Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates these qualifications may be qualifying.
- At least three years of human resources management experience performing mid-level HR functions. Must include the following:
- Two years of labor relations experience, including working with labor organizations and managing various labor negotiations processes; OR two years of employee relations experience, handling various related HR functions; AND
- Two years’ experience working in a public sector or unionized private organization (e.g., schools, special districts, hospitals, etc.)
- Note: A Master’s Degree (or higher) in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or a closely related field, may be substituted for a MAXIMUM of one year of the required three years of HR management experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Business Management, or a closely related field is required.
- Note: Alternatively, Equivalent Skills obtained Through Alternative Routes (STARS*) such as, technical training through workforce programs, online credentialing services, certification programs, military training, or community colleges.
- A Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or a closely related field is highly desired.
- Specialized skills and training in human resources and labor relations, such as conducting labor negotiations and employee relations.
- Professional certifications related to human resources (i.e., CLRM, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, IPMA, etc.).
- Ability to transition to employee relations or labor relations function, as operationally needed.
- Working knowledge of local, state, and federal employment and labor laws, including the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA), MOUs, and City policies and regulations.
- Experience working on labor relations and/or employee relations matters.
- Experience working with labor organizations, meet and confer processes, labor negotiations and various labor-related issues.
- Demonstrated confidence in public speaking and experience in conducting group human resources related trainings.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, and make sound consequential judgements based on available information.
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Possess a high level of sensitivity and professional demeanor toward department management, employees, and REOs.
- Ability to effectively manage conflict, and to develop and maintain effective working relationships with department management, employees, labor union leadership, and the public.
- Strong political acumen.
- Experience handling discipline matters and conducting investigations resulting in conflict resolution.
- Represent the City on various City committees including facilitating Labor Management Committee meetings.
- Genuine commitment and appreciation for the value of diversity.
- The ability to manage a wide range of assignments and projects simultaneously, without losing sight of important issues and goals.
- Strong prioritization and organizational skills.
- Strong attention to details, including analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Energetic and motivated with the ability and desire to take initiative.
The Human Resources Department (HR) currently has an opportunity for enthusiastic and experienced HR professionals to work as a strategic partner specializing in labor and/or employee relations. To be successful in this role, you must have a positive, solution-oriented perspective as well as a proven track record in building effective relationships within and across organizations.
Under the direction of a Human Resources Program Manager (Senior Human Resources Officer), the Program Coordinator (Human Resources Officer) positions are responsible for developing, coordinating, and administering human resource-related initiatives, policies and programs affecting labor and employee relations within the City of San Diego. These positions are entry-level managerial positions that will work independently and in a team setting, and have the ability to make independent decisions (e.g., decisions of consequence). These positions actively participate in day-to-day tasks as hands-on employees performing high-level employee relations and labor relations functions to support the continuously evolving and increasingly complex needs of City departments, department management, employees, and the six (6) Recognized Employee Organizations (REOs) (i.e., unions). These positions will not have direct reports upon appointment but may have supervisory responsibilities in the future.
After the initial onboarding, the positions may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (e.g., in-person meetings) with the primary on-site work location being at 1200 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
There’s no such thing as a “perfect” candidate. The City is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, will serve their community proudly, and be excited to come to work every day. Education and experience studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
Employee Relations
- Act as liaisons to City Departments and provide guidance and policy advice to department management and employees on various employment issues.
- Provide guidance and policy advice to department management and employees on various human resources and labor issues which have potential legal and financial implications for the City, such as application and interpretation of City policies, regulations, and MOUs.
- Review and provide support on progressive and property rights level disciplinary actions and appeals.
- Advise and assist departments with the unclassified recruitment and hiring process, as needed.
- Lead, advise and assist departments with complex fact-finding investigations and investigatory interviews.
- Provide guidance and support to department management and employees regarding the grievance process and resolution.
- Work on special projects and assignments as assigned by the Human Resources Executive Management Team.
- Develop and facilitate human resource related trainings and provide ongoing mentoring and support to the management staff of City departments.
- Knowledgeable of state and federal leave laws, reasonable accommodation, employee benefits, and other employment-related policies and procedures.
- Serve as a hearing officer in appeal hearings for Industrial Leave, Long-Term Disability, Step 5 Grievances.
- Represent the City at various City committees.
- Assist with change management initiatives.
- Review forms/memorandums that require Human Resources Department approval to process, such as requests for bilingual pay and provisional appointment.
- Provide guidance and policy advice to supervisors and department management on rewards and recognition programs.
Labor Relations
- Perform labor relations duties and provide assistance to the City’s liaisons to the six (6) REOs, from pre-planning stage (pre-negotiations) through implementation (post-negotiations).
- Assist the negotiations table leads and serve as back-up during successor MOU negotiations.
- Facilitate and guide the meet and confer processes over City or department proposals that have impacts to mandatory subjects of bargaining under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) (e.g., changes to current City/department policies, implementation of applicable new legislations, proposal to amend the MOU via a side letter agreement, etc.).
- Facilitate Labor Management Committee meetings.
- Assist with the notification and meet and confer requirements of the City’s contracting out protocols.
- Review and prepare presentation materials for the Mayor, Council, and City Management for purposes of meetings and briefings (e.g., Council Meetings and Closed Session).
- Make recommendations and provide guidance, policy advice, and communication strategy to department management regarding labor relations issues.
- Develop and facilitate critical employment-related trainings and provide ongoing mentoring and support to supervisors and department management staff.
- Serve as a hearing officer in appeal hearings for Industrial Leave, Long-Term Disability, Step 5 Grievances.
- Assist with change management initiatives.
- Review and update departmental forms and documents consistent with negotiated terms of the MOUs.
- Draft various communications based on input from stakeholder departments or subject matter experts.
- Conduct data gathering from comparable agencies or within the organization, coordinate with subject matter experts, and provide analysis/recommendations of findings.
- Support the City’s goal to maintain a good working relationship with the REOs.
- Perform additional tasks or assignments (i.e., special projects), as needed.