Become a Labor Relations Specialist

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

Classes in this series are involved in representing State management under the Ralph C. Dills Act during all phases of the collective bargaining process by preparing for and participating in negotiations, impasse resolution, and contract administration activities. Work performed by incumbents in this series is typically confidential. Labor Relations Series work is clearly distinguishable from general personnel management work. Positions performing general personnel management duties a majority of the time or labor relations work on a less than full-time basis during periods of collective bargaining are appropriately allocated to general personnel management classifications. 

Labor Relations Specialist

Positions at the Labor Relations Analyst and Specialist levels have responsibility for activities such as making recommendations to State management and advising management on making a determination regarding interpretation and application of provisions of labor agreements; ensuring State compliance with laws, policies, and labor agreements; investigating, recommending, and/or making decisions regarding disposition of grievances arising out of labor agreement administration, or grievances filed outside of the labor agreements; developing training programs for supervisory/management staff regarding State labor relations policies and proper practices in grievance handling or other areas of labor-management relations; researching and reporting on labor relations matters; participating in the development of State positions on matters within the scope of bargaining; providing assistance to task force studies on labor relations matters; and analyzing legislation, case law, and administrative regulations in the field of labor relations.

Positions allocated to the Specialist class are distinguished from Analyst positions by increased complexity, independence, authority, and responsibilities.

 

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$6,963 - $8,650 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Either I
One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties equivalent to those of a Labor Relations Analyst, Range B. (Applicants who have completed six months of service performing the duties of a Labor Relations Analyst, Range B, will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)

Or II
Three years of responsible analytical experience in one or a combination of the following types of employer-employee relations work:

1. Resolution of grievances arising under labor agreements; or
2. Negotiation or preparation of labor agreements; or
3. Conciliation, mediation, or arbitration of labor disputes; or
4. Consultation, meet and confer, and resolution of conflict in public sector employer-employee relations; or
5. Administration or investigation and settlement of violation complaints in regard to State or Federal labor management relations laws.

And
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from a recognized four-year accredited college or university. (Qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

(Either 18 quarter units or 12 semester units from an accredited college level labor relations curriculum, or 45 quarter units or 30 semester units of graduate work in public administration, industrial relations, psychology, law, political science, or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:
General principles, practices, and trends of labor-management relations, public administration, human resources, or business administration; research and data collection techniques; communication techniques for gathering, evaluating, and transmitting information; and English language such as proper punctuation, grammar, the meaning and spelling of words, pronunciation of words, and rules of composition in order to effectively communicate in writing and verbally to others. And the collective bargaining process in the private or public sectors; principles of management rights, representation rights, and unfair practices; State and Federal labor law applicable to the public sector; the principles and scope of collective bargaining; standard negotiating strategies, tactics, and impasse procedures; grievance handling procedures; data sources pertaining to public sector employer-employee relations; and the personnel management system of the State.

Ability to:
Read, analyze, and logically interpret and apply appropriate laws, rules, regulations, memoranda of understanding, policies, procedures, and instructions; plan, organize, and conduct research, and investigatory and statistical work; reason logically, analyze situations, and develop and evaluate alternatives and take effective action; accurately secure, evaluate, analyze, and record facts; prepare clear and succinct reports, graphs, correspondence, and statistical reports; comprehend written material; communicate effectively verbally and/or in writing; consult and advise interested parties; use good judgment and make sound decisions in critical situations; establish and maintain cooperative relations and gain confidence with those contacted in the work environment; and handle stressful and/or sensitive situations with tact and labor-management diplomacy. And work effectively with all levels of management; interpret and apply labor law and labor agreement provisions; develop training programs in employer-employee relations for management; obtain, analyze, evaluate, and apply data such as labor statistics and cost figures; research and write reports; communicate effectively; use good judgment and make sound decisions in critical situations; and handle stressful or sensitive situations with tact and labor-management diplomacy. 

 

The CAL FIRE Examination Unit is not accepting exam applications at this time. Please check back periodically to see when the next exam bulletin is released.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!