Labor Relations Specialist

Distinguishing Features of Work

Strong labor relations create stronger organizations. As the Senior Human Resource Specialist – Labor Relations Specialist, you will serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership by fostering productive partnerships between management and represented employees. This strategic role leads collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance resolution, and labor relations initiatives for the City's labor agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Teamsters Transit, Teamsters Airport, and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• Interpret collective bargaining agreements
• Develop negotiation strategies
• Provide guidance on complex employment matters
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and employment laws

Workdays and Hours

Workdays and Hours - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Anticipated Starting Salary

Anticipated starting salary: $82,558 - $116,169 (based on experience and qualifications)

Bargaining Unit

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

Examples of Work Performed

• Provides human resource information as requested both inside and outside the organization.
• Researches and analyzes alternative program options for area of responsibility and/or as assigned.
• Develops and/or modifies programs and policies in response to legal requirements, organizational change, and labor market trends.
• Aids other divisions and departments in interpreting personnel policies and procedures; develops or revises personnel policies and procedures.
• Drafting of proposal language as part of the collective bargaining process.
• Provides interpretation and guidance to ensure compliance with contract provisions, wage laws, and standard regulations.
• Building positive, long-term relationships with labor and management.
• Managing the administration process for labor contracts including, but not limited to, negotiating key issues such as compensation rates, contract provisions, healthcare, wages, pensions, union requirements, and management guidelines.
• Managing the grievance process for investigation of claims and providing mediation to resolve conflicts and communication difficulties.
• Working with collective bargaining and negotiating with large groups to address worker complaints and apply policy appropriately.
• May supervise other professional or support staff.
• Completion of work assignments may require the operation of a vehicle.

Requirements of Work

• Considerable knowledge of principles of human resources management
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations affecting human resources practices
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret, and record information
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other Departments, representatives of outside agencies, and the public
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally, in writing, and/or by whatever creative means are necessary to cross communication barriers
• Researching skills are required to retrieve relevant data and analyze alternatives, offer recommendations, and impact outcomes
• Tactical communication skills are required to provide advice and counsel in difficult conflicts and disputes
• Management of grievance HRIS systems and process is critical to maintain efficient, ongoing administration
• May require ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others
• May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Experience and Training Required

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Employment Law, or Labor Relations
• Three years of professional experience administering labor relations programs, including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance investigation, and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements
• Three (3) years of experience preparing professional written documents and organizing multiple labor relations activities, including collective bargaining proposals, grievance responses, arbitration documentation, contract negotiations, policy implementation, and maintaining confidential records while meeting established deadlines
• Three (3) of experience using a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) or employee database system to maintain employee records, process personnel actions, track grievances, manage labor agreement information, or generate reports
• A valid driver’s license
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship

Preferred Experience and Training

• Three (3) years of experience administering multiple collective bargaining agreements simultaneously
• Three (3) years of experience conducting workplace investigations involving alleged violations of collective bargaining agreements or workplace policies