Employee and Labor Relations Representative

King County•Seattle, WA

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Solid Waste Division (SWD) Human Resources team is seeking an experienced Employee and Labor Relations Representative (ELRR) who is passionate about workplace culture, resolving conflict and building trusting relationships. The Solid Waste Human Resources team collaborates with our labor partners to create an essential partnership in solving current and future labor relationship issues and workforce needs. Our work also supports the administration of employee-focused policies and procedures that foster and maintain a positive, inclusive, and professional workplace. The ideal candidate will have a desire to match their skill set with an organization that is responsible for protecting the beautiful PNW environment and helping the community thrive now and for generations to come. In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future ELRR vacancies throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next six months. The Employee and Labor Relations Representative (ELRR) will join a collaborative, supportive, and solutions driven Human Resources team that welcomes a diversity of thought and experience. The role will be instrumental in supporting the Solid Waste Division in complex labor relations issues in partnership with multiple labor unions, the Office of Labor Relations, and Division leadership. You will be a trusted advisor and partner to key leaders on employee relations issues and will exercise a high level of influence and responsibility within the organization. The ELRR will be instrumental in policy development and bargaining in the Division and will work closely with the Human Resource Manager II and another ELRR to navigate current and future business needs impacting on our workforce. The ELRR will be a key resource in helping a large Division pivot its business model to support the region ‘s future generations. Some future projects include bargaining and implementing a standard accident/discipline matrix, implementing a new timekeeping and workforce management system and supporting a division-wide classification analysis.

Requirements

Experience and advanced knowledge and understanding of labor law/policy, labor relations, collective bargaining practices and contract interpretation.
Experience Interpreting and applying federal, state, and local employment rules and regulations, as well as human resources policies and procedures.
Demonstrated experience providing strategic communications, counsel, and advice to management and other partners, especially regarding employee relations or labor relations.
Experience in conducting workplace investigations and drafting investigation reports.
Must include experience: Interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
Evaluating evidence and credibility.
Applying relevant policies and legal standards.
Experience working in a highly unionized environment and/or experience in large, complex organizations.
Experience advising on performance management issues.
Coaching managers on performance issues, corrective action, documentation standards, and progressive discipline.
Ability to effectively multitask and handle complex, multilayered issues with competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
High level of proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications
Advanced proficiency in written and verbal communications.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and potentially litigious workplace issues.
Knowledge and multi-year experience within the field of human resources and labor relations.
Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with internal and external customers and clients.
Experience in training and/or facilitation/mediation
Demonstrated advanced skills in planning, problem-solving, and analytical work.

Responsibilities

Guide and advise supervisors and managers on sensitive employee relations matters, including performance management, investigations and discipline.
Routinely consult on and/or facilitate the resolution of employee and labor relations issues by working with managers, supervisors, employees, and union representatives.
Act as a primary representative on behalf of the Division for labor grievances and serve as the process owner and advisor on avenues of resolution.
Serve as a representative of the Division in bargaining with labor unions.
Interpret and provide guidance on matters involving collective bargaining agreements and policies and procedures.
Conduct and/or oversee and review workplace investigations, determine or advise on investigation findings, and draft and/or review investigation reports.
Track and analyze trends and hot spots in employee and labor relations matters such as discipline and grievances.