Personnel, Training and Labor Relations Specialist
Description OES Code: 21511
Conduct programs of recruitment, selection, placement, training, promotion, welfare, safety, compensation, or separation of employees. May specialize in specific areas such as labor-management relations, counseling, job analysis, position classification, training, or compensation. Exclude occupations in personnel research and in administration of testing and counseling programs for which a background in psychology is required. Exclude Employment Interviewers, Private or Public Employment Service.

Wages, California
Entry Level Hourly Wage $13.76
25th Percentile $15.81
50th Percentile $20.96
75th Percentile $30.54

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 39,300
Projected Employment 2008 49,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 24.7%
Separations 1998-2008 11,800

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 410
Projected Employment 2006 490
Percent Change 1999-2006 19.5%
Separations 1999-2006 90

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
HR staff members generally work in functional, pleasant offices. HR workers for large corporations frequently travel within the United States to recruit. A bonus for those working for international companies is the opportunity to travel outside the United States.

Advancement
Human resources workers usually rotate to different areas within the department to broaden their background and learn more about other specialties. HR specialists also have the opportunity to advance to managerial ranks such as a department supervisor or director. Some HR Specialists work as consultants or open their own business.

Getting the Job & Other Information
College students would be well advised to join a student association of a human resources professional organization to learn more about the field and network with HR professionals. Such contacts provide job seekers with job leads. Students should also register with their college placement office and read classified ads. Job seekers can apply directly to government and private agencies and register with the Employment Development Department's Job Service offices.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Entry-level professional positions in Human Resources normally require a four year college degree. The preferred degree could vary from business administration with a human resources specialization to industrial relations or sociology. Some employers may look for a well-rounded background and choose liberal arts graduates. Certain jobs may also require additional background in such fields as engineering, finance, health or law. Graduate work is becoming increasingly important for specialists in labor relations.

Skills & Other Requirements
The human resources field demands a range of personal qualities and skills. Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists and managers must speak and write effectively. The growing diversity of the workforce requires that they work with or supervise people with various cultural backgrounds, levels of education, and experience. They must be able to cope with conflicting points of view, function under pressure, and demonstrate discretion, integrity, fair-mindedness, and a persuasive, congenial personality.

References
California Occupational Guide #135

Related Occupations: Employment Interviewers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)