Labor Relations Specialist

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Labor Relations Manager, the Labor Relations Specialist utilizes academic employee and labor relations knowledge and experience to provide general consultation to academic leadership, unit members, union representatives, and the campus community on labor relations matters. The Labor Relations Specialist is also responsible for the day-to-day, high level administrative tasks with a focus on interdepartmental collaborative and triage. The Labor Relations Specialist interacts daily with other campus and external partners.

Job Duties

Essential Job Duties Labor Relations

• Provides customer service and answers inquiries that require overall understanding of Caltech’s policies, procedures, and current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Interpret and apply Institute policies, procedures, and CBA terms to effectively answer general questions and triage requests accordingly.
• Reviews inquiries in a timely manner (intake), within CBA timelines, to triage inquiries and requests to the applicable and appropriate groups within human resources and with other campus departments and/or divisions. Exercises sound judgement when triaging and escalating questions, requests to the appropriate individual or group and in a timely manner.
• Assists responding to requests for information (RFIs) and reviewing and analyzing data. Also takes lead with file review requests, other data requests from the union and/or leadership, preparation of confidential and sensitive written documentation or data, and preparation of formal employee documentations related to the CBA and its procedures.
• Provides general consultation to employees, union representatives, managers, and other campus partners regarding the terms of the CBA in a variety of ways including but not limited to email, phone or in-person.
• May participate in grievance and arbitration meetings (step 2) as “Institute Representative” at the direction of the Labor Relations Manager.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with people from diverse cultures and campus stakeholders, unit members, union stewards, and/or other union representatives to identify needs, prioritize requests, and build effective relationships utilizing tact and diplomacy.
• Maintains a high level of productivity and independent follow through. Administration
• Manages the Labor Relations page to ensure appropriate resources and updates are posted.
• Performs general administrative functions such as personnel information management, payroll, facilities management, calendaring, travel arrangements and expense reporting, event planning/management, coordination of courier services, etc.
• Serves as primary administrator of the Labor Relations electronic mailbox.
• Prepares presentations, training materials, templates, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in Human Resources with progressive responsibilities or two years of experience in Human Resources performing employee relations or employment compliance related tasks.
• General knowledge of employment and labor laws, regulations, practices, etc.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreement terms or ability to learn quickly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and with sensitivity.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft suite, Teams, Zoom.
• Ability to compose correspondence, organize work independently and handle multiple assignments efficiently with conscientious attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must be detail oriented and able to multi-task and work effectively with multiple interruptions.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to collaboratively work in a team.
• Must have a high level of discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of experience in Human Resources, including two years of experience in labor relations.
• Experience in a higher education environment.
• SHRM, PHR certification.
  
  

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover letter
  
  

Hiring Range

$75,000 - $80,000 Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at