HR Business Partner

Human Resources Business Partner

California Water Service Group (Cal Water) invites you to build a meaningful career with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.

The Human Resources Business Partner serves as a trusted connection between the business and HR function, supporting multi-site operations within a regulated and unionized water utility. This role is responsible for consistent deployment of human resources programs and initiatives with a strong focus on employee relations and engagement; and providing guidance to management and employees on performance management, workplace investigations, labor-management partnership, and policy application. Supports recruitment, and training for the districts and departments in an assigned geography; partners with other functional HR groups to complete special projects such as compliance audits, recruitment, process improvement, and employee development programs. The location of this position may be located in Chico, Stockton, or San Mateo, CA.

Essential Functions:

• HR Program Deployment & Operational Partnership
• Serves as the primary HR liaison to management and employees, ensuring consistent deployment of company HR programs, policies, and procedures across districts and states.
• Communicates and coaches managers regarding HR Programs and initiatives including compensation planning, recruitment, performance management, training, talent development, and succession planning.
• Provides workforce insights, analysis, and feedback from managers, employees, and union representatives to HR functions to support HR program and organization effectiveness.
• Partners with HR functions to research, develop, project manage, implement, and/or support HR Programs and activities including talent acquisition, onboarding, training, total rewards, systems.

Employee Relations & Labor Management

• Advises managers and employees to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across multiple jurisdictions, identifying and escalating compliance risks.
• Assists in interpreting collective bargaining agreements and advises managers on contract provisions, work rules, and grievance procedures. Including supporting grievance processing, preparing documentation for arbitration, and maintaining constructive relationships with union representatives to proactively address workplace concerns.
• Investigates and resolves employee relations issues for both bargaining and non-bargaining unit employees. Including maintaining accurate and timely documentation for investigations, grievances, leaves, and other HR transactions.

Employee Engagement

• Supports employee engagement initiatives, including roll out of survey, programs, action planning, and activities with district leadership teams to provide an engaging work environment, promote company culture, and proactively address HR issues.
• Utilizes HR systems and tools to input employee data, ensure data accuracy, analyzes workforce trends, and supports HR reporting requirements for internal and external stakeholders.
• Counsels employees regarding career paths and promotional opportunities within the Company.
• Coordinates or project manages training, development, engagement, and other HR programs as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining the highest level of integrity, professionalism, fairness, and confidentiality in all aspects of job performance.
• Participates in and supports the Company's Continuous Improvement program and projects.
• Performs work on site at assigned location.
• Performs other similar duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field and/or equivalent relevant experience.
• Five years of experience working as a Human Resources Representative, Business Partner, or Manager in the public sector, multi-site company. Union and/or utility related experience preferred.
• HR certification preferred (i.e. SPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP).
• Professional project management skills handling multiple priorities using discretion and knowledge of Human Resources principles and practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state labor and employment laws (CA, HI, NM and WA).
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and HRIS applications (Workday preferred).
• Valid California Driver License and ability to travel to sites and offices as needed.

Salary Range:

Region 1 (Chico/Stockton) - $ 87,200 - $162,000

Region 3 (San Mateo) - $102,000 - $182,400

Deadline to submit resume is Friday, July 17, 2026.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.