Nicholas M. Garcia
San Pedro
Summary
Seasoned Human Resources and Operations Leader with 20+ years of experience in Talent Acquisition, Tactical Communications, Personnel Management, Counseling and Upper Level Executive Management. Demonstrated expertise in full-cycle recruitment, compliance, training management, and organizational leadership in both civilian and military sectors. Recognized for excellence in staffing, operations, and team development. Holds active Secret Government Clearance and USDOL certification in Counseling.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief of Operations / HR Manager
California Army National Guard
Bell
08.2020 - 12.2024
- Led HR and operational readiness for a 150+ personnel unit, achieving consistent 90%+ readiness rates.
- Executed large-scale training operations involving lodging, transportation, and safety compliance.
- Managed digital personnel records, ensuring inspection-ready compliance across all categories.
- Developed unit training calendars and strategic readiness plans in coordination with leadership.
- Maintained tracking systems for training certifications and professional milestones.
- Administered enrollment in career development programs, increasing participation rates.
- Oversaw inventory management and logistics coordination for critical supplies and equipment.
- Drafted and submitted official reports to command; maintained 100% on-time report rate.
- Supported leaders with evaluation writing, awards processing, and counseling documentation.
- Coordinated payroll, travel, and timekeeping issues to ensure accurate employee compensation.
Talent Acquisition Manager / HR Manager
California Army National Guard
Palmdale
10.2015 - 08.2020
- Managed full-cycle hiring for over 500 roles annually across military and administrative positions.
- Designed strategic recruiting campaigns using digital platforms and public outreach.
- Led onboarding initiatives covering benefits, safety, policy training, and system setup.
- Maintained complete personnel documentation, ensuring zero compliance failures.
- Tracked employee training and career progression using approved digital systems.
- Drafted performance evaluations and processed HR actions for promotions and awards.
- Resolved complex HR cases in benefits, travel, payroll, and employment eligibility.
- Produced readiness reports, staffing forecasts, and training completion metrics.
- Oversaw planning for training events including logistics and resource allocation.
- Trained staff on HR systems and compliance policies to enhance team performance.
Talent Acquisition Manager / HR Manager
United States Marine Corps
Van Nuys
08.2008 - 08.2015
- Directed regional recruitment exceeding enlistment goals with highly qualified personnel.
- Analyzed community demographics to enhance candidate pool diversity and effectiveness.
- Administered candidate interviews, background checks, and onboarding coordination.
- Delivered career counseling on occupational paths and benefits for incoming recruits.
- Maintained up-to-date legal, medical, and training records.
- Led new member onboarding and orientation programs for over 1,500 personnel.
- Managed evaluations, career advancements, and awards processing in coordination with leadership.
- Worked closely with legal and administrative services to resolve service member issues.
- Tracked recruiter productivity and conversion rates to refine recruiting strategy.
- Trained junior staff and mentored team members to meet high performance standards.
Talent Acquisition Specialist / HR Associate
United States Marine Corps
Van Nuys
06.2004 - 07.2008
- Conducted end-to-end recruiting operations for internal and external vacancies.
- Collaborated on job descriptions and tailored strategies to meet staffing needs.
- Provided employee orientation and benefits briefings ensuring compliance.
- Maintained personnel files and HR documentation in digital tracking systems.
- Generated reports on staffing trends and recruitment performance for leadership.
- Processed HR actions for promotions, awards, and corrective measures.
- Offered guidance on career development, FMLA, and leave entitlements.
- Oversaw equipment, security clearances, and facility setup for onboarding.
- Supported EEO and diversity efforts in recruitment.
- Facilitated staff training in compliance and HR operations best practices.
Communications Specialist
United States Marine Corps
Van Nuys
01.2001 - 05.2004
- Installed, configured, and maintained tactical and secure communications systems.
- Supported voice/data networks (radio, satellite, IP) in field and base operations.
- Reduced downtime by 95% through expert troubleshooting of WAN/LAN systems.
- Led signal planning for training missions and deployments.
- Maintained cybersecurity documentation and technical records.
- Trained junior Marines on communication protocols and equipment handling.
- Integrated joint systems with allied and multi-agency teams.
- Conducted system inspections achieving 100% readiness ratings.
- Supported DoD standards for encryption and security.
- Developed SOPs and user training for communication system reliability.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business and Management
Excelsior University
12.2024
High School Diploma -
Highland High School
01.2000
Skills
- Human Resources & Personnel Management
- Full-Cycle Talent Acquisition
- Strategic Planning & Readiness Operations
- Employee Onboarding & Retention
- Military & Civilian HR Systems
- Communications Systems Support
- Compliance & Records Management
- Performance Evaluations & Career Counseling
- Microsoft Office Suite
- US Government Secret Clearance
Certification
- USDOL Certified Counselor (Personal, Professional, Kindred)
- Tactical Communications School, USMC
- Talent Acquisitions & Sales School, USMC
- Marine Corps Executive Leadership Academy, USMC
- Chief of Recruiting Operations Academy, USMC
- Army Equal Opportunity & Drug Prevention Courses
- Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Course
- Marine Corps Advanced Leadership Academy (Corporal to SNCO)
Awards
- Meritorious Service Medal (For Meritorious Service in Human Resources Management)
- Army Commendation Medals (Multiple)
- Army Achievement Medals (Multiple)
- Top Talent Acquisition Manager of the Year (2018)
- Multiple Letters of Commendation (Talent Acquisitions and HR Management Performance)
Timeline
Chief of Operations / HR Manager
California Army National Guard
08.2020 - 12.2024
Talent Acquisition Manager / HR Manager
California Army National Guard
10.2015 - 08.2020
Talent Acquisition Manager / HR Manager
United States Marine Corps
08.2008 - 08.2015
Talent Acquisition Specialist / HR Associate
United States Marine Corps
06.2004 - 07.2008
Communications Specialist
United States Marine Corps
01.2001 - 05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Business and Management
Excelsior University
High School Diploma -
Highland High School
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