Mediator - VT Labor Relations Board

State of Vermont•Calais, VT

6d•$75,000 - $115,000

About The Position

The Vermont Labor Relations Board is seeking an experienced Mediator to plan, direct, and coordinate the Board’s mediation program. The Mediator provides mediation services in labor disputes involving public and private sector employers and employee organizations, using knowledge of Vermont and federal labor laws and experience with collective bargaining agreements and contracts. The work may involve state agencies and departments, school districts, state colleges and universities, municipalities, and private industries. The Mediator works independently and is responsible for all aspects of impasse and conflict resolution. The Mediator investigates and evaluates information about bargaining impasses, grievances, and unfair labor practice matters, including the parties’ conduct and the history of their collective bargaining relationship. The position arranges and directs mediation sessions, leads negotiations, tests proposals, and offers alternatives to help parties reach settlement. Where time allows, the Mediator may mediate grievances and unfair labor practice complaints and administer intervention in those disputes. The role may also include training, drafting memoranda of agreement and related documents, and preparing reports on mediation cases. The Mediator performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of the Vermont Labor Relations Board. This is a full-time exempt position. The annual salary range is $75,000 to $115,000, commensurate with experience and education. Applications are due December 3, 2026; applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to [email protected] with “Mediator” in the subject line. Do not apply online.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least eight years of experience primarily (over 50%) as a direct and active participant or neutral in collective bargaining negotiations, mediation, or arbitration of labor-management contracts, or as a direct or active representative of labor or management settling grievances or disputes over contractual terms and conditions of employment.
A law degree with courses in labor law, arbitration, or alternative dispute resolution, or a PhD in labor relations, may substitute for two additional years of required experience; substituted education may not exceed the required experience.
A master’s degree in labor relations or equivalent may substitute for one additional year of required experience; substituted education may not exceed the required experience.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Vermont and federal labor-management laws, especially labor relations and municipal, state, and private employer contracts.
Ability to prepare narrative and statistical reports.
Knowledge of labor relations principles and practices, including the organization and operation of labor unions.
Knowledge of and ability to apply mediation techniques and methods.
Ability to apply management principles and techniques; strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; and considerable negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to work thoroughly and objectively on confidential matters.
Ability to maintain impartiality when interpreting labor laws and contracts and analyzing facts.
Ability to interpret labor laws, recommend compromise terms, and assist in drafting agreements.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to work independently and manage conflicting deadlines and priorities.

Responsibilities

Investigate, analyze, research, study, and evaluate information relating to issues in bargaining impasses, grievances, or unfair labor practice matters, the parties’ conduct and attitudes, and their collective bargaining history.
Determine and direct when and where mediation sessions should be arranged and mediate resolution of differences.
Lead negotiations between parties and formulate solutions and proposals.
Test the reasonableness, equity, and acceptability of proposals through joint and separate meetings.
Offer suggestions, proposals, and alternative solutions to remove barriers to settlement.
Assimilate information, data, priorities, and offers and determine when to transmit them to one or both parties.
Where time allows, mediate grievances and unfair labor practice complaints and administer intervention in these disputes.
Advise, assist, and conduct training for labor, management, and Board members as needed.
Keep informed about labor problems, business and economic trends, and other conditions affecting bargaining and labor-management relations.
Draft memoranda of agreements, addenda, and letters of understanding.
Prepare reports on the status and outcome of mediation cases as required.
Perform other duties assigned by the Executive Director of the Vermont Labor Relations Board.