Log In
Sign Up
Description
Under general supervision, to perform professional level labor relations staff duties, including labor-management contract negotiations and administration, grievance handling, disciplinary actions, dispute resolution, training and research.
COVID Risk Level – Low Tier
Typical Tasks
- Serves as the chair or a member of a negotiating committee;
- Develops negotiating proposals;
- Researches, analyzes and costs union and County proposals;
- Bargains within established limits;
- Writes labor contract language;
- Implements or assists in the implementation of negotiated labor agreements and arbitration awards;
- Serves as a subject matter expert in meetings with the Board of Supervisors, department/agency heads and other County staff;
- Consults and provides advice to operating departments regarding contract interpretation, Merit System Rules, Employee Relations Ordinance, State labor law, disciplinary actions and the handling of grievances;
- Determines grievances that will be arbitrated or settled;
- Selects arbitrators;
- Prepares grievances for arbitrators by defining the issue, interviewing witnesses, and collecting other information;
- Prepares and presents, or assists in the presentation, of cases in mediation and/or arbitration;
- Prepares and presents, or assists in the presentation, of discipline appeal cases to the Personnel Board or hearing officer;
- Develops and maintains communications with labor organization representatives;
- Develops and implements training programs on labor relations topics;
- Oversees county staff as required by assignments; e.g., serving as negotiating committee chair and implementing agreements;
- May supervise subordinate professional and clerical staff;
- May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker as required;
- Performs other related duties as required.
Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience, to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge, skills and abilities.
Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are acquired through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university,
AND
Three (3) years of professional level analytical experience of which one (1) year is in the field of labor relations or human resources. Qualifying labor relations or human resources experience includes experience serving as a member of negotiating committees; developing negotiating proposals; researching, analyzing and costing proposals; writing of labor agreements/contract language; and/or conducting meet and confers.
Experience in the public sector is 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 collective bargaining;
- Laws relating to labor relations with emphasis on California public sector laws, regulations and court decisions;
- Principles of organization and management;
- Research and data collection techniques;
- Communications techniques for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information;
- Methods of dispute resolution;
- Grievance procedures;
- Current labor relations practices, trends and major problems in the public sector;
- Some positions may require detailed knowledge of County of Santa Clara personnel and payroll systems;
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer applications related to the work.
Ability to:
- Successfully negotiate a labor agreement;
- 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 presentations;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with various labor organizations and management staff;
- Persuade and justify recommendations;
- Effectively advise and train County managers on matters related to Labor Relations;
- Reason logically and exercise sound judgment under pressure;
- Work effectively with considerable independence of action;
- Direct and conduct meetings and discussions.
Prior to advancement to the higher compensation levels of this class, incumbents must have demonstrated the following abilities:
- Chair County negotiating committees successfully negotiating comprehensive labor agreements with significant unique features;
- Develop and present cases to an arbitrator/hearing officer demonstrating proficiency and command of all aspects of the development and presentation;
- Perform research, analysis and evaluation of conflicting facts and evidence;
- Analyze and cost complex negotiating proposals and develop alternatives within general limits;
- Implement a labor-management agreement;
- Resolve a variety of labor-management disputes.
