LABOR & EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST - STAFF-SR

Grade Level: 52-53 | Department: Human Resources

Starting Salary: $70,100 – $108,176 (commensurate with experience)

About the Role

The Labor & Employee Relations Specialist supports day-to-day labor and employee relations activities and partners closely with the Labor & Employee Relations Manager to provide consistent case management, contract administration, and advisory support. This role primarily handles routine to complex investigations involving harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and retaliation; manages grievances governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement; assists with arbitration preparation; supports negotiation cycle activities; and maintains accurate case documentation and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manages grievance intake, documentation, meeting coordination, and follow-up actions; draft summaries and maintain case files in accordance with timelines and standards.
• Manages complex investigations by planning, gathering documents, preparing interview outlines, summarizing notes, and tracking corrective action steps under manager direction.
• Assist with arbitration preparation by organizing exhibits, compiling records, coordinating schedules, and supporting witness/evidence logistics.
• Receive, triage, and resolve routine employee relations concerns (e.g., attendance, conduct, policy questions) using standard tools and guidance; escalate higher-risk matters.
• Coach managers on documentation, feedback, progressive discipline and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).
• Assist with preparation for each contract term by organizing proposals, maintaining bargaining documentation, capturing meeting notes, and supporting costing/data requests.
• Develop, revise, and oversee workplace policies (conduct, attendance, remote work, social media, AI use) to ensure consistent application.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to managers and partners on CBA provisions and policies.
• Coordinate training logistics, maintain training materials, and deliver portions of training (as assigned) to reinforce consistent practices.
• Maintain case records in the investigation/case management system; support digital evidence collection and retention; run standard reports and assist with trend analysis.
• Partner with Legal and Compliance on high-risk matters to mitigate litigation risk and ensure defensible processes, thorough documentation, and effective support for bargaining strategy, ULPs, arbitrations, NLRB matters, information requests, and election campaigns.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Human Resources, Labor Relations or a related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• 3 to 5 years or more of relevant experience required; level will be determined based on total years of experience.

Skills

• Demonstrated experience supporting employee relations and/or labor relations work, including documentation, case tracking, and support for complex investigations.
• Working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and/or HR policies, with the ability to apply guidance consistently and escalate issues when appropriate.
• Ability to identify systemic employee relations issues, recommend policy or process improvements, and support culture-related initiatives.
• Basic knowledge of bargaining strategy, economic costing, and scenario planning, with the ability to track contract renewals and support pattern bargaining activities.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare case notes, summaries, and correspondence with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, including the appropriate management of digital evidence.
• Proficiency in using case management systems, HRIS, or investigation tools, and in producing standard reports.

About Us

El Paso Electric (EPE) is a regional energy provider that is engaged in generation, transmission, and distribution service to power approximately 460,000 customers in a 10,000-square mile area of the Rio Grande Valley in west Texas and southern New Mexico. We invite you to visit epelectric.com to learn more about EPE and our strategic initiatives.