Labor Relations Specialist

Full Job Description

Perform advanced labor relations research and analysis under the direction of the Division Director, Labor Relations.

Provide professional assistance to address grievances, negotiate contracts, research arbitration issues, formulate collective bargaining and arbitration strategies, analyze compensation options, investigate contract disputes, and advise and consult on employment matters involving non-union employees, and to perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions.

Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Flexible Workplace:This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment.

Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy.

To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy

Requirements

1. Participate in the development of bargaining strategy including analysis of salary and benefit data, and serve as the chief spokesperson for assigned labor contract negotiations.
2. Obtain input, prepare data, and evaluate options related to County and union bargaining interest, issues, and position.
3. Draft contract and memorandum of understanding language, analytics and data reports, and labor relations communications.
4. Administer county labor contracts by advising departments on labor relations policy, applicable employment laws, contract interpretation, grievance resolution, and human resource rules and best practices.
5. Meet and confer with management and union representatives on labor relations concerns.
6. Represent the county in third step grievances.
7. Conduct research, assist in preparation of legal briefs and documentation, and prepare and present cases in grievance, arbitration, administrative and mediation proceedings.
8. Prepare materials and train managers, supervisors and service delivery partners on labor relation topics including negotiated contract changes and the impact on management responsibilities and systems or process configuration.
9. Participate on labor/management committees to foster positive labor/management relations and provide advice in resolving issues.
10. Advise on compliance with county policies and labor laws including National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Public Employment Labor Relations (PELRA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in consultation with human resources, county compliance and legal teams.
11. Advise county managers, supervisors, and human resources employees on employee discipline, performance matters, contract interpretation, and grievances; provide information and resolve problems involving Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) in relation to other personnel functions.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related area.

Experience: Four years of professional labor relations or human resources experience in a union environment equivalent to the Human Resources Business Partner.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Additional Information

The examination for Labor Relations Specialist will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire.

Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating.

The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions –do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response.

Please answer all your questions clearly and completely.

Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Labor Relations Specialist.

This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy.

Candidates will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first.

A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process.

Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process.

Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment.

Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought.

However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program.

This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment.

Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce.

The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees.

Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them.

Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: Crystal.Diaz@co.ramsey.mn.us