City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Deputy Labor Relations Officer

Under the general direction of the Chief Labor Relations Officer, this position assists in representing the City of Austin interests in contract negotiations and contract compliance with public safety bargaining units and association representatives.

1. Assists in the development of negotiation strategies.
2. Drafts proposed contract language. Assists in the wording of responses to association proposals.
3. Prepares presentations to update the City Manager’s Office on the progress of negotiations. Attends update briefings with City Manager’s Office.
4. Assists in resolving contract issues with all unions by formulating options and identifying potential solutions.
5. Studies legislation, arbitration decisions, and collective bargaining contracts to assess industry trends. Represents the City in dealings with employees, labor organizations, the public, and management.
6. Advises management of critical issues or developments.
7. Ensures the implementation of all contract labor agreements, terms, and provisions.
8. Monitors the interpretation and administration of labor agreements to ensure compliance. Oversees the process for the review and resolution of contract grievances.
9. Provides sound advice to management in the proper resolution of complaints and/or grievances and the correct interpretation of contract language or intent.
10. Works with department leaders, Labor Organizations, and City management to resolve problems.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory responsibilities including selecting, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of employment. labor, civil service, and human resource law.
• Knowledge of relevant court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Skill in conducting research and identifying and analyzing trends, including root cause analysis as they relate to employee grievances.
• Skill in responding to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charges and employee and management concerns and issues.
• Skill in labor negotiations, civil service, mediation, and alternate dispute resolution techniques.
• Skill in leading organization-wide change initiatives.
• Skill in communicating and presenting analysis and information both orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to gather relevant data, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to understand, interpret, explain and apply Austin City Charter, City Code, Civil Service Rules, human resource rules, regulations, and administrative policies, and procedures.
• Ability to understand, interpret, explain, and apply all local, state and federal law, specifically Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and to apply an equity framework to create inclusive & diverse workplaces.
• Ability to take direction and exercise independent judgments and initiative within established guidelines within highly charged political environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with labor organizations, associations, affinity groups, and City employees.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Human Resources, Business, Labor Relations, Law, or in a field related to the job, plus five (5) years of experience in labor relations, dispute resolution or mediation, or closely related, including two (2) years experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Graduation with a Master's degree or J.D. from an accredited college or university may substitute for non-management experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.