.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Preferred

• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent).
• Experience managing HR systems (HRIS), such as Rippling or similar platforms.
• Experience with project management systems, such as Asana or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated interest in the Land Trust’s conservation work.
• Experience supporting equity-centered HR practices and inclusive workplace culture.
• Familiarity with California employment law and the greater Santa Cruz County region.
• Experience working in an organization with distributed or field-based staff.

Qualifications

• Passionate about nature and land protection.
• Team player with a collaborative mindset.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary of $95,000 annually, with actual compensation prorated based on a 20-hour-per-week schedule. Our benefits package includes health insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, and wellness offerings.

Pay

$95,000 annually, with actual compensation prorated based on a 20-hour-per-week schedule.

Schedule

This is a part-time position and is ideal for an experienced HR professional seeking a meaningful, mission-driven role with a flexible part-time schedule. Work hours total approximately 20 hours per week, typically between 8 am – 5pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional early, late, or weekend work as needed. This position will work in the downtown Santa Cruz, CA office, with potential for hybrid work in the future.