Labor Relations Advisor

Position Description
Seattle City Light is committed to fostering an inclusive culture of belonging where employees at all levels in the organization feel valued, respected, and supported in doing their best work every day. To support this, the People and Culture business unit upholds the values of safety, accountability, integrity, mutual respect, and collaboration. The professionals in this business unit work to positively impact the employee experience.

The People and Culture Business Unit of Seattle City Light is recruiting for a Labor Relations Advisor. Reporting to the Chief People and Culture Officer, this role is a key member of the Utility's leadership team providing advice on a wide variety of issues and supports labor strategies that advance Seattle City Light's strategic goals and reflect sound principles of human resource management.

City Light has approximately 1,800 employees, with the majority represented by 15 labor unions. The Labor Relations Advisor provides the full range of internal labor relations activities for several unions. It is responsible for maintaining positive and productive relationships with union leadership and the entire employee base. This role plays a vital role in the culture and employee experience at City Light.
Job Responsibilities
We want to talk to you if you have:

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations or a human resources generalist role, with at least three years of demonstrated experience with labor unions/contracts; advising managers, supervisors, and staff in labor relations; labor negotiations, performance management; and interpreting federal, state, and local laws related to employment and labor relations.
• 3 years of building and maintaining relationships across employee classifications
• Extensive experience with managing and advising without authority
• Natural curiosity that pushes you to dig deep and see things from multiple points of view
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with exceptional follow-through to maintain workload and provide timely responses
• Self-motivated team player with proven ability to be flexible and adaptable to a changing environment
• Precise and comprehensive communication abilities, both orally and in writing
• Portray a positive, service-oriented attitude

Your success will be measured by your ability to:

• Effectively maintain and build upon the relationship between City Light and its labor partners
• Establish yourself as a subject matter expert in all things labor relations
• Effectively maintain and improve upon the lines of communication between the labor unions and management
• Actively contribute to the People and Culture Business Unit
• Conduct research, evaluate, and interpret policies and practices and assist customers and human resources partners in resolving complex issues
• Provide end-to-end case management and resolution of the following processes:
  • advice and interpretation of union contracts
  • grievances and requests for information from unions
  • union escalations

Provide support for issues to be addressed in a labor-management setting, facilitate discussions between labor and management, and ensure follow-through on identified action items and communication plans
Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Business or Public Administration, Human Resources Management, Economics, or a closely related field (other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

Experience: Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations or a human resources generalist role with at least three years of demonstrated experience with labor unions/contracts; advising managers, supervisors, and staff in labor relations; labor negotiations, and interpreting federal, state, and local laws related to employment and labor relations.

Certification/License: Washington State Driver's License is required within 30 days of hire. Seattle City Light operates facilities throughout Washington State. Travel to remote work sites is required on an as-needed basis.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field, or Juris Doctorate degree
• Experience advising and/or coaching leaders on performance and conduct related issues
• Experience working with labor unions and collective bargaining agreements
• Demonstrated working knowledge in the interpretation and application of guidelines in the resolution of a variety of labor disputes, conflicts or grievances and a comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, concepts and laws related to the development and implementation of a labor relations program
• Experience working effectively in a large, complex organization with employee groups represented by numerous collective bargaining agreements
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to foresee potential obstacles and proactively identify solutions and resolve issues
• Ability to maintain composure while having difficult conversations
• Demonstrated experience handling confidential and sensitive information

Candidates must demonstrate their commitment to and involvement in activities that create and sustain a workforce free of racism and discrimination and that values a multicultural and diversity as a workforce and asset.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice .
Additional Information
The full salary range for this position is $ 99,910.80 - $149,918.40 annually.

Location

• Seattle, WA
• Hybrid work schedule

Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance , SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 (Download PDF reader) . A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020 . Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans .

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: Careers at Seattle City Light - City Light | seattle.gov

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: Continuous