Labor Relations Advisor - (26-P&T-500006-141)

District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority•Washington, WA

19d•Hybrid

About The Position

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager. The Labor Relations Advisor provides day-to-day contract administration and responds to labor inquiries from management and employees, establishes and maintains effective relationships with union leadership; negotiates and administers labor agreements; and confers with labor organizations on behalf of management. At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.

Requirements

Seven (7) years of experience with a union workforce in a labor role.
Graduation from an accredited school of law.
Solid knowledge of labor relations principles and practices, along with a solid knowledge of local, state and federal laws and court decisions affecting labor relations.
Demonstrated ability and experience conducting workplace investigations (i.e., disciplinary actions, EEO allegations, etc.).
Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
Strong skills and tact to deal effectively with competing priorities.
Ability to analyze facts and reach logical conclusions.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with union officials and management team.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Use of personal computer and maintains a working knowledge of applicable software programs (i.e., Word, Excel, email, etc.).
Licensed to practice Law in at least one state or ability to become licensed in the District of Columbia within 12 months of hire.
General office conditions.

Responsibilities

Independently advises management on implementing policy changes, reviewing operational protocols, and engaging in impacts and effects bargaining as appropriate.
Serves as labor relations subject matter expert handling all labor relations issues arising within Authority, including developing strategy, conducting impacts and effects bargaining, responding to requests for information, and responding to grievances.
Administers and interprets various labor agreements, including administering discipline and grievance procedures, and providing labor relations support during contract negotiations.
Provides advice and guidance on proper interpretation of CBAs and labor related issues, as well as researching and preparing responses to labor contracts and other labor disputes and union requests for information; prepare written responses on behalf of department heads, managers, and supervisors on labor issues.
Provides expert advice and guidance to management on all labor relations matters such as contractual grievances, unfair labor practice charges, representation issues, arbitration cases, and bargaining unit status of employees.
Provides comprehensive support for disciplinary actions, including conducting investigations, preparing disciplinary documents in compliance with labor agreements, federal statutes and regulations, consistent with DC Water policies and procedures.
Oversees and assists with drafting employee corrective actions, performance improvement plans, and termination documents consistent with DC Water policies, practices, and culture.
Manages grievance and arbitration process including evaluating and responding to grievances at appropriate step, negotiate and settle grievances where appropriate and represent DC Water during grievances escalated to arbitration, including arbitrator selection, preparing case theory, gathering and evaluating evidence, witness preparation, conducting oral advocacy during hearing, and preparing post-hearing briefs.
Participates in collective bargaining negotiations of successor CBAs, including drafting proposals, analyzing union proposals, reviewing fiscal and operating impact of proposals, and implementing finalized CBAs terms.
Completes Authority wide special labor relations projects and assignments impacting organization as assigned, including developing and leading training for supervisors and managers on how to effectively deal with unions, use the CBAs and on other pertinent labor relations topics.
Represent and defend DC Water before the Public Employee Relations Board and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other third-party tribunals, including drafting responses, pleadings, position statements, and other correspondences while managing cases from inception to conclusion.
Serves as lead investigator for complex and sensitive labor relations, EEO, and other internal complaints and provide thorough investigative reports and findings and implement recommendations to minimize risk to Authority.
Performs other related duties and projects assigned.

Benefits

At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader.
Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.
Take pride in your work.
We provide an essential service and do work that matters .
A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.
Connect to a strong culture.
Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.
Be your true self.
We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.
Build your skills and career path.
We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow.