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Labor Relations Specialist II

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Labor Relations Specialist II

Salary

$137,820.80 - $176,488.00 Annually

Location

CA, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

01904-E

Division

Human Resources

Unit

Labor Relations & Equal Employment Office

Opening Date

06/27/2025

Closing Date

8/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Description

Overview:

Champion Collaborative Solutions – Empower Positive Change at Valley Water

At Valley Water, we believe that strong labor relations are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. As a Labor Relations Specialist II, you will play a key role in supporting our employee-employer relations program, helping to foster a fair, respectful, and high-performing workplace.

In this role, you will assist the Labor Relations Program Administrator and Labor Relations Assistant Officer in delivering a comprehensive and proactive labor relations strategy. You will provide expert guidance to staff and bargaining unit representatives, support contract administration, process grievances, assist in disciplinary actions, and promote effective labor-management relationships.

Our Commitment:

We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:

Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Initial review of application to be completed by 07/20/2025.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

+ Coordinate and conduct labor relations investigations, including investigatory meetings and detailed written reports; develop analyses and draft confidential communications.

+ Interpret and apply MOUs, policies, procedures, regulations, and labor laws to ensure consistent and compliant application across the organization.

+ Serve as a key point of contact for Valley Water management, providing guidance on performance management, disciplinary matters, and grievance resolution; collaborate with bargaining units to proactively resolve concerns.

+ Develop and maintain labor relations data reports to identify trends and training opportunities; make informed recommendations and deliver training to staff.

+ Partner with internal HR units including EEO, Talent Acquisition & Career Pathways, Workforce Development, Recruitment, and Total Rewards to align labor strategies with broader HR goals.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in:

+ Conducting workplace investigations with a strong understanding of labor/union contracts.

+ Interpreting and applying MOUs, state and federal labor regulations, and employment law.

+ Advising and coaching managers and supervisors on employee and labor relations matters.

+ Supporting MOU negotiations through research, data analysis, and documentation using tools like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

+ Handling sensitive issues with the highest level of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism.

+ Researching workforce and compensation trends and translating findings into actionable insights.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills.

+ Excellent judgment, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

+ Ability to navigate complex employee relations matters with tact and professionalism.

+ Proven ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders including bargaining units, staff, and leadership.

+ Conflict resolution and mediation expertise with a customer-focused approach.

+ Flexibility and adaptability in managing dynamic and sensitive work environments.

Ideal Knowledge:

+ Public sector employee relations principles and practices.

+ Union/labor contract administration and negotiation processes.

+ Applicable state and federal labor and employment laws.

+ Grievance procedures and dispute resolution methods.

+ The role and function of unions in the public sector workplace.

+ Investigative methodologies and best practices for employee relations cases.

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in:

+ Human Resources Management

+ Organizational Development

+ Industrial/Organizational Psychology

+ Public or Business Administration

+ Or a related field.

Substitution:

Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.

Required License or Certificate

To review the Classification Specification, please clickhere (https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/valleywater.org.us-west-1/s3fs-public/Labor%20Relations%20Specialist%20I-II%20-%205-2019.pdf)

Labor Relations Unit (Position Code 874)

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite, after completion of the probationary period (one year).

Selection Process

Initial review of application to be completed by 07/20/2025.

(1) The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, application assessment, performance exercise, written exercise and/or interview.

(2) The Employment Application, Qualifying Information Questions and/or Supplemental Questions will be evaluated based on the ideal candidate criteria listed above. Resumes are highly recommended.

NOTE: Position and start date is subject to availability of funds. Valley Water retains the right to repost this position as deemed necessary.

Consideration may be given to existing applicant pools within the same classification.

Valley Water's Equal Opportunity Non-Discrimination Policy is available for review upon request.

Valley Water will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources in advance of any special needs by calling 408-630-2260.

Please be aware that once submitted all application materials become the property of Valley Water and will not be returned. Human Resources staff are not authorized to make copies of application materials for applicants.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District, now known as Valley Water, offers a comprehensive benefit package including, vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, EAP, life and disability insurance. In addition, Valley Water participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). To view a summary of benefits, clickhere (https://www.valleywater.org/benefits)

01

I acknowledge that I have entered my Work Experience and Education on the employment application, and I am aware these are required fields. If they are not completed, the application is considered incomplete, and I will be disqualified as an applicant for the position.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please answer the supplemental questions thoroughly, clearly, and concisely as the responses provided (along with the application) will be carefully reviewed to determine which candidates will move forward in the recruitment process. I have read this information and am aware of the importance of responses to the supplemental questions.

+ Yes

+ No

03

Please indicate your work experience as a human resource professional with responsibility for advising management on employee and labor relations matters, including participation on management negotiation teams.

+ None to 5 years

+ 5+ years or more

04

Please indicate your highest degree of education achieved.

05

Do you have experience with the meet and confer process and MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) negotiations?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Please describe your experience conducting investigations, and what has been your role?

07

Please describe your experience participating in or leading meet and confer sessions with employee organizations. What was your role, and how did you ensure the process remained productive and compliant with applicable labor laws?

08

Can you describe the types of written communications you have been responsible for in your labor relations work? How do you ensure your messaging is clear, accurate, and appropriate for the intended audience?

09

Can you describe your experience handling employee grievances? What was your role in the process, and how did you ensure the matter was addressed in a fair, timely, and contract-compliant manner?

10

Please list the full name of the regular/permanent Valley Water employee who referred you to this position (only one name will be accepted, so if multiple are listed, the first name provided will be documented as the referring employee). If this does not apply to you, write "N/A".

11

Employment with Valley Water requires employees to take an Oath as a Disaster Service Worker within California and to live within 150 miles of Valley Water Headquarters in San Jose, California by the start date. Valley Water does not cover relocation costs. If you live further than 150 miles from Valley Water Headquarters, please discuss your willingness to relocate if offered the position. If this does not apply to you, write "N/A".

Required Question

Employer

Santa Clara Valley Water District (CA)

Address

5750 Almaden Expressway

San Jose, California, 95118

Phone

1-408-630-2260

Website

https://www.valleywater.org

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