Labor Relations Analyst 2

About the Department

Position Duties

Why It's a Great Opportunity: 

The Labor and Employee Relations Division of Human Resources (HR) is a dynamic and creative group of individuals who strive to provide professional and prompt service. You will delve into a wide variety of labor and employee relations activities as you negotiate the County's 20 labor contracts, advise, and counsel managers and supervisors on matters about collective bargaining and labor relations activities, conduct investigations on allegations of employee misconduct and equal employment opportunity complaints, prepare corrective and disciplinary actions, and provide consultation to managers on HR best practices.

Every day is different with new challenges, opportunities, and priorities, and your efforts in this role directly affect the quality and effectiveness of the workforce and management for departments throughout Pierce County!

Why It's a Great Department: 

Pierce County Human Resources supports the workforce that supports all of Pierce County. We deliver innovative, specialized services to support a high-performing and diverse workforce. We provide guidance, support and expertise on performance management, protected leave, County policies, state law and many other topics. You will join a collaborative, professional, and mission-driver team committed to serving all County employees. Within the department hybrid and remote work are the norms, and we maintain a consistent, intentional focus on continuous improvement, the pursuit of excellence, and a welcoming workplace culture.

Learn more about the Human Resources Department here.

How to be Successful in the Role: 

Extensive knowledge of HR principles within a union environment—including progressive discipline and collective bargaining—combined with strong written and verbal communication skills will be essential for success in this role. The ability to remain flexible and adapt in an ever-evolving union landscape will position you to thrive on our dynamic team. We are seeking someone who excels at building relationships and can clearly and concisely explain complex laws, policies, and contract proposals.

Throughout the training process, you will meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss expectations and set goals for yourself as well as introduce you to the County's Administrative Guidelines, the County's labor contracts, and current policies and procedures. Pierce County offers professional development through LinkedIn Learning, the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (NPELRA), and the Washington Public Employer Labor Relations Association (WAPELRA) throughout your career to ensure your success.

Your Future in this Role: 

You will partner with our labor relations team members to quickly get up to speed. In a short time, you will be a skilled County contributor on our Labor and Employee Relations team and a valued resource to managers and supervisors while building a solid level of respect and trust with your assigned clients and labor partners. Your work will directly impact your community and it offers a great foundation for future positions within the HR Department and Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities: 

• Negotiate collective bargaining agreements which may include representing the County during the mediation process. 
• Interpret, advise, and counsel managers and supervisors regarding federal, state, and local labor laws, policies, and guidelines; current and emerging issues; and strategies for collective bargaining and grievances. 
• Coordinate proposals for changes in collective bargaining agreements with department management negotiation teams.
• Present information, testify or otherwise represent the County in arbitration and grievance hearings; during unfair labor practice, unit clarification, or other matters before the Public Employment Relations Commission; during grievance and appeal hearings before the Pierce County Personnel Board or Civil Service Commission; and during unemployment compensation hearings and other administrative proceedings. May present ordinances or other matters before the Pierce County Council or other legislative bodies.
• Interpret, advise, and counsel managers and supervisors regarding federal, state, and local labor laws, policies, and guidelines; current and emerging issues; and strategies for dealing with performance management and discipline.
• Attend other collective bargaining sessions and provide administrative support as recorder or secondary spokesperson as necessary.        
• Prepare letters, memoranda, reports, spreadsheets, and other administrative documents. 
• Conduct fact-finding interviews and investigations of charges of employee misconduct, equal employment opportunity complaints, and complaints of other unlawful acts of discrimination, grievances filed by employees, and allegations of violations of collective bargaining agreements.
• Investigate and interview to determine validity of the charge(s), recommend resolution and impact or appropriate discipline, draft findings and responses, prepare and maintain appropriate reports and documentation.
• Review, research, and coordinate timely responses to notices filed by regulatory agencies such as the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Washington State Human Rights Commission.
• Provide County-wide training on both labor and employee relations matters.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience
• Four years of experience directly related to the duties of the position
• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, labor relations, public or business administration, or a closely related field
• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

• As a condition of employment, you will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
• This position is remote for those residing in or relocating to Washington State. There are occasional in-person meetings and in-person contract bargaining meetings. This can mean once or twice per month for a few months of the year but also could be a few times per week during bargaining.

Other Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs. Attach a resume and cover letter to your application.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
 
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?