![Labor Relations Specialist](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_133/images/business-directory/ramsey_county.jpg)
The current vacancy is in the Human Resources department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
Perform advanced labor relations research and analysis under the direction of the Labor Relations Manager; as well as provide professional assistance to address grievances; serve as lead negotiator as assigned; research arbitration issues, formulate collective bargaining and arbitration strategies as part of the Labor Relations team, analyze compensation options; investigate contract disputes; and advise and consult on employment matters involving union and non-union employees; and perform related duties as assigned.
If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).
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.
Responsibilities
Examples of Work Performed
- 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.
- Develop negotiation strategies, in conjunction with the Human Resources Deputy Director, the Labor Relations Manager and representatives of affected departments.
- Seek and obtain input from county departments about issues and interests that may be the subject of future bargaining.
- Prepare data to evaluate options for addressing the interests of unions and the county, or to evaluate union or county positions in collective bargaining.
- Draft contract language.
- Administer county labor contracts by advising departments on labor relations policy, applicable labor laws, contract interpretation and grievance resolution.
- Meet and confer with management and union representatives on labor relations concerns.
- Represent the county in third step grievances.
- Conduct research and assist in preparation of legal briefs and other documents for arbitration or administrative proceedings.
- Prepare and present cases in grievance and interest arbitration and administrative and mediation proceedings.
- Develop and present labor relations training courses to management personnel.
- Prepare materials and train managers and supervisors on negotiated contract changes and the impact on management responsibilities.
- Meet with human resources staff to provide information and resolve problems involving collective bargaining agreements in relation to other personnel functions.
- Prepare reports on labor relation topics.
- Participate on labor/management committees to foster positive labor/management relations and provide advice in resolving issues.
- Consult with Human Resources departmental staff, and with county supervisors and managers, on issues of FLSA and ADA compliance.
- Advise county managers and supervisors on employee discipline and alternative ways of addressing employee performance matters.
- Advise managers, supervisors and employees regarding their rights and responsibilities under bargaining agreements, applicable labor laws, and human resource rules.
- Represent the county in grievance and interest arbitrations.
- Advise Human Resources Business Partners regarding contract interpretation, grievance handling, discipline, and performance management.
(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, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related area.
Experience: Four (4) years of professional labor relations or human resources experience in a union environment equivalent to the Human Resources Business Partners.
Substitution: A Master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of professional labor relations or human resources experience. A Juris Doctorate degree may substitute for up to three years of professional labor relations or human resources experience. Related experience can be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Preferred: Collective bargaining experience and/or public sector experience and arbitration presentation experience is preferred.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
- Training and Experience Rating = 100%
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 two month(s) or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.
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.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader). 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 Jessica.Damm@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County
Saint Paul, MN 55101
US