Labor Relations Representative
Apply NowCompany: County of Santa Clara, CA
Location: San Jose, CA 95123
Description:
Salary : $135,678.40 - $162,826.56 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-C18-A
Department: Employee Services Agency
Division: Labor Relations
Opening Date: 02/25/2025
Closing Date: 3/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 93
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.
The County of Santa Clara is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Representative (Classification: Labor Relations Representative). This position will perform professional level labor relations duties including contract negotiations and administration, grievance handling, guiding departments on disciplinary actions, dispute resolution, training and research, and advising County departments on employee performance management. The ideal candidate will have an extensive background in California public sector labor negotiations, preferably including substantial experience representing management interests. They will have a strong understanding of the techniques of public sector collective bargaining under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA), as well as knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) status, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across a large organization and with labor organizations.
Typical Tasks
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:
The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more
The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.
In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.
Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.
Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.
Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.
Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.
Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.
NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.
Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01
Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?
02
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
03
How many years of professional-level analytical experience in the field of labor relations or human resources do you have? 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.
04
Describe your professional-level analytical experience 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; contract interpretation, responding to grievances, conducting personnel investigations, advising managers on performance and disciplinary actions, and/or conducting meet and confers. and/or conducting meet and confers.
Responses must include the following required information:
- Your job title(s)
- Start/end date(s)
- Hours worked per week
- Detailed description of tasks performed.
If none, type N/A.
05
What percentage of the time did you spend working in the following areas: Labor Relations, Human Resources, or other related areas. Percentage of time must total 100%.If none, type N/A.
06
Describe your experience in the field of labor relations as a representative of a public agency, a private company, or an employee organization. In your response, include the name of each agency or employee organization, your specific role and responsibilities, and the number and complexity level of the matters you handled.If none, type N/A.
07
Describe your knowledge and experience with interpreting California and Federal laws relating to employment and labor relations including MMBA, FMLA, CFRA, ADA, and FEHA. If none, type N/A.
08
Describe your experience in developing training materials and in training others in matters related to labor relations. Please include the specific topics trained.If none, type N/A.
09
Describe your experience and role in preparing and presenting grievances or discipline cases before an arbitrator, civil service commission, or hearing officer. In your response, describe how many times you have personally prepared and presented cases, the type and complexity level of the cases, and if you have prepared post-hearing briefs.If none, type N/A.
10
What is your experience in the creation of original labor contract language? Include examples. If none, type N/A.
11
Describe your experience in implementing the terms of a labor agreement and administering a labor contract.If none, type N/A.
12
Describe your experience in costing bargaining proposals, including factors you considered.If none, type N/A.
13
Describe your role (committee member, official note-taker, researcher, or chief spokesperson) and responsibilities in labor contract negotiations. In your response, provide how many times you have participated in labor contract negotiations, the bargaining units you have negotiated with, your role in each negotiation, the make-up of the bargaining unit, e.g., law enforcement, blue-collar, professional, etc., and how many employees were covered by the labor contracts you have personally negotiated.If none, type N/A.
14
In an average month, what were the number and types of disciplinary actions you were responsible for investigating and/or originating?If none, type N/A.
15
In an average month, what were the number and types of grievances you were responsible for investigating and/or originating?If none, type N/A.
16
How did you find out about this job?
17
If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify. If not, type N/A.
Required Question
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-C18-A
Department: Employee Services Agency
Division: Labor Relations
Opening Date: 02/25/2025
Closing Date: 3/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 93
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.
The County of Santa Clara is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Representative (Classification: Labor Relations Representative). This position will perform professional level labor relations duties including contract negotiations and administration, grievance handling, guiding departments on disciplinary actions, dispute resolution, training and research, and advising County departments on employee performance management. The ideal candidate will have an extensive background in California public sector labor negotiations, preferably including substantial experience representing management interests. They will have a strong understanding of the techniques of public sector collective bargaining under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA), as well as knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) status, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across a large organization and with labor organizations.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more
The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.
In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.
Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.
Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.
Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.
Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.
Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.
NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.
Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01
Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?
- Yes
- No
02
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
- None
- High School or GED equivalent
- College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
- College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
- College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
- College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
- College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctoral Degree
03
How many years of professional-level analytical experience in the field of labor relations or human resources do you have? 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.
- None
- Less than one year
- One to less than two years
- Two to less than three years
- Three to less than four years
- Four to less than five years
- Five to less than six years
- Six to less than seven years
- Seven to less than eight years
- Eight or more years
04
Describe your professional-level analytical experience 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; contract interpretation, responding to grievances, conducting personnel investigations, advising managers on performance and disciplinary actions, and/or conducting meet and confers. and/or conducting meet and confers.
Responses must include the following required information:
- Your job title(s)
- Start/end date(s)
- Hours worked per week
- Detailed description of tasks performed.
If none, type N/A.
05
What percentage of the time did you spend working in the following areas: Labor Relations, Human Resources, or other related areas. Percentage of time must total 100%.If none, type N/A.
06
Describe your experience in the field of labor relations as a representative of a public agency, a private company, or an employee organization. In your response, include the name of each agency or employee organization, your specific role and responsibilities, and the number and complexity level of the matters you handled.If none, type N/A.
07
Describe your knowledge and experience with interpreting California and Federal laws relating to employment and labor relations including MMBA, FMLA, CFRA, ADA, and FEHA. If none, type N/A.
08
Describe your experience in developing training materials and in training others in matters related to labor relations. Please include the specific topics trained.If none, type N/A.
09
Describe your experience and role in preparing and presenting grievances or discipline cases before an arbitrator, civil service commission, or hearing officer. In your response, describe how many times you have personally prepared and presented cases, the type and complexity level of the cases, and if you have prepared post-hearing briefs.If none, type N/A.
10
What is your experience in the creation of original labor contract language? Include examples. If none, type N/A.
11
Describe your experience in implementing the terms of a labor agreement and administering a labor contract.If none, type N/A.
12
Describe your experience in costing bargaining proposals, including factors you considered.If none, type N/A.
13
Describe your role (committee member, official note-taker, researcher, or chief spokesperson) and responsibilities in labor contract negotiations. In your response, provide how many times you have participated in labor contract negotiations, the bargaining units you have negotiated with, your role in each negotiation, the make-up of the bargaining unit, e.g., law enforcement, blue-collar, professional, etc., and how many employees were covered by the labor contracts you have personally negotiated.If none, type N/A.
14
In an average month, what were the number and types of disciplinary actions you were responsible for investigating and/or originating?If none, type N/A.
15
In an average month, what were the number and types of grievances you were responsible for investigating and/or originating?If none, type N/A.
16
How did you find out about this job?
- Contacted by County Recruiter
- Virtual Job Fair
- In Person Job Fair
- In-Person Networking Professional Event
- Virtual Networking Event
- Community Event
- Glassdoor
- Governmentjobs.com
- Professional Association
- Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
- Hospital Website: SCVMC, O'Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website
- Contacted by a Recruitment Firm
- Handshake
- Student Career Center
- County Text Message
- County Career Newsletter
- Other (Specify in the next question)
- County Employee Referral
- County of Santa Clara Career Website
- County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
- Indeed
17
If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify. If not, type N/A.
Required Question