Senior Employee Relations Analyst

Salary : $101,649.60 - $136,177.60 Annually
Location : City Hall - 300 North Coast Highway - Oceanside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-103
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 05/25/2026
Closing Date: 6/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Introduction
Initial interviews are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Department interviews will be scheduled tentatively for Thursday, July 9, 2025.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.


DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and performs difficult and complex professional, technical, and confidential work required to administer employee relations programs and employee engagement efforts and projects, including employee investigations, contract negotiations, developing cost proposals, and administering labor relations agreements. Assists in developing, planning, and directing the City's positions and policies for inclusion in memoranda of understanding; performs research and analysis; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management and other City management staff in areas of expertise and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single advanced-level position responsible for performing complex research and analysis work in support of the administration of employee and labor relations and other human resources programs that are diverse and complex in scope where analysis of data and situations require evaluation of many factors and implications with a broad impact on the organization. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

Examples of Duties


Examples of duties performed by employees in this class may not include all required duties, nor are all listed tasks necessarily performed by everyone in this class.

• Prepares cost analyses of union and management proposals and counterproposals, alternative scenarios, and offers data-driven insights to inform negotiation in consultation with the Director of Human Resources, Finance Department, and various City bargaining units.
• Provides advice and support to City staff during negotiations and serves as a resource during negotiation sessions; prepares briefing materials, clarifies contract provisions, and offers data-driven guidance on proposals.
• Prepares clear and comprehensive summaries of negotiation progress for Closed Council Sessions; translates complex financial analyses and costing data into accessible, plain-language narratives; ensures Council receives accurate context, key decision points, and detailed explanation of fiscal impacts, while maintaining confidentiality and supporting informed policymaking.
• Interprets MOUs in relation to specific employee situations and applies contractual language to real-world scenarios; prepares clear written guidance and provides verbal consultation to departments to ensure consistent understanding and application of negotiated provisions.

• Advises supervisors regarding employee performance management and corrective actions, including MOU-specific language, discipline and dismissal actions.
• Conducts sensitive internal investigations and management of complaints and grievances.

• Prepares extensive personnel related analytical and statistical studies and research projects in support of annual budget and finance reporting such as compilation and validation of position, staffing, salary, and benefits data and preparation of salary and benefit cost projections; conducts and coordinates special studies or projects pertaining to organization development, staffing, training, and other organizational issues.
• Identifies and evaluates opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of selected programs and operations; formulates recommendations and implementation plans for solutions to administrative, management and operational problems and issues.
• Assists with ensuring compliance with federal, state, and funding agency regulatory and reporting requirements and applicable laws, regulations, and professional practices.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; and reviews publications and related material to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of employee/labor relations in a public agency setting, including negotiations and the interpretation of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and techniques of conducting investigations, studies, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective and technical reports.
• Advanced principles and procedures of research, statistics, planning, design, methodology and analysis.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Plan, organize, and carry out assignments from management staff with minimal direction.
• Conduct complex research projects on a wide variety of topics, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personal information of employees, former employees, and other matters affecting labor and employee relations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities are as follows:
Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in professional human resources administration, labor and employee relations, or a related field.
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human resources management, business or public administration, pre-law, political science, or a related field. A Master's degree in a related field is highly preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record to be maintained throughout employment.
• Certification as SHRM CP or SCP or HRCI PHR or SPHR is highly desirable.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Unrepresented Middle Management (Non-Safety)
Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement

Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance
Medical:

• Kaiser HMO
• Blue Shield HMO
• Blue Shield PPO

Dental:

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Vision:

• Vision Service Plan (VSP)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Executive Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 ½ times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $350,000 of Basic Life and AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

Metlife Legal

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Leave Benefits

Vacation
1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours
6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours

11- 15 years: 6.65 hours
16+ years: 8.19 hours
Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years' Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year
• 50 hours of Executive leave per fiscal year

Sick Leave:

• Accrual: 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited

Annual pay off: Up to 50% based on annual usage
Sick Leave pay off at separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employee's immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Shift Differential Pay

If five hours of an employee's regularly scheduled work hours are between 6 PM and 6 AM, the employee shall receive an additional 5% for all hours actually worked

Safety Shoes

The City will provide reimbursement up to $150 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.
Term of Compensation Plan

Effective July 1, 2024
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.
01


What is your highest level of formal education?

• High School, GED or equivalent
• AA Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• PhD

02


How many years of professional experience do you have in human resources administration, labor and employee relations, or a related field?

• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-5 years
• 5 or more years

03


Do you have experience in labor relations costing?

• No, I do not have experience in labor relations costing.
• Yes, I have some experience with labor relations costing.
• Yes, I am experienced in labor relations costing.
• Yes, I regularly work with labor relations costing (very experienced).

04


Do you have experience in responding to grievances, administrative complaints, or regulatory complaints (EEO/CRD, etc.)?

• No, I do not have experience in responding to the types of complaints outlined.
• Yes, I have some experience in responding to the types of complaints outlined.
• Yes, I have experience in responding to the types of complaints outlined.
• Yes, I am very experienced in responding to the types of complaints outlined.

05


Do you have experience in collective bargaining (labor negotiations)?

• I do not have experience in collective bargaining (labor negotiations).
• Yes, I have some experience in collective bargaining (labor negotiations).
• Yes, I have experience in collective bargaining (labor negotiations).
• Yes, I am very experienced in collective bargaining (labor negotiations).

06


CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omission of material facts may forfeit my right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.
Required Question