Labor Relations Analyst 2

This position is remote for those residing or relocating to Washington State. There are very occasional in-person meetings and in-person contract bargaining sessions.
Applications received after first closing date of 2/24 will be considered.

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 business units throughout Pierce County!

Why It's a Great Department: The Pierce County Human Resources Department delivers innovative, specialized HR services to help the County attract and retain a high-performing, diverse workforce that creates a healthy work environment and a livable Pierce County. We provide a wide range of HR management functions for all County departments and administer a comprehensive personnel management system. The successful applicant can look forward to joining a hard-working labor and employee relations team committed to meeting the highest principles of HR services.

How to be Successful in the Role: Extensive knowledge of HR principles in a union environment including progressive discipline and collective bargaining alongside excellent communication skills (written and oral) will be key. Partner this with the ability to remain flexible in an ever-evolving union environment and you are set to thrive on our dynamic team.

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 Responsibilities:Labor Relations

• 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.

Employee Relations

• 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 for the Labor Relations Analyst 2 here.Recruiting Requirements:

• Four years of experience directly related to the duties of the position is required AND
• A Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, labor relations, public or business administration, or a closely related field OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education which indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. 

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.

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.org/jobs. 
• Attach a resume and a cover letter (used as a writing sample). 
• Be prepared to upload 3 current references with one being a manager/supervisor current or past.  References will only be contacted with your permission if you are the selected candidate after the interview process.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov 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 and testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days before the need. 

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 great place to live, work, and raise a family?   

Salary : $107,999 - $139,198