Associate Labor Relations Representative

The County of Santa Clara; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Clara is seeking an entry‑level labor relations staff member to support negotiations, grievance handling, and dispute resolution. The role includes research, drafting contract language, witness preparation, and assisting in arbitration processes.

Under supervision, you will contribute to disciplinary actions, training programs, and advisory support for departments on labor relations issues while meeting state requirements and county policies.

Qualifications

• Training and Experience Note: knowledge acquired through a Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology or related field AND one year of professional level analytical experience.
• Public sector experience is highly desirable.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for County driver authorization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as member of negotiating committees.
• Assist in developing negotiating proposals.
• Assist in researching, analyzing and costing union and County proposals.
• Assist in drafting contract language.
• Assist in preparing grievances for arbitration by arranging witnesses and collecting information.
• Assist in the preparation and presentation of cases in mediation/arbitration.
• Advise on handling disciplinary processes and grievances; interpret labor contract provisions and Merit System Rules.
• Prepare discipline appeal cases for Personnel Board, hearing officer, or arbitrator.
• Develop, implement and present training programs on labor relations topics.
• May be assigned as Disaster Service Worker.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Labor relations

Negotiation

Grievance handling

Dispute resolution

Training

Research

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Under close supervision, in a training capacity, to perform professional level labor relations staff duties, including labor-management contract negotiations and administration, grievance handling, disciplinary actions, dispute resolution, training and research.

Please note: Applicants who meet the employment standards will be invited to take the written examination tentatively scheduled for the week of November 16th.

• Serves as a member of negotiating committees;
• Assists in the development of negotiating proposals;
• Assists in researching, analyzing and costing union and County proposals;
• Assists in drafting contract language;
• Assists in the preparation of grievances for arbitration by arranging witnesses, interviewing and preparing witnesses for testimony, and collecting other information;
• Assists in the preparation and presentation of cases in mediation and/or arbitration;
• Consults and provides routine advice to smaller operating departments regarding handling disciplinary processes, handling grievances, State Labor Law, labor contract interpretation, Employee Relations Ordinance and Merit System Rules;
• Assists in the preparation of discipline appeal cases to the Personnel Board, hearing officer, or arbitrator;
• Assists in the development, implementation and presentation of training programs on labor relations topics;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker as required;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities to perform this function are acquired through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology or a related technical field, AND One (1) year of professional level analytical experience.

Experience in the public sector is highly desirable.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of organization and management;
• Research and data collection techniques;
• Communication techniques for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information;
• Basic methods of dispute resolution;
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer applications related to the work.

Ability to:

• Perform research, analysis and evaluation of facts and conflicting evidence;
• Reason logically and reach sound conclusions;
• Learn higher level labor relations skills;
• Communicate effectively through clear and concise written correspondence and oral presentation;
• Establish working relationships with management staff and various labor organizations;
• Read, analyze and logically interpret labor contracts, court cases, laws, Merit System Rules, arbitration decisions, policies and procedures;
• Advocate various positions through oral or written communication.