Labor Relations Advisor

Labor Relations Advisor Job Code: P0606 Supervises Directly: No Job Type: At-Will, Exempt, Hybrid Division: People and Talent, Labor Relations Reports To: Vice President, Labor Relations & Compliance Programs Overview The Labor Relations Advisor provides day-to-day contract administration and responds to labor inquiries from management and employees, establishes and maintains effective relationships with union leadership; negotiates and administers labor agreements; and confers with labor organizations on behalf of management. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Independently advises management on implementing policy changes, reviewing operational protocols, and engaging in impacts and effects bargaining as appropriate. Serves as labor relations subject matter expert handling all labor relations issues arising within Authority, including developing strategy, conducting impacts and effects bargaining, responding to requests for information, and responding to grievances. Administers and interprets various labor agreements, including administering discipline and grievance procedures, and providing labor relations support during contract negotiations. Provides advice and guidance on proper interpretation of CBAs and labor related issues, researching and preparing responses to labor contracts and other labor disputes and union requests for information; prepares written responses on behalf of department heads, managers, and supervisors on labor issues. Provides expert advice and guidance to management on all labor relations matters such as contractual grievances, unfair labor practice charges, representation issues, arbitration cases, and bargaining unit status of employees. Provides comprehensive support for disciplinary actions, including conducting investigations, preparing disciplinary documents in compliance with labor agreements, federal statutes and regulations, consistent with DC Water policies and procedures. Oversees and assists with drafting employee corrective actions, performance improvement plans, and termination documents consistent with DC Water policies, practices, and culture. Manages grievance and arbitration process including evaluating and responding to grievances at appropriate step, negotiating and settling grievances where appropriate, and representing DC Water during grievances escalated to arbitration, including arbitrator selection, preparing case theory, gathering and evaluating evidence, witness preparation, conducting oral advocacy during hearing, and preparing post-hearing briefs. Participates in collective bargaining negotiations of successor CBAs, including drafting proposals, analyzing union proposals, reviewing fiscal and operating impact of proposals, and implementing finalized CBAs terms. Completes Authority wide special labor relations projects and assignments impacting organization as assigned, including developing and leading training for supervisors and managers on how to effectively deal with unions, use the CBAs and other pertinent labor relations topics. Represents and defends DC Water before the Public Employee Relations Board and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other third-party tribunals, including drafting responses, pleadings, position statements, and other correspondences while managing cases from inception to conclusion. Serves as lead investigator for complex and sensitive labor relations, EEO, and other internal complaints and provide thorough investigative reports and findings and implement recommendations to minimize risk to Authority. Performs other related duties and projects assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities N/A Key Working Relationships Interacts with employees and officials in the department and throughout the Authority, Office of Government and Legal Affairs, outside legal counsels; representatives from labor organizations; etc. Required Skills & Qualifications Seven (7) years of experience with a union workforce in a labor role. Graduation from an accredited school of law. Licensed to practice Law in at least one state or ability to become licensed in the District of Columbia within 12 months of hire. Solid knowledge of labor relations principles and practices, local, state and federal laws and court decisions affecting labor relations. Demonstrated ability and experience conducting workplace investigations (i.e., disciplinary actions, EEO allegations, etc.). Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills. Strong skills and tact to deal effectively with competing priorities. Ability to analyze facts and reach logical conclusions. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with union officials and management team. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Use of personal computer and maintains a working knowledge of applicable software programs (i.e., Word, Excel, email, etc.). General office conditions. Preferred Skills & Qualifications N/A Your Experience at DC Water Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community. Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing. Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions. Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future‑ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow. EEO Statement We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against "qualified individuals with disabilities". If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. * The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr