LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Job Description and Duties

Do you consider yourself a proactive problem solver who takes initiative and enjoys networking with others to maintain a harmonious workplace? Are you interested in enhancing your negotiation skills and performing in a fast paced, highly collaborative environment? If so, we invite you to apply to one of California’s leading Labor Relations teams.

Under the direction of the Labor Relations Officer, and the general guidance of the Team Lead, the Labor Relations Specialist performs highly independent and analytical work relating to grievances, arbitrations, and labor negotiations that encompass a wide range of personnel management topics. In this role, you will be expected to:

• Act as the liaison between management and labor unions to resolve issues at the lowest level. 
• Research, analyze data, and collaborate with internal departmental partners to lead workgroups in the development of bargaining proposals that impact employees statewide. This includes proactively developing project plans and monitoring bargaining timelines. 
• Research, analyze, and logically interpret various Memoranda of Understanding provisions, pay differentials, control agency policies, laws and policies of labor administration, departmental policies, etc., to respond to union inquiries and grievances, and advise management. 
• Meet with employees, subject matter experts, supervisors, and labor representatives concerning complaints and potential or actual grievances. 
• Brief senior and executive management on items related to your assignment when needed. 

The Department of Justice’s Labor Relations Office is uniquely positioned within the Office of Human Resources, which will provide you with several cross-functional opportunities and novel assignments that have departmental and statewide impact. If you are up for the challenge, come join our team, where we have a culture of promoting professional growth, innovation and fun! Flexible schedules and telework options may be available.

Working Conditions
This position has been designated as eligible for telework and is currently a remote centered position. The position will however require in-person attendance on a recurring basis. The selected candidate would report to Department of Justice headquarters in Sacramento when required for job functions, in-person meetings, trainings, etc. Expenses related to travel to the office when required are the responsibility of  the employee. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.
• Clearly indicate the Job Control JC-525807 and the title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your State Application.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required upon appointment.

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:

• Ability to show initiative, take a proactive approach to work, and follow through on action items and goals. 
• Knowledge and application of effective negotiation techniques, strong communication, project management, and organizational skills. 
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment by making sound decisions and handling sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. 
• Experience maintaining the confidentiality of information and records. 
• Ability to effectively communicate with and present information to all levels of department management, staff, and labor unions. 
• Experience managing multiple and changing priorities. 
• Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with management and external stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of the State bargaining process and Memoranda of Understanding between the State and the Unions. 
• Ability to interpret, apply, and advise on labor law, labor agreement provisions, policies, and procedures. 
• Experience adhering to and applying departmental best practices, procedures and policies. 
• Familiarity with legal and peace officer classifications and experience working with associated stakeholders.

Benefits

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

Additional Job Related Information

Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date.

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.
• Statement of Qualifications - The Labor Relations Specialist is expected to possess excellent communication, diplomacy, project management skills, and the ability to maintain and foster professional relationships. In no more than two pages, single-spaced, in Arial font 11, please respond to the following:
  Please describe a time in your career where you played a role in advancing a project that involved multiple teams of varying skillsets:
  • What was your role, who did you work with, what was the scope of the project, and outcome? 
  • How did you communicate and ensure progress and goals were met? What (if any) were your learning lessons? 
  Applicants who do not submit the required and/or incomplete items timely may not be considered for this job.