Labor Negotiator

Snohomish County•Everett, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Performs highly-specialized, professional work in the labor relations function of human resources under the leadership of the Chief Labor Negotiator, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and other complex labor relations work involving highly sensitive matters. Job offers are contingent on successful completion of employment verification and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or other discipline directly related to labor relations and/or human resources; AND, six (6) years of experience in negotiation, labor relations, and related fields; OR, any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Must sign a confidentiality agreement as a condition of employment.
Knowledge of principles and practices of collective bargaining, grievance, and arbitration processes.
Knowledge of current developments and trends in the labor relations function of human resources.
Knowledge of applicable public sector labor law practices and precedents.
Knowledge of strategic planning techniques and principles, policy development and analysis; business process design and improvement, and human resources best practices.
Ability to work professionally and respectfully with diverse groups of individuals (internal and external), elected officials, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally to a diverse group of individuals with differing viewpoints.
Ability to act as a resource in problem resolution.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, and the general public.
Ability to analyze, organize, and evaluate a variety of data; prepare reports of findings and recommendations in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
Ability to take action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
Ability to maintain a calm demeanor even under stressful situations.
Ability to build consensus among individuals with varying opinions and agendas.
Ability to evaluate and proactively recommend changes, including updating and revising policy and procedures.
Ability to work on a number of projects simultaneously.
Ability to navigate conflicting priorities and deadlines.
Ability to remain current with emerging technologies, trends, processes, and practices.
Ability to use a computer and associated software programs.
Ability to apply team building techniques and principles.

Nice To Haves

Professional Human Resources certification, such as SHRM-CP, PHR, IPMA-CP, or specialty certification related to labor relations.

Responsibilities

Negotiates collective bargaining agreements which includes representing the County during the mediation and arbitration processes in a manner that promotes equity and social justice.
Research state and federal laws and case precedents dealing with collective bargaining issues and processes to determine applicability and/or impact.
Reviews and analyzes collective bargaining agreements, court decisions, and arbitration decisions.
Analyzes language in collective bargaining agreements for compliance with federal, state, and local laws, policy, and management practice; recommends updates as appropriate.
Analyzes union proposals including compensation and benefit proposals and develops management proposals and strategies in collective bargaining.
Coordinates the development of management proposals with appropriate County resources and workgroups, including Human Resources staff, department management, and others.
Provides consultation and assistance to managers and supervisors regarding federal, state, and local labor laws, policies, and guidelines; current and emerging issues; collective bargaining and grievances.
Interprets, explains, and applies pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements.
Prepares records of collective bargaining sessions, letters, memoranda, reports, spreadsheets, and other administrative documents.
Presents information, testifies, and otherwise represents the County in arbitration hearings; in grievance hearings; during unfair labor practice, unit clarification, or other matters before the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC).
May present ordinances or other matters before the County Council or other legislative bodies.
May act as the designee for the County Executive at the appropriate step in the grievance procedure.
Consults with and provides guidance to county-wide staff and leaders to develop and maintain successful human resources strategy; provides oversight to ensure county-wide consistency within labor relations.
Proactively develops and implements strategies to advance equity and social justice as related to the labor relations function, to support the ultimate goal of building a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Builds strategic relationships and represents the Human Resources Department in interdepartmental, interagency and public meetings; serves on committees and task forces as assigned.
May plan, organize, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate employees or project teams, including participating in and making recommendations concerning the hiring, discipline, and potential termination of employees.
Maintains confidentiality of all records, reports, and/or information deemed to be sensitive in nature.
Oversees the maintenance and control of records within assigned functions as needed.
Performs other duties as required.