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Program Manager - Labor Relations

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Program Manager - Labor Relations

Salary

$98,800.00 - $160,347.20 Annually

Location

390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2025-00228

Division

Regional Administration

Department

HR Labor Relations

Opening Date

08/25/2025

Closing Date

9/9/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

WHO WE ARE

We are theMetropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. (https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/The-Council-Who-We-Are.aspx)

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Human Resources works with all divisions of the Metropolitan Council to provide proactive solutions for the Council’s workforce needs in the areas of recruitment, labor relations, benefits, training, organizational development, occupational health, and wellness.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Program Manager - Labor Relationswill assist in the development and execution of strategic and tactical labor/employee strategies for assigned divisions within the Council. They will work closely with the division management team and HR peers to develop and execute labor relations and human resources strategies that align with business objectives. They will also promote effective working relationships within the organization and ensure the company's values, business principles, and behaviors are embedded into labor relations and HR policies and procedures.

This posting will establish a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

+ Provide day-to-day advice and counsel to division directors/managers, Human Resources staff, and business leaders on labor/employee relations matters to include contract/plan interpretation, grievance resolution, and other related matters

+ Serve as chief spokesperson for assigned units in contract negotiations and provide assistance to other chief spokespersons, as assigned

+ Participate with divisional management team in the development and implementation of labor relations strategies in bargaining and/or individual issues to ensure consistent approach and enhance the labor/management relationship

+ Prepare and present cases for labor arbitration; assist outside counsel when cases are referred externally

+ Maintain current knowledge of federal and state laws and advise on the effect to operations

+ Participate as contributing member of the Council's Labor Relations team to identify and maximize opportunities to create a unified approach to Council terms and conditions of employment

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations in completed education (degree field of study in Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Law, or related field) and experience (in the Labor Relations field for a company or agency, or as a representative for labor or management in the legal field within an industry or company):

+ High school diploma/GED with ten years of experience

+ Associate degree with eight years of experience

+ Bachelor's degree with six years of experience

+ Master's degree with four years of experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

+ Experience conducting employee investigations

+ Experience conducting arbitrations, including effectively preparing and presenting cases

+ Experience working in a human resources or labor relations role in a complex, multi-union environment

+ Experience serving as a chief spokesperson in union contract negotiations

+ Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have:

+ Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to labor relations and human resources management in the public sector

+ Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration

+ Knowledge of analytical processes and procedures

+ Knowledge of principles and practices of collective bargaining and labor contract administration

+ Knowledge of research methods, report-writing techniques, and statistical concepts and methods

+ Skilled in basic computer skills - word processing, spreadsheet, email, and document management

+ Skilled in intermediate math and statistics

+ Ability to understand, analyze, interpret, and act upon a variety of complex labor relations and human resources issues in accordance with applicable labor agreements, legal requirements, and policies

+ Ability to participate in the development of strategies to effectively manage negotiation and arbitration

+ Ability to conduct market analysis as part of a negotiation strategy

+ Ability to analyze labor contracts and grievance settlement proposals to identify the economic impact and precedence-setting implications

+ Ability to quickly establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, employees, co-workers, and labor representatives

+ Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

+ Ability to meet critical deadlines and make sound decisions under pressure

+ Ability to coach, organize, plan, lead, and manage

+ Ability to work independently as well as on a team

What you can expect from us:

+ We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

+ We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.

+ We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us! (http://metrocouncil.org/Employment/Making-A-Difference.aspx)

Additional information

Union/Grade:Non-represented/Grade J

FLSA Status:Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:

You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

+ We review your minimum qualifications.

+ We rate your education and experience.

+ We conduct a structured panel interview.

+ We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email [email protected].

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

+ Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund

+ Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan

+ Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%

+ Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

+ Well@Work clinic

+ bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year

+ parking at many job locations

+ fitness centers at many job locations

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important thatyour application shows all relevant education and experienceyou possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a cover letter, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

+ Yes

+ No

02

How did youfirsthear about this job opening?

+ CareerForce Center

+ Community Event/Organization

+ Employee Referral

+ Facebook

+ Glassdoor

+ Indeed

+ Job Fair

+ LinkedIn

+ Metro Transit Bus Advertisement

+ Twitter

+ Website: governmentjobs.com

+ Website: metrocouncil.org

+ Website: metrotransit.org

+ Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com

+ Other

03

If you selected "other," please describe where you first heard about this job. If you selected "employee referral," please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title.

04

Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.

+ High school diploma/GED AND ten or more years of experience in the Labor Relations field for a company or agency, or as a representative for labor or management in the legal field within an industry or company

+ Associate degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Law, or related field AND eight or more years of experience in the Labor Relations field for a company or agency, or as a representative for labor or management in the legal field within an industry or company

+ Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Law, or related field AND six or more years of experience in the Labor Relations field for a company or agency, or as a representative for labor or management in the legal field within an industry or company

+ Master's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Law, or related field AND four or more years of experience in the Labor Relations field for a company or agency, or as a representative for labor or management in the legal field within an industry or company

+ Some education in Labor Relations, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Law, or related field AND/OR some experience in the Labor Relations field for a company or agency, or as a representative for labor or management in the legal field within an industry or company, but less than the education/experience combinations above.

+ None of the above.

05

Please describe your labor relations experience including duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."

06

Please select the areas below with which you have work experience (select all that apply).

+ Conducting employee investigations

+ Conducting arbitrations, including effectively preparing and presenting cases

+ Working in a human resources or labor relations role in a complex, multi-union environment

+ Serving as a chief spokesperson in union contract negotiations

07

If you indicated in question #6 that you have experience conducting employee investigations, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."

08

If you indicated in question #6 that you have experience conducting arbitrations, including effectively preparing and presenting cases, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."

09

If you indicated in question #6 that you have experience working in a human resources or labor relations role in a complex, multi-union environment, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."

10

If you indicated in question #6 that you have experience serving as a chief spokesperson in union contract negotiations, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place, and the duration. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."

11

Describe your experience interpreting, analyzing, and advising on contract language and contract administration issues including, but not limited to, employee discipline including writing disciplinary letters, performance improvement plans, and policy review. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."

12

The work performed by a Labor Relations Specialist requires daily interaction and problem solving with individuals from a variety of diverse cultural and ethnic populations. Describe your work, training, volunteer, and/or life experiences that demonstrate your cultural competence in working with persons of diverse populations and learning or communication styles. Indicate the nature of your interactions with individuals from communities or cultures other than your own. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."

Required Question

Employer

Metropolitan Council

Address

390 Robert St. N.St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website

https://metrocouncil.org

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