People Operations Coordinator

The People Operations Coordinator plays a vital role in fostering a connected, supported, and effective CNPS team, across our statewide staff and 35 volunteer-led Chapters. Reporting to the People Operations Manager, this role is responsible for performing a wide range of administrative and human resources functions essential to smooth internal operations and team cohesion, including recruitment coordination, onboarding, personnel record management, benefits and payroll support, training logistics, and performance management tracking. The coordinator contributes to People Operations data collection and policy and documentation and organizes staff team-building events and engagement initiatives.

In addition to supporting People Operations, the coordinator serves as a trusted partner to the Executive Director, providing daily support for scheduling and occasionally coordinating travel to help the Executive Director align their time and engagement with organizational priorities.

The coordinator plays a key role in cultivating a strong internal culture grounded in trust and teamwork. Success in this role requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage time-sensitive administrative tasks with calm, care, and consistency. If you are mission driven, people

focused, and thrive in a collaborative environment, this position offers a rewarding blend of human connection and organizational purpose. The position is located in Sacramento, CA.

What You’ll Do

People Operations Coordination (60%)

• Support recruitment by explaining processes, posting job announcements, screening applicants, and occasionally participating as a panelist in hiring interviews, and creating new hire onboarding schedules.
• Maintain employee records on People Operations platforms and answer general questions.
• Assist with benefits enrollment at the time of hire and during annual open enrollment.
• In partnership with the People Operations Manager, identify and implement training and development needs.
• Support performance management cycles by scheduling calendar notifications, supporting kick
• off meetings, auditing participation, documenting scores, and uploading annual results.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative HR data.
• Maintain and update HR-related policy documents (e.g. employee handbook, staff policy and procedures manual, Microsoft SharePoint and Teams sites, etc.).
• Process semi-monthly payroll and import payroll data into accounting software.

Administrative (Executive) Support (30%)

• Partner with the Executive Director to manage their calendar, with primary responsibility for scheduling meetings.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and associated expense reconciliation as needed.
• Occasionally assist with meeting logistics and other tasks as directed.

Event and Engagement Support (10%)

• Plan and organize virtual and in-person staff events and meetings and act as point person for logistics.
• Implement engagement/education initiatives and programs designed to connect staff and to develop internal culture.

Physical Requirements

This job can require prolonged sitting and the use of a computer and mouse. It may require participation in field trips on uneven trails with variable grades. These requirements are representative, and reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Additional Information

• The work schedule will be eight hours a day, Monday to Friday, between 8:30am – 5:00pm.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines or to participate in meetings and activities.
• This is a hybrid position in the Sacramento area. While weekly in-person work at the CNPS central office is expected (approximately 1-2 days per week), most daily responsibilities can be performed from a home office equipped with reliable high-speed internet and standard remote work tools.
• Work requires occasional travel within California. [Work travel is reimbursed.]

Who You Are

Required

• Administrative & HR Support Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience providing administrative or executive support, and demonstrable experience supporting human resources functions.
• Ethical & Discreet: Proven integrity and commitment to ethical practices, with experience handling confidential information and supporting sensitive employee relation matters.
• Tech Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Planner) and comfortable navigating digital platforms for communication and record keeping.
• Inclusive Communicator: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a strong practice of active listening and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Collaborative Partner: History of successful collaboration with staff at all levels and external parties, including volunteers, vendors, contractors, and/or partners.
• Organized & Detail Oriented: Highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Mission Driven: Demonstrates a learning mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement – both personally and in support of the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Employee-Focused: Energized by helping others thrive and take pride in creating smooth, supportive processes that make employees feel valued, informed, and engaged.
• Location-Based: Resides [within 50 miles] of the CNPS central office in Sacramento, CA.

Preferred

While CNPS recognizes that not every individual will exhibit all these characteristics, the successful candidate will possess at least one – and ideally more than one – of the following:

• Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in human resources management, organizational behavior, or related discipline is preferred. However, relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis in lieu of a degree. For any applicants who substitute experience for a degree, the total years of professional experience required for this role will increase proportionately
• to six or more years.
• HR Systems Knowledge: Experience with HRIS platforms, learning management and payroll systems, and/or timekeeping tools.
• Regulatory Awareness: Familiarity with local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations.
• Recruitment & Performance Tools: Experience using applicant tracking systems (ATS) and performance management platforms.
• Equity & Inclusion Training: Understanding of and training in diversity, equity, inclusion and justice principles.
• Process Improvement Mindset: Demonstrated ability to identify areas of improvement and proactively develop solutions.
• Conservation or Botanical Experience: Experience working, or volunteering, within conservation or for a botanical focused organization.

• Performance Based Compensation Increases: Employees may receive up to a 3.8% performance-based annual rate increase.
• Health Insurance: 100% coverage of employee premiums for health (Kaiser or Anthem), life, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with up to 6% matching contributions, available immediately upon employment.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Options for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Dependent Care Account (DCA), and Transportation Savings Account (TSA).
• Paid Leave: 13 holidays, 12 sick/wellness days, and 10 vacation days.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of supplemental paid parental leave, after one year of employment.
• Work-from-Home Support: CNPS-issued laptop, a $750 home office stipend, and a $60/month telework stipend.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Comprehensive support for employees and their families.
• Professional Development: Annual budget of $500 and 32 hours for professional development opportunities.
• Team Building: Attendance at semiannual staff team-building events.
• Community: Complimentary CNPS membership.
• Meaningful Impact: Join a team where your work genuinely supports the planet – cape optional!