Website California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Position Summary:
Under the general direction of the Department’s Labor Relations Manager, the Labor Relations Specialist, with a high degree of independence, performs the full range of labor relations duties concerning labor relations matters under the Ralph C. Dills Act
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for representing the Department during negotiations with labor organizations for assigned bargaining units. Including the identification and analysis of pertinent issues.
- Responsible for determining the impact of all bargaining proposals on the Department’s operations.
- Initiate and coordinate the analysis of bargaining proposals with respect to their impact on the Department’s policies, practices and procedures with specific emphasis to cost and operational efficiency.
- Identifies potential cost items and provides cost estimates as necessary.
- Represents the Department as a member of the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) bargaining team during statewide negotiations on labor contracts for assigned bargaining units. Typically, consultation regarding specific bargaining proposals or course of action.
- In preparation for bargaining, consults with the Department’s managers and supervisors to develop the Department’s position on bargaining issues.
- Research and prepare management positions to be presented as proposals during negotiations.
- Serve as a member on committees that are assigned to evaluate proposals or employee relations issues.
- Conducts complex studies; analyze work force demographics, hour and payroll data; develop contract proposals, and meet with management during the course of negotiating an agreement.
- Serve as lead in departmental implementation of new or revised terms and conditions of employment.
- Under delegated authority, conduct departmental meet and confer sessions as chief negotiator for the Department, on matters affecting employee terms and conditions of employment.
- Includes preparation, coordination, and implementation of negotiated items and agreements.
- Provides consultation on contract interpretations and implementation to management including compliance with state laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures.
- Facilitates the Department’s implementation of and compliance with the collective bargaining agreements.
- This is accomplished through a combination of written and verbal contract interpretations including management briefings, policy, procedures, and training.
- In training sessions and during discussions, provides direction, guidance, and assistance to managers and supervisors on issues pertaining to contract interpretation and compliance
- Independently conduct third level grievance investigations on behalf of the Director for assigned bargaining units and prepare responses to the grievances on behalf of the Director.
- Investigate grievances utilizing appropriate staff when necessary and meet with the union representative/grievance to discuss the issues involved and to facilitate all required actions.
- Must be aware of potential precedent setting decisions that could impact the State and its bargaining position.
- Provide advice and instruction when requested or required to supervisors and managers regarding lower level grievance responses and complaints.
- Conduct grievance settlement meetings with grievant(s) and/or exclusive representatives or meet and discuss sessions with the exclusive representatives to facilitate workable alternatives on a variety of labor relations issues.
- Develop the theory of cases appealed to arbitration and coordinate witness preparation and testimony and testify as a witness when necessary.
- Interpret contract language and represent the Department as it relates to the decision either in meetings with CalHR or before an arbitrator. “Review and make recommendations regard post hearing briefs; testify before Board of Adjustment. Negotiate settlements when appropriate.
- Work directly with CalHR attorney responsible for representing the Department in arbitration hearings, initial settlement discussions with labor union representatives at informal settlement conference labor charge hearings, and formal hearings for assigned bargaining units.
- Develop and conduct training for Department supervisors and managers on topics such as contract administration, grievance and complaint handling, employee-employer relations techniques, union release time bank, and the statewide substance abuse policy.
Required Education & Experience:
- Occasional travel of up to 5% may be required. This travel may be local or statewide and may result in overnight stays.