Labor Relations Specialist

Job Description and Duties

This is a repost. If you have previously applied for this position, there is no need to reapply.

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

If you have permanent status and have passed probation, you have mandatory reinstatement rights into your former position/classification at the end of this LT appointment. You will be separated from state service if you have not had prior permanent or probationary civil service status. During this 12-month limited-term assignment, you may be entitled to receive health, dental, and vision benefits. You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.

Under the general direction of the Supervisor II, the Labor Relations Specialist (LRS) is responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of the labor relations program and policy, for overseeing and coordinating with the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Headquarters (HQ) building-wide related labor relations programs, policies and resolution of issues, complaints, and grievances. Represents CalEPA management and California Air Resources Board (CARB) in all phases of the State's Labor Relations Program, including participation in statewide collective bargaining, meet and confer sessions, and impact bargaining with employee representatives.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for hybrid in-office work and in-state telework. The amount of telework is at the agency's discretion and is based on the California Air Resources Boards' (CARB) current telework policy. While the CARB may support telework, some in-person attendance is also required. 

The p ositions at the CARB may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria outlined in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of hybrid telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location at their own expense, as indicated on their duty statement.

PLP Language:

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

• Position located in a high-rise building.
• Requires being stationary, consistent with office work, for extended periods.
• Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.)  
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
  
• Occasional travel may be required. 
• Moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds may be necessary. 

Special Requirements

Applicants must include a Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) for this recruitment. Applications without an SQ or including an SQ that does not directly answer all the items below will not be considered. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SQ.

• Require Name on SQ
• Require Job Control Number on SQ
• Maximum number of pages: 2

1. Describe your experience conducting labor relations casework, including your role in resolving grievances, employee complaints, and other labor management disputes. In your response, identify your position title, the time frame of your involvement, and the results of your efforts.

2. Describe a situation where you evaluated conflicting information and applied policy or contract language to provide a recommendation to leadership. Explain the key factors you considered and the outcome of your analysis.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience with administration labor contracts/memoranda of understanding

• Experience working with State control agencies (CalHR, SPB) and employee union organizations

• Experience investigating and responding to grievances

• Experience with the collective bargaining process

• Experience analyzing legislation, case law, and administrative regulations in the field of labor relations

• Ability to independently prioritize and ensure deadlines are met

• Ability to be flexible working in a fast-paced environment with multi-tasking and the redirecting of priorities as needed

• Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality

• Ability to work independently and within a team environment

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

• Ability to analyze/synthesize information from a variety of sources, form sound conclusions, and make sound recommendations

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

• Gym
• Daycare facility
• Nearby (third-party) parking
• Convenient to public transportation
• Located near: Restaurants, shopping, Downtown Commons (DOCO)

Experience and Education

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times, and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma.  Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of the United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at Failure to submit all the required documentation will result in an incomplete application and disqualification from consideration for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other -
  • Cover Letter
• Other -
  • Supplemental Questionnaire (See Special Requirements section for further information)