Labor Relations Supervisor

*This job bulletin may be closed any time after ten (10) days from the date of issuance if sufficient qualified applications are received. Therefore, it is important to submit your application as soon as possible.

Important: Each completed application must include answers to the Supplemental Questions listed below. Applications without the required supplement will be rejected. Résumés will not be accepted in lieu of answers to the questions.

Under general direction of the Human Resources Manager responsible for Employee Relations, the Labor Relations Supervisor is responsible for the labor relations function and serves as the VTA resource and advocate in arbitrations and other formal hearings before neutral hearing officers or administrative law judges.
REQUIREMENTS
Submit proof of any education above high school level that you list on your application.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to:

·A four-year degree from an accredited college or university with major work in public or business administration, human resources, labor relations or a closely related field: and
·Several years of experience in the administration of a collective bargaining agreement(s), including representing management in discussions/negations with labor representatives, administration of disciplinary processes under a collective bargaining agreement, interpretation and administration of the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, grievance administration and resolution, and conducting grievance and/or arbitration hearings. At least three years of experience must be at the supervisory level, with at least two of the years at the supervisory level in labor relations.
·Attainment of experience in a large public agency is preferred.
·Graduate study in public administration, business administration, law, or a related field is desired.
·Two years of law school may be substituted for the two years of supervisory experience in labor relations.

Knowledge of:
·Federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to public agencies in the areas of labor relations;
·Modern complex legal principles, practices, and procedures of labor and administrative law, including arbitration rules and procedures and collective bargaining procedures; and State, and federal court procedures;
·Public sector employee relations, typical provisions of collective bargaining agreements and public employee labor laws;
·Established legal precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to VTA operations;
·Techniques for investigating, analyzing, and resolving employee grievances;
·Collaborative problem solving;
·Principles and practices of public personnel administration, management analysis, organization, budget, and communication;
·Principles of supervision, training, motivation, performance evaluation, and discipline.

Ability to:
·Conduct research; prepare and present advocacy materials in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing;
·Prepare and present arguments clearly, persuasively, and logically;
·Interpret and apply laws, rules, policies, contracts, and guidelines related to VTA affairs;
·Establish and maintain effective working relationships with labor organizations and associations, employees at all levels in a large, complex organization and other advocates and attorneys as well as local officials and the general public;
·Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
·Take initiative, reason logically, and be creative in developing and introducing new ideas; use initiative and good judgment;
·Define problem areas and evaluate, recommend, and implement alternative solutions to complex issues and problems;
·Work effective under stressful situations involving confrontation and conflict;
·Persuade, justify, and project the consequences of decisions and/or recommendations;
·Select, supervise, train, motivate, assign, evaluate, counsel, and discipline staff;
·Effectively supervise subordinate staff;
·Meet deadlines.

Supplemental Questions
Please provide written responses to the questions below and attach to your application. Following evaluation of applications and responses to the supplemental questions, those applicants deemed most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process.

1.Please describe your prior experience in labor negotiations. Be specific about the amount of experience you possess and detail your specific role in supporting the negotiations. Discuss the number of contract negotiations that you supported and detail the outcomes of each set of negotiations.
2.Describe your experience in supervising employees, identify the number, job title(s), and levels of employees supervised. Discuss your supervisory style, including examples of how you motivated and disciplined employees and the outcomes of each of these actions.
3.Describe your experience in working with labor organizations and management to resolve disputes while maintaining positive work relationships. Describe your experience and specific role in the resolution of grievance.
4.Describe the extent of your experience in the arbitration process. Please detail your specific role in each of the arbitrations in which you were involved.
5.Describe your experience and approach in advising progressive levels of management regarding labor relations issues.

Examination
The examination will include one or more of the following parts: application appraisal, supplemental screening, written examination, oral examination, and/or performance test.

VTA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any applicant requiring special assistance for testing should notify the Employee Services Department if accommodation is required. Documentation will be required for those requesting accommodation.

Applicants for employment must be willing to be fingerprinted for the purpose of obtaining “Summary Criminal History Conviction Information” from State and Federal record agencies.

All job applicants selected for appointment to this position are subject to pre-employment drug testing. A final job applicant will be tested for five prohibited drugs (and their metabolites): cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, marijuana, and opiates.

Benefits
VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) also contributes to the Public Employees Retirement System for the 2% at 55 Plan and pays the employee’s regular contribution of approximately 7%. The 7% contribution can be refunded to an employee who resigns prior to retirement.

Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee’s bi-weekly salary.