Labor Mediator

State of Montana•Helena, MT

50d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Labor Mediator provides expert facilitation, mediation, and training services to public sector employers and labor organizations, supporting the resolution of labor relations disputes and fostering positive labor-management relationships. This role is responsible for Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) and Labor Management Committee facilitation, mediation of collective bargaining agreements, grievance and employment disputes, and the coordination of key labor relations conferences. By serving as a neutral party, the Labor Mediator works to clarify issues, promote constructive dialogue, and guide parties to effective solutions that strengthen organizational trust and collaboration.

Requirements

5 years of experience in mediation, labor relations, or dispute resolution within public sector or unionized environments.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate training sessions, committee meetings, or labor negotiations.
Proven ability to interpret Rule and State laws related to collective bargaining and labor relations in Montana.
Demonstrated communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
Demonstrated experience preparing and delivering presentations to stakeholders, partners, and public audiences.
Resolve Disputes: Utilizing principles and processes of dispute resolution, specifically within labor relations. Ability to serve as a neutral facilitator with employers and unions, using mediation techniques to address collective bargaining, grievance, and employment disputes.
Interpret Rules and Statutes: Knowledge of and ability to interpret rules and state statutes related to collective bargaining and labor relations in Montana.
Understand Labor Law and Labor Relations: Basic knowledge of labor law and its practical implications in employer-union interactions. Comprehensive understanding of labor relations dynamics and the full collective bargaining negotiation process.
Train and Facilitate Interest Based Bargaining: Knowledge of the Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) process, and ability to provide training and facilitate interest-based problem-solving that fosters positive labor-management relationships.
Train and Facilitate Labor Management Committees: Ability to effectively train and facilitate Labor Management Committees, addressing issues beyond collective bargaining and supporting ongoing labor-management relations improvement.
Communication and Relationship Building: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including active listening, to validate perspectives and foster collaboration. Strong interpersonal skills to bridge gaps between labor and management and build positive relationships in conflict situations.
Visual Communication: Skilled in developing professional presentation materials that convey complex information in an accessible and visually compelling manner, ensuring audience understanding and engagement.
Presentation Expertise: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in public settings by delivering clear, engaging, and informative presentations tailored to diverse audiences, including staff, leadership, and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

A degree in conflict resolution, negotiation, dispute resolution, or a closely related field may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in the areas noted above. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Deliver Interest Based Bargaining and Labor Management Committee training and facilitation for public sector employers and labor organizations.
Provide mediation services for collective bargaining negotiations, grievances, and employment disputes.
Facilitate constructive communication between parties, promoting calm and mutual respect.
Confer with public employers and unions to clarify issues, identify concerns, and build an understanding of each group's needs and interests.
Apply dispute resolution techniques to help parties reach mutually acceptable solutions.
Coordinate and support the annual Montana Arbitration and Labor Relations Conference.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You'll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.