Labor Relations Consultant (Hybrid) Job Listing at University of California in Merced, CA (Job ID 66565)

Description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $67,800 - $122,800 The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $85,000 - $90,000.

Job Closing Date

This position is approved to be Hybrid. For now the requirement is one day per week in the office which may become two (with notice).

This posting will remain open until final interviews are underway. Initial applicant review will take place on or around April 10, 2024.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

About the Job

Uses labor relations concepts and skills as a seasoned and experienced professional with a comprehensive understanding of labor/union issues to resolve complex issues. Normally receives little instruction on day-to-day work. General instructions may be provided on new assignments and initiatives. Provides consultation to managers on disciplinary procedures, contract interpretation, grievances, personnel rules, labor law, and related personnel issues; prepares effective corrective action documents and termination documentation, as necessary; resolves grievances through formal and informal procedures between employee organizations and management; provides consultation to executive level managers on complex organizational and personnel performance issues and problems; develops and provides training for managers and employees as needed. Interprets and effectively explains complex collective bargaining agreements, policies, and procedures to all levels of academic and staff personnel; represents the campus in proceedings, grievances, and arbitrations (staff and academic appointments); analyzes trends and metrics to develop provide recommendations and implement solutions, programs, and procedures; conducts exit interviews, collects and analyzes data; maintains accurate records/file system; identifies trends, and recommends process improvements.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Represents the campus in proceedings, PPSM complaints, grievances and arbitrations (staff and academic appointments). Support negotiations/bargaining by providing guidance and advising on union/campus issues/trends. May be asked to draft contract language and/or act as local lead negotiator on ad-hoc meeting and confer obligations. Provides consultation to managers on disciplinary procedures, contract interpretation, grievances, personnel rules, labor law, and related personnel issues; prepare effective corrective action documents and termination documentation, as necessary; resolve grievances through formal and informal procedures between employee organizations and management; provide consultation to executive level managers on complex organizational and personnel performance issues; develop and provide training to managers and employees as needed, and maintain accurate records/file system. Investigate and respond to employee grievances and complaints; provides advice and guidance to senior administrators and managers/supervisors regarding labor and employee relations issues and opportunities. Interpret and effectively explain complex collective bargaining agreements, policies, and procedures to all levels of academic and staff personnel. Conducts effective and objective, complex employment-related investigations and writes thorough investigative reports and provides recommendations for management action. Responsible for responding to, reviewing, and coordinating Public Records Requests in accordance with CPRA and HEERA. May be asked to assist with case preparation for unfair labor practices (ULP) and other legal proceedings. Drafts communications to disseminate labor relations updates to supervisors, managers, cabinet, and employees, as applicable. Provides training to managers and supervisors on a variety of labor relations topics.
2. Works in a highly collaborative manner with others across the organization, external contacts of significance, labor organizations, union representatives, and members of campus management at all levels to effectively respond to department/campus priorities. 
3. In conjunction with Talent Development, provides ongoing training and informational sessions related to policies, procedures, and state and federal mandates. Improve the institution's effectiveness by providing training in supervisory/management skills including coaching, performance management, discipline, grievance handling, and contract administration.
4. Analyzes trends and metrics to develop solutions, programs, and policies; conducts exit interviews, collects and analyzes data; identifies trends, recommends process improvements; and develops draft procedures related to employee and labor relations. 
5. Assists with preparation of local bargaining with local bargaining units, e.g., sunshine process, draft proposals, attend and participate in labor negotiations, take notes, maintain records, and assist with the implementation of contract language in coordination with HR colleagues and other campus partners.
6. Has direct access to and/or responsibility for protected, personal, or other sensitive institutional information, including information on students, faculty, staff, or other University constituents, and IT resources that process, transmit or store restricted or sensitive institutional information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Business, Human Resources, or a related area; and
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible employee and labor relations or HR-related experience; or
• Seven years of equivalent related experience/training as outlined. An MBA may substitute for one year of experience; however, the candidate should possess actual work experience and the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to successfully perform the duties assigned to the position (required).

Critical Knowledge, Experience, and Competencies:

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to write detailed, well-organized, publishable analytical reports, procedures and/or memos; Skill in utilizing personal computers and associated MS Windows software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) in the completion of assignments; and detail oriented. 
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines including employee and union relations, recruitment, performance management, federal and state respective employment laws, compensation practices, workers' compensation, FMLA, ADA, benefit programs, HEERA, CPRA, and regulatory requirements. 
• Effective skills in negotiating, exchanging ideas, information and opinions with others to formulate policies and programs and/or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions and/or solutions.
• In-depth knowledge of the principles of advocacy to represent the campus in various dispute forums, e.g., arbitrations and administrative proceedings.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of campus policies and procedures.
• The ability to deal effectively with ambiguity, recognize trends, and identify systemic approaches to solving problems in this fast moving, constantly changing environment is imperative.
• Demonstrated skills in the areas of business acumen, diplomacy, consulting, analysis, project management, communication, presentation, negotiation and conflict management, and problem solving while working within a matrix environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle very difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively; Ability to protect the organization's value by keeping information confidential.
• Analytical skills to understand labor laws and research, develop, interpret, and administer contracts and policies.
• Possesses strong analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and effective problem-solving skills.

Background Check

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

Policy Statement

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy.  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

Employee Referral Program

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7       Referrals                         

How did you hear about the job?          (select) “other”

Additional information?                         (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source?                     (write in) first and last name of referring employee 

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility. 

 Apply on company website