Labor Relations Specialist Confidential SY 2026-27 (NBOE)

About the role

Under direction, assists management in labor contract negotiations and performs work involved in contract administration; does other related duties as required. Reports to Department Head. Position is governed by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission; appointed as provisional employee pending Civil Service Commission examination for permanent status. Union Affiliation: Non‑Affiliated.

Responsibilities

• Prepares management proposal and counter proposals with negotiating unions.
• Studies and interprets collective bargaining agreements and current labor market conditions to assist in establishing policies and operating procedures.
• Provides assistance to management in contract negotiations and conciliation and arbitration procedures.
• Reviews labor contracts to ensure management adheres to contract specifications.
• Confers with department heads, labor representatives, and employees to resolve grievances.
• Prepares summary and statistical reports of employee grievances and settlements.
• Participates in informational programs to effect cooperation and coordination in union‑management relations.
• Learns to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Performs other duties and tasks assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education (30 semester hour credits = 1 year of relevant experience):

• Seven (7) years of professional experience in labor management relations or as a union and industrial relations representative involving employer‑employee relations, contract negotiations, and collective bargaining.
• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of the above‑mentioned professional experience.

Professional experience is work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.

License: A driver's license valid in New Jersey is required only if vehicle operation (rather than employee mobility) is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Skills

• Knowledge of public personnel administration.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and their application to specific cases after training.
• Knowledge of problems encountered in analyzing public personnel matters and developing a labor relations program and procedures.
• Knowledge of theory, practices, and procedures of personnel and public administration.
• Knowledge of problems encountered in establishing and maintaining effective labor‑management relations, contract negotiations, and collective bargaining.
• Ability to apply, interpret, and read provisions of laws relating to personnel and labor‑management relations and related rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to apply laws to specific cases.
• Ability to apply, interpret, and read financial, personnel, and technical problems involved in developing and executing a labor relations program and procedures.
• Ability to work harmoniously with associates and other groups/individuals engaged in or concerned with public employment work.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position (American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered acceptable).
• Individuals with mental or physical disabilities are eligible provided they can perform essential functions after reasonable accommodation; accommodation not required if it would cause undue hardship.

Pay

Salary Range: $68,472 - $89,016

Schedule

Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months