Initial pilot project supports Governor Newsom’s directive to build a more efficient, effective and engaged government.
SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) has announced the successful completion of its first Pooled Hiring Pilot, an innovative recruitment model designed to streamline hiring, reduce applicant workload, and accelerate state departments’ ability to bring talent into state service. The pilot was a collaborative initiative involving the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CalCTRA), the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
Focused on the Analyst I, Analyst II, and Student Assistant classifications, the Pooled Hiring Pilot consolidated multiple departmental vacancies into single job postings. This shared services model allowed departments to leverage standardized screening, coordinated interviews, and integrated backend processes, dramatically reducing duplicative work and improving overall efficiency.
This effort supports Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N 30 25, which directs state departments to build a more efficient, effective, and engaged government.
“Building a more efficient hiring process begins with how we recruit,” said CalHR Director Monica Erickson. “CalHR is modeling the way for departments across California, demonstrating that innovative hiring approaches can attract and retain the top talent needed to deliver the highest level of service to all Californians. The success of these pilots shows what is possible when we streamline processes, reduce barriers for applicants, and work together to build a workforce that reflects and serves our state.”
Strong Outcomes Across Partner Departments
Following the blueprint of CalHR’s pilot, CDTFA became the first agency to independently adopt an intradepartmental pooled hiring model. CDTFA launched its inaugural “NextGen Program,” a summer student cohort designed to introduce college students to state service through meaningful project work, exposure to tax administration, and professional development opportunities.
CDTFA held a pooled hiring event in June that resulted in 23 student hires. These student assistants will work in two month assignments with opportunities to extend into the fall. This NextGen cohort is designed as a gateway to public service, offering hands on experience and mentoring within key program areas, including:
- Field Operations Division (FOD)
- Business Tax and Fee Division (BTFD)
- Processing Policy and Data Division (PPDD)
- Financial Management Division (FMD)
- Human Resources Bureau (HRB)
The goal of the program is to strengthen long-term pipelines, leading to successful outcomes in returning former student hires into full-time department roles.
“By simplifying our hiring process, we’re opening the door for the next generation of public servants,” said CDTFA Director Trista Gonzalez. “Public service often starts with a single opportunity, and we’re investing in both the future of our workforce and the future of public service in California.”
What They’re Saying: Student Perspectives from the NextGen Program
Nathan Paulos, Santa Clara University
“As someone who aspires to serve in the public service, this opportunity will help me develop practical skills and understand how finance supports public services and impacts communities. Even after having other job offers, I chose CDTFA because of the learning experience and sense of community it provides.”
Roza Saad, Sacramento State
“I applied to CDTFA because I am interested in learning how taxes and fees are managed behind the scenes and how that work supports important services throughout California. CDTFA gives me the opportunity to learn how government agencies operate while developing professional skills in an environment that values responsibility, accuracy, and service. I value being part of an organization that contributes to serving taxpayers and businesses.”
Ngoc Ho, Sacramento State
“What caught my attention is that it’s a cohort—a place where I could learn from experienced professionals and have mentors guiding me. I like that we could choose our preferred departments; I chose business tax because it aligns most closely with my career interests. It’s given me the opportunity to see how business tax programs support California businesses and communities.”
Looking Ahead: A Statewide Model for Modern Hiring
CalHR will develop a comprehensive pooled hiring playbook to assist departments independently implement this model, including standardized processes, templates, timelines, and best practices. The playbook will support consistent, efficient, and scalable hiring aligned with statewide priorities.
With growing interest from departments across California, pooled hiring is becoming a powerful tool for improving state recruitment, strengthening equity and access, and building the next generation of public service talent.
About CalHR
CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.
CalHR was created on July 1, 2012, by Governor Brown’s Reorganization Plan Number 1 of 2011. The reorganization plan consolidated the State of California’s two personnel departments, combining the Department of Personnel Administration with certain programs of the State Personnel Board. For more information about CalHR, please visit our website.
About CDTFA
CDTFA administers California’s sales and use, fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis taxes, as well as other taxes and fees that fund specific state programs. CDTFA-administered programs accounted for more than $97.8 billion last fiscal year, supporting essential local services such as transportation, public safety and health, libraries, schools, social services, and natural resource management programs through the distribution of tax dollars going directly to local communities.
CONTACT:
Angela Musallam
Deputy Director of Communications, CalHR
(916) 202-4633
Tamma Adamek
Deputy Director, Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, CDTFA
(916) 516-4141