Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Location: 415 Silver Ave SW
Close Date: August 31, 2026

About the role

As a senior member of the employee relations team, this position functions as a subject matter expert in labor relations. Key responsibilities include union contract administration, grievance handling, and labor negotiations. This role also contributes to the strategic development of employee relations practices and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and collective bargaining agreements.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, gather, and analyze information to ensure employment actions comply with County policies, applicable laws, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Assist with administrative investigations involving employee conduct and ethics as assigned by Human Resources Labor Relations.
• Support the development and revision of the employee relations framework, recommending improvements to policies and practices.
• Maintain an organized case management system; generate analytics and metrics for data-driven reporting.
• Advise managers and employees on employment matters, including policies, performance management, coaching, hiring, and disciplinary actions.
• Maintain disciplinary and grievance files for the Labor/Employee Relations Section.
• Conduct advanced research and investigations; recommend effective solutions for labor relations matters.
• Enter data related to random and post-accident drug testing into the LaborSoft database.
• Enter and manage unemployment claim data within the LaborSoft database.
• Research and draft new or revised employment policies to ensure legal compliance and alignment with County standards.
• Deliver training to managers and staff on policies and best practices.
• Apply advanced knowledge of union contract administration, including grievance handling and contract negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with labor relations laws such as the NLRA, Title VII, NMHRA, ADA, FMLA, and others.
• Generate reports related to terminations, grievances, and other labor-related activities.
• Prepare statistical reports and respond to inquiries related to labor and employee relations.
• Coordinate confidential inquiries and public records requests with other HR sections.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings regarding employee or labor relations with department leaders and HR Labor Relations.
• Prepare written communications, conduct research, and deliver presentations on employee and labor relations topics to ensure programs reflect current best practices.
• Handle confidential records and information with discretion and in compliance with County confidentiality policies.

The above information outlines the general nature and scope of duties for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of related work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.

Benefits

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy many benefits, including:

• Generous leave accruals
• Career development opportunities
• Remote and flex-work options as appropriate
• Longevity pay
• Education assistance program
• Health benefits
• Lucrative retirement options

Pay

$54,018.00 - $85,363.00

Screening and Compliance

• Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination.
• Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
• Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position.
• Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.

Working Conditions

• Essential job duties are performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment.
• Primary work surface is even, dry, carpeted or tiled floor.
• Works alone primarily, with or without directions; works with a group or team at times.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials

• Equipment typically used includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
• Materials and products handled include logs, spreadsheets, graphs, pie charts, writing utensils, safety manuals, rules and regulations, and various office forms.