Senior Labor Relations Analyst - Exempt

Contra-Costa-County; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa County Administrator's Office is seeking a Senior Labor Relations Analyst to join the Labor Relations team. You will provide labor relations advice to operating departments, participate in contract negotiations, and help administer Memoranda of Understanding.

The role requires strong analytical, writing and interpersonal skills, ability to work under pressure, interpret labor laws, and travel within Contra Costa County as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree as listed; Juris Doctorate preferred.
• Experience in labor relations, contract negotiations, grievance handling, arbitration preparation.
• Ability to interpret labor laws and represent the County.

Responsibilities

• Exercising sound judgement in providing labor relations advice to operating departments.
• Participating in complex contract negotiations, contract administration, grievance handling, arbitration preparation, training and other labor relations duties independent of ongoing supervision.
• Representing the Labor Relations Division in communications with labor organizations, County departments, other government agencies and the public.
• Investigating grievances, conferring with employees and labor representatives, researching facts and past practices, making recommendations and/or assisting with resolution, and negotiating settlements and last chance agreements.
• Conducting research on positions and issues including costing management and labor proposals, evaluating alternatives, preparing and writing contract language.
• Responding to and resolving employee and employee representative inquiries in a courteous manner.
• Proficiently using computer software programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Human Resources Information Systems, and Agenda preparation programs.

Skills

Labor relations knowledge

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Written and oral communication

Multitasking

Judgment and decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology, business, public administration, labor relations, human resources, or organizational development

Juris Doctorate preferred

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, Senior 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.

Senior Labor Relations Analysts are responsible for exercising sound judgment in providing labor relations advice to operating departments and participate in complex contract negotiations, contract administration, grievance handling, departmental training, and other labor relations responsibilities independent of ongoing supervision.

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:

• Exercising sound judgement in providing labor relations advice to operating departments
• Participating in complex contract negotiations, contract administration, grievance handling, arbitration preparation, training and other labor relations duties independent of ongoing supervision
• Representing the Labor Relations Division in communications with labor organizations, County departments, other government agencies and the public.
• Investigating grievances, conferring with employees and labor representatives, researching facts and past practices, making recommendations and/or assisting with resolution, and negotiating settlements and last chance agreements
• Conducting research on positions and issues including costing management and labor proposals, evaluating alternatives, preparing and writing contract language
• Responding to and resolving employee and employee representative inquiries in a courteous manner
• Proficiently using computer software programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Human Resources Information Systems, and Agenda preparation programs.

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, or organizational development. Juris Doctorate preferred.

Experience

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.