Employee Relations Consultant

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

1d

About The Position

PNNL’s Human Resources organization is comprised of ~120 plus committed professionals working to advance the interests of the lab and support scientific discovery and excellence. HR is engaged in a transformational journey to help PNNL meet its talent acquisition and retention goals through innovative benefits, compensation, learning, and workforce programs.

The Human Resources directorate at PNNL is on a journey to strengthen and support the PNNL culture to deliver on mission. Human Resources supports mission by focusing on the following foundational pillars: 1) the whole PNNLer, 2) WE culture, 3) next-level leadership, and 4) learning and career pathways. PNNL is seeking an extraordinary individual to be an Employee Relations Consultant (ERC) Level 3.
Working within the Human Resources organization of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the ERC plays a critical role in fostering a positive and compliant workplace by addressing and resolving employee concerns related to misconduct, performance, and workplace behavior. This role requires exceptional communication skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality written communications that concisely articulate information, solutions, and recommendations. The consultant manages investigations, provides performance coaching, and partners with leaders to ensure fair and consistent application of policies, all while maintaining strict confidentiality.
The ERC demonstrates strong adaptability, judgment, and decision-making under time constraints, excelling in crisis management situations. They must be action-oriented and passionate about executing on big ideas. Leveraging advanced technology and data analytics, they identify workplace trends, address systemic issues, and design proactive strategies to mitigate risks and improve employee relations. The ERC will coach managers to enhance their people-leadership capabilities to cultivate a positive employee experience and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Requirements

• BS/BA and 5 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 3 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential/sensitive information.
• As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
• If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
• Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Professional license and/or certification preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working in the HR profession not exclusive to employee relations.
• Demonstrated experience and/or specialized training in conducting internal investigations.
• Desired foundational competencies could include expertise in anti-harassment and anti-discrimination requirements, HR policy design and implementation, compensation and salary determination, strategic initiatives, and increasingly responsible HR generalist responsibilities.
• Strong public speaking and training (i.e., design and delivery) skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience building and launching programs that measurably impact positive engagement and ideal employee experiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage and respond timely to workplace concerns (e.g., misconduct, unfair treatment, harassment, poor performance, etc.) through comprehensive review, fact-finding, investigation, documentation, policy interpretation, and articulation.
• Lead dispute resolution processes and provide performance-related coaching to foster a positive and compliant work environment.
• Consult with employees and leaders on employee relations matters (e.g. expectation setting, performance improvement plans, progressive discipline) ensuring alignment with organizational goals, policies, etc.
• Collect, organize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from cases, interviews, surveys, and performance metrics using analytics tools to monitor trends and risk indicators.
• Through data analysis, identify patterns and root causes of workplace issues, develop actionable recommendations, and partner with leadership to implement strategies that mitigate future risks.
• Prepare regular reports on investigation outcomes, workplace trends, and risk areas for HR leadership and other appropriate senior management.
• Leverage data analytics tools and software to monitor employee relations metrics, such as complaint type and frequency, policy violation trends etc.
• Collaborate closely with HR Strategic Partners, Legal, employees, and line managers to gather and assess key information to make informed recommendations.
• Proactively engage with managers to assist in mitigating risk and enhancing the employee experience (including training).
• Remain informed of legal updates and best practices, ensuring efforts not only resolve current issues, but also drive forward-looking, solution-focused strategies that meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
• Conduct and manage investigations involving allegations of suspected misconduct, compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and corporate policies.
• Independently manage assigned casework, bringing investigations to closure rapidly and definitively.
• Partner with Employee Concerns Program Manager/Senior Investigator in analysis and revision of people programs, policies, and practices to sustain a positive work environment.
• Earn trust and safeguard the goodwill of our employees by ensuring fair, respectful, and consistent treatment of employees in accordance with PNNL values and culture.

Benefits

• Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
• Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match.
• Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level