Labor Relations Analyst

The Human Resources Department has an opening in the Labor, Classification, and Compensation Division that will focus on negotiations, compensation analysis, employee relations and performance management.  The Labor Relations Analyst will also provide critical internal human resources consultation services to employees, department managers/directors, and City officials.  The successful candidate will have excellent analytical and people skills, as well as effective time management and attention to detail. 

**This full-time position is a non-represented, overtime exempt position.  A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.  Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  Please note that you cannot attach documents to your application after it has been submitted.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your online application, please call our office at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**
 

The selection process for this position will consist of the following:

-Written Exam

-Phone interview process to better determine skills and abilities

-Those most qualified will be invited to a panel interview

-Reference and background checks

This job posting is open until filled with a first review date of August 18th.

SALARY:

$7,201.00- 8,779.00 monthly; depending on experience

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Labor Relations Manager or designee, performs professional, analytical, and technical duties in labor relations, employee relations, and classification and compensation. The incumbent performs highly complex statistical and contract data analysis in support of labor negotiations; conducts independent research; participates in labor negotiations and contract administration; serves as the City’s management advocate in labor and employee relations matters; develops and maintains mutually trusting and collaborative labor and management relations; maintains the City’s classification and compensation system; maintains and deploys the City’s performance management system; and provides internal human resources consultation services to employees, department managers/directors, and City officials.

Work is characterized by professional-level, analytical Human Resources duties including, but are not limited to, the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and procedures in the areas of labor negotiations and employee relations; classification and compensation; and communication with City officials, departments, staff, and the public regarding a variety of labor relations and classification and compensation matters. While actual duties will vary from time to time, the analyst is responsible for performing work in any or all human resource areas as assigned, which may include labor relations and classification/compensation, benefits administration, recruitment, testing, selection and retention of City employees, and/or risk management.

Work is performed independently under limited supervision. The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, and effectiveness of results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide professional support in labor negotiations, participate in contract negotiations, conduct related research, and gather and analyze highly complex compensation and benefits surveys and statistical data.

Serve as the City’s advocate in labor/management relations matters and grievance resolution. Establish and maintain trust and positive relations with employees and labor groups.

Develop, analyze, and revise job and classification descriptions through multiple methods (interviews, documentation, job analysis, and research); prepare analytical reports to support recommendations; and assist in processing appeal requests as needed.

Provide internal consulting services relating to employee relations and performance; conduct investigations; provide mediation and conflict resolution guidance/services; conduct training on same topics.

Provide assistance in analyzing collective bargaining agreements and interpretation of intent, spirit, and terms of contract to counsel management in development and application of City policies and practices as needed.

Provide assistance in the development, implementation, administration, and review of personnel policies and procedures; performance management and evaluation tools and policies; and department/division goals and objectives.

Undertake special projects as assigned; ensure organizational charts are updated and accurate.

Communicate with and respond to a variety of inquiries and complaints from City personnel, the public, and other agencies.

Coordinate and oversee the City CDL program in conjunction with established guidelines. Provide training for personnel and maintain/update various manuals.

Actively support the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Chair/conduct/attend committee meetings as needed.

Serve as member of various City committees and task forces as assigned.

Perform related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Labor negotiations and contract administration procedures, practices, techniques, and applicable laws

• Job analysis, classification development, and organizational theory

• Wage and salary administration, surveys, and procedures

• Principles, practices, and tactics in conducting interviews and investigations

• City policies, procedures, structure, practices, and operating philosophy

• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances

• Current literature, trends, and developments in the field of Human Resource Management

• General operation of an automated payroll/human resources system

• Principles, policies, and procedures of development and maintenance of Citywide personnel records

• Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job

• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including personal computers and related software such as word processing and spreadsheet programs

BE SKILLED IN:

• Use of research and analytical methods, practices, and procedures to define and resolve issues

• Effective organization and expression of ideas through use of oral and written communications

• Effective use of interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

• Work effectively on several projects concurrently

• Add, subtract, multiply, divide; compute fractions, ratios, percentages, proportions; draw and interpret graphs and charts; and apply these concepts to practical situations

• Work independently and make decisions within broad guidelines

• Establish and maintain trust, confidence, and effective working relationships with co-workers, elected officials, managers, supervisors, employees, and the public

• Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse occupational and social-economic backgrounds

• Conduct legally-defensible personal investigations and ask appropriate and relevant questions

• Develop accurate and legally-defensible job classification descriptions and compensation recommendations

• Maintain confidentiality

• Respond to common inquiries or complaints from personnel, regulatory agencies, or the public

• Compose, proofread, and edit general correspondence, reports, contracts, grievance responses, personnel policies and procedures, etc.

• Read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, legal documents, operating and procedure manuals, general business periodicals, professional journals, government regulations, etc.

• Speak effectively and present information before groups of employees, managers, or officials

• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in public or business administration, human resources management, employment relations, psychology, or a related field; and

Experience: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible human resources experience at a professional level with labor relations, personnel classification, and compensation; and a familiarity with recruitment, promotion, testing, evaluation, personnel policy and procedures, and benefits administration.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) - Preferred

• Multi-lingual ability - highly desirable

• A minimum of one (1) year of professional labor relations experience is desired

MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer including spreadsheet, word processing software and automated payroll/human resource system, printers, telephone, fax and copy machines, calculator, and projector.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; talk; and hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; taste; and smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds with or without assistance.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in an office environment subject to frequent interruptions by walk-in applicants, employees, telephone calls, and inter-office activities; may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile; may be required to work evenings and weekends to accommodate meetings and meet project deadlines; and may be required to travel to different sites to attend/conduct meetings. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.