Labor Relations Analyst - Exempt

County of Contra Costa; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Contra Costa seeks a Labor Relations Analyst to join the Administrator's Office and support the Labor Relations team in administering memoranda of understanding and labor policies. You will analyze grievances, assist with disputes, and provide interpretation guidance to operating departments.

The role emphasizes meticulous analysis, professional communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field such as industrial psychology, business, public administration or labor relations.
• Strong ability to interpret labor agreements, laws and policies.
• Excellent written and oral communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Perform research, analysis and evaluation of facts and conflicting evidence.
• Read, analyze and interpret MOUs, laws and policies.
• Reason logically and advocate positions through oral or written arguments.
• Participate in contract negotiations, administration, grievances and arbitration prep.
• Multitask and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
• Build professional relationships with labor groups, departments and agencies.
• Represent the division in communications with labor organizations and the public.
• Utilize Word, Excel, HRIS and agenda software effectively.
• Prepare clear reports and maintain documentation with accuracy.
• Work under pressure while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

Skills

Meticulous

Analytical

Problem solving

Labor law interpretation

Judgement & collaboration

Written & verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

HRIS

Agenda preparation programs

Job description

Bargaining Unit: Management-Mgmt Classes, Classified & Exempt

Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, have an eye for detail, the ability to spot creative solutions and have the interpersonal skills to resolve disputes? Are you looking for a job that tests and grows your skills?

The Contra Costa County Administrator's Office is seeking to add a talented individual to serve as a key member of its dynamic Labor Relations team. Self-motivated analysts, who flourish in high-speed environments, are inspired to solve problems, and who have a strong work ethic are encouraged to apply. Under general direction of the Chief of Labor Relations and lead direction of the Labor Relations Supervisor, Labor Relations Analysts represent the County in administering provisions of County Memoranda of Understanding and act as staff specialists performing specialized labor relations activities within a comprehensive labor/management program.

The Labor Relations Analyst is the professional entry level class in the Labor Relations Analyst series and incumbents provide staff assistance in the resolution of grievances and disciplinary matters, assistance and advice in interpretation and application of labor relations policies and procedures to operating department staff and perform a variety of special projects relative to assigned responsibilities.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is meticulous, analytical and solution-oriented in all aspects of Labor Relations
• Has a solid understanding of interpreting and applying labor laws
• Is able to use sensible judgement in decision making and a collaborative work style
• Is a professional individual who can effectively represent the County in routine and controversial situations
• Possesses exceptional written and oral persuasion and interpersonal communication skills
• Respects diverse populations and is able to communicate and maintain relationships with many types of people and personalities
• Is organized and self-motivated with the ability to multitask and prioritize multiple assignments to meet strict deadlines

A few reasons you may love this job:

• You will be part of the County Administration Team which provides a great vista point of the County and how local government works
• You will work with a group of outstanding and caring professionals who work hard and are recognized for doing so
• Every day is different and you will learn all the time, from the best people
• You will have ample learning opportunities that will allow you to develop your skills and abilities
• You will be working in a newly-constructed modern workspace and office

A few reasons you might find this job challenging:

• You will be working in a fast-paced environment involving time constraints and other external pressures
• Frequent and often complex change, which can take time to fully implement
• You will need well-honed political savvy and a solid understanding of your role in the organization
• You may need to travel independently within Contra Costa County and work evenings or weekends as necessary

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Performing research, analysis and evaluation of facts and conflicting evidence
• Reading, analyzing and interpreting Memoranda of Understanding, laws, Merit System rules, policies and procedures
• Reasoning logically and reaching sound conclusions; advocating various positions through oral or written arguments
• Participating in contract negotiations, contract administration, grievance handling, arbitration preparation, training and other labor relations duties
• Multitasking and prioritizing multiple assignments meeting strict deadlines
• Establishing and maintaining effective and professional relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Representing the Labor Relations Division in communications with labor organizations, County departments, other government agencies and the public.
• Proficiently using computer software programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Human Resources Information Systems, and Agenda preparation programs.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing and preparing clear and concise reports
• Maintaining accurate documentation, records and files
• Working under pressure and in stressful situations while maintaining professional demeanor
• Handling highly confidential information

Competencies Required:

• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Delivering Results -Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Political & Organizational Savvy - Working skillfully with politics, procedures, and protocols across organizational levels and boundaries
• Critical Thinking – Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions and claims
• Professional Impact – Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Self-Management – Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Analyzing & Interpreting Data - Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation - Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Using Technology – Working with electronic hardware and software applications

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE:

Tentative Oral Interview: October 5 - 9, 2026

Tentative Final Interview: TBD

Target Start Date: Late-October, 2026

Education:

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in industrial psychology, business or public administration, labor relations, human resources, organizational development, or closely related field. A Juris Doctorate (JD) is preferred.

Experience:

Two (2) years of progressively responsible full-time human resources and/or labor relations experience. Experience in the areas of labor contract negotiations, labor contract administration, and handling of grievances is preferred.

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: All completed applications received by the final filing date will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Oral Interview: Following review of the applications, a select group of the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview. Tentatively scheduled to take place: October 5 - 9, 2026.

This classification is EXEMPT from the merit system and is not subject to guidelines set forth in the Personnel Management Regulations.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to a hiring interview.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.