Employee and Labor Relations Representative

King County•Seattle, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

King County Metro's Employee Services Division is hiring an Employee & Labor Relations Representative to serve as a trusted advisor on day-to-day employee and labor relations matters. This role supports a department with over 5,000 employees, 97% of whom are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The work involves advising on complex employee performance management, union contract interpretation, workplace investigations, disciplinary decisions, and employee workplace complaints. This role offers a high degree of autonomy and influence, allowing the individual to help shape decisions, policies, and bargaining strategies at high levels of the department, directly impacting Metro’s culture, workforce experience, and service to the community. This recruitment is for a Special Duty Assignment (SDA)/Term Limited Temporary (TLT) position, anticipated to last for 12 months and may be extended. An eligibility list may be generated for future SDA/TLT vacancies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration or a relevant field, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills that enables successful performance of the job.
Progressively responsible experience in managing employee and labor relations matters, including advising leaders, interpreting policies and supporting resolutions strategies.
Conducting employment workplace investigations.
Interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
Evaluating evidence and credibility.
Applying relevant policies and legal standards.
Investigation report writing.
Preparing clear, well-structured written reports that document findings, analysis, and recommendations.
Advising on performance management issues.
Coaching managers on performance issues, corrective action, documentation standards, and progressive discipline.
Interpreting and applying federal, state, and local employment rules and regulations, as well as human resources policies and procedures.
Experience working in a highly unionized environment, public sector experience, and/or experience in large, complex organizations.
Experience providing recommendations to management on labor negotiations and strategy.
In-depth knowledge of grievance, arbitration, and mediation proceedings.
Comprehensive knowledge of labor law and collective bargaining principles and labor contract interpretation and practices.
Thorough understanding of the principles of labor contract interpretation and administration.
Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively at all organizational levels and establish trust with employees, managers, and union representatives.
Strong presentation, facilitation, and consensus-building skills.
Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict, mediate disputes, build consensus, and navigate sensitive or potentially litigious situations with discretion.
Proven ability to handle highly confidential, sensitive, and potentially litigious issues.
A strong and proven commitment to the principles of equity and social justice.
Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
Ability to work daily in a fast-paced environment, with multiple competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and sound judgment.
Proficiency in commonly used MS Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of King County Metro’s operations, mission, and policies.
Familiarity with government or transit agency operations.
Knowledge of and experience with Equal Opportunity Employment laws and the ability to analyze and evaluate employment discrimination cases.
Advanced skills in developing strategic recommendations for collective bargaining and advising senior management on labor strategy and negotiation proposals.

Responsibilities

Routinely consult on and/or facilitate the resolution of employee and labor relations issues by working with managers, supervisors, employees, and union representatives.
Work to resolve grievances/issues at the lowest possible level by working collaboratively within Transit Employee Services and other Metro Divisions, and externally with the Department of Human Resources (DHR) and Office of Labor Relations (OLR) to ensure overall program support and success.
Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements through training and consultation with managers and unions.
Consult with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office as necessary.
Conduct workplace investigations to determine the validity of complaints and grievances.
Draft investigative reports, present investigative findings, and recommendations to decision-makers, and recommend appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.
Prepare written responses to the EEOC and other similar state and local regulatory agencies regarding allegations of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.
Participate in grievance hearings, either as a hearing examiner or as a management representative in support of other Department staff.
Provide support in arbitration and mediation proceedings by researching relevant cases, gathering supporting documents, and providing professional labor relations advice; may serve as a partisan member of arbitration panels.
Provide training, guidance, advice, and coaching to supervisory staff on employee and labor relations matters including performance management, workplace policy application, investigative techniques, contract compliance, and appropriate corrective actions.
Provide recommendations to Employee Services Management and/or King County Office of Labor Relations regarding labor strategies and management bargaining proposals.
Draft memorandums of understanding to address labor relations issues.
Work collaboratively with other human resource professionals and leaders in the department to deliver outcomes that further Metro’s organizational health commitments, and are equitable, defensible, and provide the best outcome for the agency.
Other related duties as assigned.