CHICO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PAYROLL/BENEFITS TECHNICIAN
Salary Range - $28.38/Hr. to $44.05/Hr. Starts at $28.38/Hr.
OPEN AND PROMOTIONAL COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION
Salary Placement Employment is at the first step for new employees. The Human Resources Office determines promotional employees’ step placement.
GENERAL INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS:
A. Apply on-line at www.edjoin.org or pick up a job announcement and instructions on how to apply on-line in the lobby of CUSD Administration Building, 1163 E. 7th Street, Chico, CA.
B. Read the job announcement prior to completing the application form.
C. To claim Veterans’ credit on open entry-level exams, you must submit a copy of your DD214. Those claiming disability Veterans’ credit must include evidence of current receipt of disability benefit by the closing date for filing applications.
D. KEEP THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT! If you have not received notification for any part of the exam by the day prior to the date announced, call the Classified Human Resources Office at (530) 891-3000, extension 20240.
E. Complete all parts of the application. Any requested attachments must be received by 12:00 PM on the closing date. Late applications are not accepted.
THE POSITION
The District is establishing an eligible list for PAYROLL/BENEFITS TECHNICIAN. Positions are typically full time, 12 months per year. The eligible list resulting from this recruitment will be used to fill openings in this classification for up to 6 months. Substitutes to work on an on-call, as-needed basis for regular employees will be selected from the established eligible list. Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the administration of benefit plans. Two years of experience in payroll operations, preferably in a public sector environment. Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training or course work in accounting, financial record keeping, or a related field. AA/AS degree or higher with focus in accounting, human resources. Additional appropriate college level coursework. Experience creating documents, databases, spreadsheets, and reports using MS Office Suite. All persons interested in this position and who meet job related and essential qualifications are encouraged to apply. Top qualifying candidates will be invited to the exam process. The District will determine the top candidates based solely on the information submitted on the application. All persons interested in this position and who meet job related and essential qualifications are encouraged to apply. CUSD is an affirmative action employer and will not discriminate against employees or discriminate in employment of classified personnel with regard to age, ancestry, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, military and veteran status, national origin, physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, race, religious creed, sex, or sexual orientation of any person. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION
The examination consists of an evaluation of the application for experience and education that pertains to essential duties and qualifications. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to continue the exam process. The District will determine the top candidates based solely on the information submitted on the application. The examination will then consist of a written test designed to test job related and essential qualifications, weighted 100%. The top-scoring candidates who pass the written test will be invited to the oral exam/interview. Successful promotional candidates will have ¼ point added to the final score for each year of service up to a maximum of 5 points.
APPLICATION/EXAMINATION DATES & CERTIFICATION
a. Closing date for filing applications: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 @ 12:00 PM
b. Date of written exam: Thursday, April 16, 2026 (during the day)
c. Date of oral exam (personal interview):
d. Certification shall be according to Merit System §1507.
e. Selection interviews will be scheduled as needed following the exam process.
JOB DESCRIPTION INFORMATION
DEFINITION
This position under general supervision performs a variety of duties for benefit administration and payroll processing. The
primary function will be the administration of employee benefits, the ability to run the payroll system, and monitoring
leaves of absence. This classification participates in the effective establishment and maintenance of a variety of payroll and
benefit records, benefits administration, and generating reports that require independent judgment in the application of
established policies, procedures, legal statutes, Merit System Rules, administrative regulations, and collective bargaining
agreements. This classification requires considerable discretion, professionalism, initiative, accuracy, attention to detail,
organizational skills, ability to multitask within strict timelines, and effective communication skills.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May exercise technical and functional supervision over student assistants. Will support payroll staff members with
technical guidance.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Prepare and deliver appropriate benefit package to eligible employees and COBRA notifications in adherence of
current employer benefit regulations.
• Must be able to support and perform the duties of Payroll Coordinator.
• Assist in maintaining and adjusting all voluntary and involuntary deductions, payroll adjustments, receive and post
sick leave, vacation, and other employee leave entitlements, reconcile all District payroll records such as new hire
reporting, vacation/sick/holiday pay, differential, unemployment, disability, medical leave, workers’ compensation,
and wage garnishments; track and monitor IRS Section 125 plans.
• Act as internal consultant to District employees on issues of benefits and payroll including offering employee
benefit consultations during open enrollment.
• Serve as liaison between employees, retirees, and insurance companies; work closely with insurance companies
and plan administrators concerning payments and coverage; reconcile listing for health, vision, dental, and life
insurance.
• Generate documentation and check requests for District payment of insurance benefits for active and retired
employees.
• Handle collections for insurance benefits through normal payrolls or manual processes.
• Meet benefit implementation dates.
• Maintains payroll information system records and generates required reports as needed, such as Internal Revenue
forms.
• Provide projections on employee costs, salary and benefit information, and other school-based funding
information to administrators.
• Process retirement records such as CalSTRS and CalPERS.
• Ensure payroll activities meet required deadlines and comply with legal statutes, Merit System Rules,
administrative regulations, and collective bargaining agreements, as appropriate.
• Perform complex calculations for pay exceptions, increases, retroactive, adjustments, and non-routine payroll
activities.
• Facilitate all payroll runs, reconcile payroll deposits, and prepare electronic funding paperwork.
• Receive calls, visitors and mail; respond to complaints and requests for information.
• Participate in coordinating, organizing, and maintaining the workflow of the payroll department and provide
training to assigned staff.
• Respond to and assist in resolving difficult and sensitive requests; apply policies, procedures and employee
contracts; work with District and site personnel concerning contract sections and employee reporting.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Principles, procedures, methods, practices, and terminology used in payroll and financial record keeping;
Chico Unified School District
Payroll/Benefits Technician
• Benefit administration, long-term/short-term disability plans, medical/dental/vision/life plans, workers’
compensation, medical leaves, leave administration, and state and federal leave requirements;
• Methods and techniques of data collection, analysis, and report preparation;
• Mathematical principles;
• Intermediate level MS Office Suite or equivalent software applications;
• CalPERS and CalSTRS database software;
• Federal and state labor law, Education Code, and Butte County and District employment policies;
• CUSD Collective Bargaining Agreements and Merit System Rules.
Skill to:
• Create documents, databases, spreadsheets, and reports using MS Office Suite;
• Compose, compile, and tabulate data and information for summaries & reports;
• Perform mathematical computations quickly and accurately;
• Enter data and create reports using payroll/benefit information systems;
• Conduct and interpret research on pay and benefits related topics;
• Multitask in a timeline driven environment;
• Operate 10-key by touch;
• Type or operate a keyboard at a level proficient for successful job performance.
Ability to:
• Learn, interpret, and apply pertinent codes, rules, regulations, and District policies and procedures pertaining to
assigned functions;
• Demonstrate exceptional customer service and respond to requests and inquiries for information regarding
benefits and payroll;
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information;
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills and exercise sound judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response
to changing situations and needs;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Work independently in the absence of supervision;
• Work effectively and efficiently under pressure with constant interruptions;
• Maintain a professional environment within the office and District;
• Stay abreast of changes with employees, employment contracts, insurance contracts, labor law, or other factors
that may impact this function;
• Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of
work.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities could be found in the following areas:
Experience:
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the administration of benefit plans.
• Two (2) years’ experience in payroll operations, preferably in a public sector environment.
Education:
• AA/AS degree or higher with focus in accounting or human resources preferred.
• Additional appropriate college level coursework.
Training:
• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training or course work in
accounting, financial record keeping, human resources, or a related field.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must pass the competency exam of the classification as designated by the Classified Human Resources
Department.
Chico Unified School District
Payroll/Benefits Technician
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
• This type of work requires occasional or frequent standing, walking, sitting, and reaching for extended periods of
time;
• Ability to work in a standard office environment;
• Ability to sit at a desk, conference table, or in meeting rooms of various configurations for extended periods of
time;
• Facility to see and read, with or without vision aids, a computer screen and printed matter, and to distinguish
colors;
• Sufficient hearing to understand speech at normal room levels, and to hear and understand speech on the
telephone;
• Manual dexterity to operate a telephone and enter data into a computer using both hands;
• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation and on the
telephone;
• Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects;
• Available to work overtime on evenings and weekends as needed
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR BARGAINING UNIT CLASSIFICATIONS
The following employment information is a summary and is not intended to be all-inclusive. For specific details, see the Agreement between Chico Unified School District and the Chico Chapter #110, CSEA. Vacation Credit shall be accrued 1 day/month for 0 4 full years of service. Beyond 4 years refer to agreement. Each employee who is in a paid status less than 1/2 of the workdays in any month shall accrue 1/2 of a full month's vacation credit. Each employee in a paid status for 1/2 or more of the workdays in any month shall accrue a full month's vacation credit. Holidays: Employees in a paid status the day before or after the holiday are entitled to holiday pay. Health and Welfare Benefits: Full-time employees of the District receive up to $1,282/month to be applied towards a health plan for themselves and dependents. Part-time employees are eligible with the cost pro-rated based upon hours worked. The District pays $119 toward the cost of the dental, and $15 toward the cost of the vision plan for employees (and dependents) that work 6 hours or more per day. Any employee working less than 6 hours may elect dental and/or vision coverage at his/her cost. A term life insurance plan is also provided by the District to full-time employees and is available for part-time employees. Part-time employees may have these costs pro-rated based upon hours worked. Dependents may be covered with term insurance at employee expense. Income protection insurance is paid by the District for all bargaining unit positions. Sick Leave: One day of sick leave is earned for each month worked, with unlimited accumulation. Probationary Period: All employees must serve a probationary period of six months in any classification for which they are hired, or which they transfer or promote into. Retirement: All employees assigned 4 or more hours/day must join Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) for which a deduction is made from their salary. Social Security: All classified employees are covered by Social Security and must contribute to the Social Security system. Credit Unions: There are credit unions available for membership by all classified employees.
Questions, contact: CUSD, 1163 E. 7th St., Chico, CA 95928 (530) 891 3221 – TTY (530) 895-4030
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER JOB LINE = 530-891-3000 & PRESS 5-6
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.