Employee and Labor Relations Representative

King-County,-W; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

County-issued laptop

Job summary

King County's Solid Waste Division HR team seeks an experienced Employee and Labor Relations Representative to support labor relations with unions, advise leadership, and shape workplace policies. You will partner with the Office of Labor Relations and Division leadership to navigate bargaining, investigations, and performance management in a large, unionized organization.

The role offers a hybrid work arrangement in Seattle, with emphasis on equity, professionalism and building trusted

Qualifications

• Experience and advanced knowledge of labor law/policy, labor relations, collective bargaining practices and contract interpretation.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal, state, and local employment rules and regulations, as well as HR policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic communications, counsel, and advice to management and other partners, especially regarding employee relations or labor relations.
• Experience in conducting workplace investigations and drafting investigation reports with interviewing, evaluating evidence, and applying policies.
• Experience in a highly unionized environment and/or large, complex organizations.
• Experience advising on performance management issues, coaching managers on discipline and documentation standards.

Responsibilities

• Guide and advise supervisors and managers on sensitive employee relations matters, including performance management, investigations and discipline.
• Consult on and/or facilitate resolution of employee and labor relations issues with managers, employees and union representatives.
• Serve as primary representative on behalf of the Division for labor grievances and as process owner for resolution avenues.
• Represent the Division in bargaining with labor unions.
• Interpret and provide guidance on matters involving collective bargaining agreements and policies and procedures.
• Conduct and/or oversee workplace investigations, determine findings, and draft review reports.
• Track and analyze trends in employee and labor relations matters such as discipline and grievances.

Skills

Labor relations knowledge

Labor law & policy

Contract interpretation

Investigation skills

Union environment experience

Performance management coaching

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Written & verbal communication

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Step into a role where your expertise truly shapes the future of an organization! The Solid Waste Division (SWD) Human Resources team is seeking an experienced Employee and Labor Relations Representative (ELRR) who is passionate about workplace culture, resolving conflict and building trusting relationships.

The Solid Waste Human Resources team collaborates with our labor partners to create an essential partnership in solving current and future labor relationship issues and workforce needs. Our work also supports the administration of employee-focused policies and procedures that foster and maintain a positive, inclusive, and professional workplace. The ideal candidate will have a desire to match their skill set with an organization that is responsible for protecting the beautiful PNW environment and helping the community thrive now and for generations to come.

In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future ELRR vacancies throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next six months.

About this Role

The Employee and Labor Relations Representative (ELRR) will join a collaborative, supportive, and solutions driven Human Resources team that welcomes a diversity of thought and experience. The role will be instrumental in supporting the Solid Waste Division in complex labor relations issues in partnership with multiple labor unions, the Office of Labor Relations, and Division leadership. You will be a trusted advisor and partner to key leaders on employee relations issues and will exercise a high level of influence and responsibility within the organization.

The ELRR will be instrumental in policy development and bargaining in the Division and will work closely with the Human Resource Manager II and another ELRR to navigate current and future business needs impacting on our workforce. The ELRR will be a key resource in helping a large Division pivot its business model to support the region ‘s future generations. Some future projects include bargaining and implementing a standard accident/discipline matrix, implementing a new timekeeping and workforce management system and supporting a division-wide classification analysis.

About the Team

Come join a team that is supportive, innovative, and open to ideas for how to continuously improve and create value for the organization. The Solid Waste Division Human Resources team is deeply committed to providing our employees with accurate, timely and essential information as well as connectivity to resources and support. The team is comprised of highly skilled contributors supporting a high volume and fast-paced organization. The team provides professional, top-notch human resources service to the Division while recognizing and prioritizing a healthy work-life balance. Human Resources is highly valued and supported by leadership and works together as partners, not clients or customers.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. In this position, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

What You Will Be Doing

This role will be an essential partner for Solid Waste Division employees and leaders as part of the Human Resources team. The Employee and Labor Relations Representative will:

• Guide and advise supervisors and managers on sensitive employee relations matters, including performance management, investigations and discipline.
• Routinely consult on and/or facilitate the resolution of employee and labor relations issues by working with managers, supervisors, employees, and union representatives.
• Act as a primary representative on behalf of the Division for labor grievances and serve as the process owner and advisor on avenues of resolution.
• Serve as a representative of the Division in bargaining with labor unions.
• Interpret and provide guidance on matters involving collective bargaining agreements and policies and procedures.
• Conduct and/or oversee and review workplace investigations, determine or advise on investigation findings, and draft and/or review investigation reports.
• Track and analyze trends and hot spots in employee and labor relations matters such as discipline and grievances.

Qualifications You Bring

• Experience and advanced knowledge and understanding of labor law/policy, labor relations, collective bargaining practices and contract interpretation.
• Experience Interpreting and applying federal, state, and local employment rules and regulations, as well as human resources policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic communications, counsel, and advice to management and other partners, especially regarding employee relations or labor relations.
• Experience in conducting workplace investigations and drafting investigation reports. Must include experience: Interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses. Evaluating evidence and credibility. Applying relevant policies and legal standards.
• Experience working in a highly unionized environment and/or experience in large, complex organizations.
• Experience advising on performance management issues. Coaching managers on performance issues, corrective action, documentation standards, and progressive discipline.
• Ability to effectively multitask and handle complex, multilayered issues with competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications
• Advanced proficiency in written and verbal communications.

Competencies You Bring

• Manages Ambiguity: Operating effectively, even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear.
• Communicates Effectively –Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Manages Complexity:Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Action Oriented:Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Collaborates:Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Manages Conflict:Handling conflict situations effectively with a minimum of noise.
• Instills Trust:Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring

• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and potentially litigious workplace issues.
• Knowledge and multi-year experience within the field of human resources and labor relations.
• Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with internal and external customers and clients.
• Experience in training and/or facilitation/mediation
• Demonstrated advanced skills in planning, problem-solving, and analytical work.

Working Conditions

• Work Location: The SWD Human Resources team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not overtime-eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is not represented by a union.

Application and Selection Process

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives, and life experience, and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

A complete application is required. To apply, submit a Complete Application and cover letter. A Resume is highly recommended but is optional. Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Susan Ng at [e-mail]

Discover More About the Solid Waste Division

Visit our website at our website at Solid Waste Division and check us out at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.