Employee and Labor Relations Representative - King County : Job Details

King County Parks has an exciting opportunity for an Employee & Labor Relations Representative who will play a critical role in navigating complex situations dealing with employee and labor relations. In this role, you will be a trusted advisor and partner to key leaders and will have the ability to influence and make large-scale impacts to some of the most crucial decision making, policy making, and bargaining in the Division.

About the Role:

This role will be an essential partner to Parks Division employees and leaders as part of the Human Resources team. The Employee and Labor Relations Representative will be involved with representing the division in labor negotiations and Collective Bargaining Agreements. This role will also be a central point of contact for managers and supervisors as an advisor for complex employee relations matters and as a resource of support and guidance for performance and labor relations.

This position performs work remotely and onsite.

About the Team:

The Parks Human Resources team plays a vital role in shaping a positive, inclusive, and professional workplace by partnering with staff and leaders across the division to manage and administer employee-centered policies and procedures. Committed to delivering accurate, timely information and connecting employees with essential resources, the team supports the entire organization in navigating current and future workforce needs. While driving efficiency and delivering high-quality service, the Parks HR team also values and models a healthy work-life balance. Backed by strong support from Parks leadership, HR is seen as a trusted, active partner in all areas of our work.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As an Employee & Labor Relations Representative, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment atApply now for a rewarding career at theParks Divisionof King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training,comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Guide and advise supervisors and managers on sensitive employee relations matters, including employee investigations, performance management and progressive discipline.
• Act as the primary respondent on behalf of the division for labor grievances; serve as the process owner and advises on avenues of resolution.
• Serve as a representative of the Division/Department in bargaining with labor unions.
• Interprets and provides guidance on matters involving collective bargaining agreements.

Qualifications You Bring:

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic communications, counsel, and advice to management and other county partners, especially regarding employee relations or labor relations.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of labor law, labor relations, collective bargaining practices, and contract interpretation.
• Demonstrated experience managing and leading investigations for complex employee relations issues.
• Ability to effectively multitask and handle complex, multilayered issues with competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Advanced proficiency in written and verbal communications.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications.

Competencies You Bring:

• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Balances Stakeholders: Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Manages Conflict: Handling conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Public sector experience in environments with large, unionized workforces.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and potentially litigious workplace issues.
• Knowledge and multi-year experience within the field of human resources and labor relations.
• Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with internal and external customers and clients.
• A commitment to upholding and embodying the principles of equity and social justice through work and actions.
• Demonstrated advanced skills in planning, problem-solving, and analytical work.
• Demonstrated ability and experience working independently in a remote environment, including the coordination and facilitation of Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings.

Working Conditions:

• Remote and Onsite Work Details:Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements typicallythree to five (3-5) times a month. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly. Onsite reporting locations may be at various King County worksites including the collaboration space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104).
• Remote Work Location Requirement:Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
• Union Representation:This position is not represented by a union.

Application and Selection Process:

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all background to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume (PDF format)

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Crystal Yost at [email protected].

Discover More About the Parks Division:Visit our website and check us out atFacebook, Twitter, Instagram andFlickr.Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website,explore aninteractive mapof our recent accomplishments and check us out atFacebook,X (formerly Twitter),LinkedIn,TikTok,Instagram,YouTubeandKeeping King County Green News.Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resourcescategory for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference?Come join the teamdedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our True North , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.