Benefits Specialist
Livermore, CA - USA
Job Summary
Human Resources has an opening for a Benefits Specialist. This role serves as the organizational subject-matter expert for the administration compliance and continuous improvement of employee and retiree benefits programs. Oversees day-to-day administration of the full benefits portfolio and provides consultative guidance to management on existing and proposed benefits programs policies vendor matters and service-delivery improvements. Leads or coordinates complex institutionally significant benefits projects audits reporting communications and training initiatives. Works under consultative direction exercising substantial independent judgment on complex and non-routine matters. This position reports to the Benefits Group Leader.
Work arrangements may be flexible depending on applicant qualifications and business need. This may include regional pay considerations if applicable.
You will
- Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day administration of all employee and retiree benefits programs.
- Interpret communicate review and maintain plan documents summary plan descriptions policies benefits contracts and related governing materials in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements.
- Provide guidance to employees retirees dependents benefits staff and management on complex benefits matters.
- Resolve escalated issues and recommend appropriate courses of action when policies or procedures do not directly address the circumstances.
- Consult with management regarding existing and proposed institution-wide benefits programs policies procedures service models and vendor issues.
- Lead or coordinate complex benefits projects including implementation planning requirements development stakeholder coordination schedules risk identification and post-implementation review.
- Conduct and oversee audits data reconciliations enrollment reviews compliance testing and legally or contractually required reporting review results and recommend corrective actions to ensure compliance with applicable laws regulations policies plan documents and contracts.
- Develop and oversee training orientation workshops and employee communications related to benefits programs and changes.
- Recommend enhancements to benefits programs policies systems processes and service-delivery models.
- Represent the Benefits Office on committees task forces cross-functional initiatives and track action items through completion.
- Serve as a technical lead by providing work direction mentoring technical guidance and quality review for benefits staff.
- Partner with legal counsel consultants actuaries third-party administrators carriers and vendors on complex or institutionally significant matters.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
- Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Management or a related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Significant experience administering complex employee and retiree benefits programs across health and welfare defined contribution defined benefit disability and savings plans.
- Recognized expertise in benefits administration plan operations compliance systems and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating complex benefits implementations audits compliance activities reporting initiatives or process improvements.
- Demonstrated ability to consult with management and develop recommendations affecting benefits programs policies procedures vendors or service delivery.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data direct research review results and perform final quality checks.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently under consultative direction and exercise sound judgment on complex non-routine assignments.
- Experience providing technical direction mentoring or work coordination to other benefits professionals.
- Strong project-management analytical communication presentation and decision-making skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply plan documents summary plan descriptions policies contracts ERISA IRS requirements and other applicable laws and regulations.
- Proficiency with business software and benefits-related systems including Microsoft Office applications.
Qualifications we desire
- Experience with Oracle HCM.
- Professional certifications.
Pay Range
$96576 - $168852 Annually for the H01.4 level
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information :
#LI-Hybrid
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
- Flexible Benefits Package
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
- Our values - visit Clearance
None required. However if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.
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Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
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Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time
About Company
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