Mediator - VT Labor Relations Board Job Listing at State of Vermont in Montpelier, VT (Job ID D3F3100C-5B0D-4)

Description

How to Apply

Do not apply online.

 

Qualified applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to: VLRB-info@Vermont.gov and reference "Mediator" in the subject line of your e-mail. Application deadline: December 3, 2026.

Overview

The Vermont Labor Relations Board is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Mediator to provide mediation services. 

 

The position will plan, direct, and coordinate the mediation program within the Vermont Labor Relations Board. Using knowledge of Vermont and federal labor laws and understanding and experience with collective bargaining agreements and contracts, the Mediator will participate in the resolution of areas of impasse between public and private sector employers and employee organizations. The position will determine and direct when, where, and how mediation sessions should be arranged among principals in labor disputes and utilize skills to mediate resolution of differences. Where time allows, the role will mediate grievances and unfair labor practice complaints between public and private sector employers and employee organizations and administers a program of intervention in these disputes. 

This work may involve state agencies and departments, school districts, state colleges and universities, municipalities, and private industries. Mediator works independently providing the full range of mediation services with responsibility for all aspects of impasse and conflict resolution.

Description

The Mediator:

• Investigates, analyzes, researches, studies, and evaluates of all information relating to the specific issues involved in the bargaining impact or grievance or unfair labor practice, the conduct and attitude of the parties, and the history of their collective bargaining relationship.
• Determines and directs when and where mediation sessions should be arranged among the principals in labor disputes and utilizes skills to mediate a resolution  of the differences.
• Leads the negotiation process between the parties of a dispute and formulates solutions and proposals.
• Tests the reasonableness, equity, and acceptability of the parties' proposals through joint and separate meetings with them.
• Offers suggestions, proposals, and alternate solutions to parties to remove barriers to settlement.
• Assimilates information, data, priorities, and offers; determines when to transmit these to one or both parties.
• May advise, assist, and conduct training for both labor and management and Board members.
• Keeps informed on labor problems, current business and economic trends, and other conditions that may impact on bargaining and labor-management relations. 
• Drafts memoranda of agreements, addenda, and letters of understanding.  
• May be required to prepare reports regarding the status and outcome of mediation cases.  
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of the Vermont Labor Relations Board.  

Compensation

This is a full-time exempt position. The salary range is $85,000 to $115,000 annually, commensurate with experience and education.

Minimum Requirements

A Bachelor's degree and eight (8) or more years of experience in which you were primarily (over 50%) involved as a direct and active participant or neutral in collective bargaining negotiations, mediation, or arbitration of labor-management contracts, or as a direct or active representative of labor or management in the settlement of grievances or disputes over contractual terms and conditions of employment.

 

A law degree with courses in labor law, arbitration, or alternative dispute resolution OR a PhD in labor relations may be substituted for an additional two (2) years of the required experience.

A Master's degree in labor relations or the equivalent, may be substituted for an additional one (1) year of the required experience.

In no way may the additional education exceed the number of years of experience required.  

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of Vermont and federal labor-management laws, especially as concerns labor relations, municipal, state and private employer contracts.

Ability to prepare narrative and statistical reports.

Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of labor relations, including the organization and operation of labor unions/

Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply the techniques and methods of mediation.

Ability to apply management principles and techniques: strong  interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; considerable negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 

Demonstrated ability in exercising sound judgment and discretion.

Ability to thoroughly and objectively work on confidential matters.

Ability to maintain an impartial attitude in the interpretation of labor laws and contracts and the analysis of facts. 

Ability to interpret labor laws, recommend compromise terms, and assist in drafting agreements.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to work independently and manage conflicting deadlines and priorities.

Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.

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