Labor Relations Specialist (NCS) - Office of the Labor Commissioner

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range:

$79,507.00 - $127,043.00 Annually

Starting Pay:

$79,507.00 Annually

Get to Know Us

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or are interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Job Summary

The City of Baltimore (City) is seeking a Labor Relations Specialist to work in the Office of the Labor Commissioner (OLC). The OLC represents the Mayor in conducting all labor relations activities between the City of Baltimore and the labor organizations representing City employees. The OLC works in partnership with managers and supervisors, labor leaders and their membership, and employees to promote effective labor relations in the workplace. The OLC is also responsible for providing advice on, and interpretation of, each labor organization’s contract (Memorandum of Understanding or “MOU”) with the City.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a neutral hearing officer in the last internal step in the grievance process outlined in each union’s MOU, and issue written decisions, as appropriate.
• Act as a neutral hearing officer for public safety and non-public safety union grievances.
• Review and approve Settlement Agreements resolving union grievances.
• Assist with contract review and administration matters.
• Draft letters and reports.
• Provide contract interpretation to various City Agencies, City Council and other stakeholders
• Serve as a member of the City’s labor negotiations team and assist in the preparation and conduct of negotiations.
• Advise the Labor Commissioner on various labor relations matters and make recommendations. 
• Represent the OLC on committees, and in meetings, pertaining to labor relations and employment matters.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.   

AND

Experience: Have four (4) years of experience in labor relations.

OR

Equivalency Notes: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience. Substitution: Graduation from an accredited law school with one (1) year of experience may be considered in lieu of the experience guidelines. Substitution: Graduation from an accredited law school with one (1) year of experience may be considered in lieu of the experience guidelines. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Ability to present recommendations clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and complete assignments on tight deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in interpreting OLC grievance procedures, MOUs, City policies and procedures.
• Ability to collect, compile, organize and analyze labor relations data.            

Desired Skills:

• Conflict resolution (e.g., negotiation, mediation).
• Experience working in a unionized environment.

Additional Information

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-month mandatory probation.

Financial Disclosure

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER