Labor Negotiator

Salary : $121,758.96 - $155,398.80 Annually
Location : Main County Campus-3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-00175
Department: Human Resources
Division: Human Resources
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description


BASIC FUNCTION
Performs highly-specialized, professional work in the labor relations function of human resources under the leadership of the Chief Labor Negotiator, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and other complex labor relations work involving highly sensitive matters.
Job offers are contingent on successful completion of employment verification and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.


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Job Duties


STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Negotiates collective bargaining agreements which includes representing the County during the mediation and arbitration processes in a manner that promotes equity and social justice.
2. Research state and federal laws and case precedents dealing with collective bargaining issues and processes to determine applicability and/or impact. Reviews and analyzes collective bargaining agreements, court decisions, and arbitration decisions.
3. Analyzes language in collective bargaining agreements for compliance with federal, state, and local laws, policy, and management practice; recommends updates as appropriate. Analyzes union proposals including compensation and benefit proposals and develops management proposals and strategies in collective bargaining.
4. Coordinates the development of management proposals with appropriate County resources and workgroups, including Human Resources staff, department management, and others.
5. Provides consultation and assistance to managers and supervisors regarding federal, state, and local labor laws, policies, and guidelines; current and emerging issues; collective bargaining and grievances. Interprets, explains, and applies pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements.
6. Prepares records of collective bargaining sessions, letters, memoranda, reports, spreadsheets, and other administrative documents.
7. Presents information, testifies, and otherwise represents the County in arbitration hearings; in grievance hearings; during unfair labor practice, unit clarification, or other matters before the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). May present ordinances or other matters before the County Council or other legislative bodies.
8. May act as the designee for the County Executive at the appropriate step in the grievance procedure.
9. Consults with and provides guidance to county-wide staff and leaders to develop and maintain successful human resources strategy; provides oversight to ensure county-wide consistency within labor relations.
10. Proactively develops and implements strategies to advance equity and social justice as related to the labor relations function, to support the ultimate goal of building a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
11. Builds strategic relationships and represents the Human Resources Department in interdepartmental, interagency and public meetings; serves on committees and task forces as assigned.
12. May plan, organize, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate employees or project teams, including participating in and making recommendations concerning the hiring, discipline, and potential termination of employees.
13. Maintains confidentiality of all records, reports, and/or information deemed to be sensitive in nature. Oversees the maintenance and control of records within assigned functions as needed.

STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES

1. Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or other discipline directly related to labor relations and/or human resources; AND, six (6) years of experience in negotiation, labor relations, and related fields; OR, any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Human Resources certification, such as SHRM-CP, PHR, IPMA-CP, or specialty certification related to labor relations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must sign a confidentiality agreement as a condition of employment.

Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES


Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of collective bargaining, grievance, and arbitration processes
• Current developments and trends in the labor relations function of human resources
• Applicable public sector labor law practices and precedents
• Strategic planning techniques and principles, policy development and analysis; business process design and improvement, and human resources best practices

Ability to:

• Work professionally and respectfully with diverse groups of individuals (internal and external), elected officials, and the general public
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally to a diverse group of individuals with differing viewpoints
• Act as a resource in problem resolution
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, and the general public
• Analyze, organize, and evaluate a variety of data; prepare reports of findings and recommendations in a clear, concise, and logical manner
• Take action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences
• Maintain a calm demeanor even under stressful situations
• Build consensus among individuals with varying opinions and agendas
• Evaluate and proactively recommend changes, including updating and revising policy and procedures
• Work on a number of projects simultaneously
• Navigate conflicting priorities and deadlines
• Remain current with emerging technologies, trends, processes, and practices
• Use a computer and associated software programs
• Apply team building techniques and principles

SUPERVISION
The employee receives general direction from an administrative superior. The work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed through meetings, status reports and results obtained.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work is performed remotely and in an office environment with travel to meetings, events, and work sites. Some physical exertion may be required to transport materials in and out of the office and vehicles.
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.
Visit to learn more about the following benefits.

County Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
• Leave & Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

• Deferred Compensation 457(b)
• Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
• Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies

Healthcare Premiums

• Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these for medical insurance. The County pays the for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The County's contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.

Note: Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the County's to learn more.
01


Following are a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job-related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general online application. The employment history and education detailed in your general application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.A resume may be submitted, but it will not substitute for the general online application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" or "see application" may not be considered.Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general application/work history and by your references?

• Yes
• No

02


How many years of professional labor relations experience do you possess?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 4-6 years
• 7+ years

03


Which of the following labor relations activities have you performed as a primary responsibility? (Check all that apply.)

• Grievance administration
• Arbitration preparation
• Unfair labor practice proceedings
• Contract interpretation
• Workplace investigations
• Discipline review
• Mediation
• Interest arbitration
• None of the above

04


Describe your role in collective bargaining negotiations.

• No experience
• Administrative support only
• Technical/resource team member
• Chief spokesperson
• Lead negotiator
• Management advisor

05


Which labor laws have you regularly worked with?

• PECBA
• FLSA
• FMLA
• ADA
• Title VII
• Washington PFML
• Civil Service Rules
• Public Sector Collective Bargaining Laws
• Other (describe)

Required Question