The Human Resources Department provides a wide range of services to the organization and its employees in the areas of personnel services, labor relations, benefits administration, workers' compensation, tort liability, and property/casualty insurance. The department strives to serve the needs of the City's workforce, one of the largest and most varied among Orange County cities. The majority of employees are represented by one of seven bargaining units recognized under state law. The City's personnel system is merit based and is conducted in accordance with federal, state, and local laws which govern the relationship between the City and its employees.

Human Resources operates the following programs, serving both internal and external customers: