Human Resources Specialist - Labor Relations

Are you an experienced Human Resources professional with a passion for labor relations and solving complex workplace issues? Do you enjoy advising leaders, navigating challenging situations, and developing practical solutions that balance organizational objectives, employee needs, and legal requirements? If you are looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in public service, consider Loudoun County Government’s Labor Relations Specialist position as the next step in your career.

Loudoun County’s Department of Human Resources is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Specialist to provide expert guidance on collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), employment laws and regulations, County policies and procedures, investigations, and dispute resolution. The position plays a key role in supporting the County’s labor relations program through research, analysis, negotiation support, and development of recommendations and strategies. The Labor Relations Specialist also works closely with the County Attorney’s Office to address legal compliance, mitigate risk, and resolve complex workplace matters.

This position offers the opportunity to work on challenging and highly visible issues affecting the County workforce while collaborating with HR leadership, department directors, County leadership, the County Attorney’s Office, and the collective bargaining negotiation team. The position also contributes to policy and CBA development, training, alternative dispute resolution, investigations, and initiatives that strengthen and innovate the County’s labor and employee relations programs.

As a member of the Employee and Labor Relations team, you will:

• Advise managers and senior leaders on complex labor relations matters, including CBAs, employment laws, HR policies, discipline,  grievances, and contract disputes.
• Support day-to-day labor relations activities and collective bargaining negotiations.
• Research and analyze labor relations issues, including assistance with benchmarking pay and benefits against official comparators, and develop data-driven recommendations.
• Conduct complex and sensitive employee relations investigations. Consult with the County Attorney’s Office on legal compliance, risk, and potential liability.
• Develop, recommend, and review HR and departmental policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Facilitate Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) and assist in resolving complex workplace issues.
• Develop and deliver labor and employee relations training for managers and supervisors.
• Lead or participate in special projects and initiatives to improve and innovate HR services.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field to program area; three (3) years of related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
 
KEY COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in labor and/or employee relations and the ability to interpret and apply employment laws, regulations, HR policies, and collective bargaining agreements to complex workplace situations. Strong candidates will possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to develop practical solutions while identifying and mitigating organizational risk.

The position requires exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities, and the ability to confidently advise management and senior leaders on sensitive and complex issues. The successful candidate will be a strong collaborator who can work effectively with HR colleagues, County departments, executive leadership, legal counsel, and union representatives.

Knowledge of collective bargaining principles and practices, labor agreements, employment and labor laws, investigations, dispute resolution, and public-sector labor relations is highly valued. Experience developing and delivering training, drafting policies or CBA language, and supporting collective bargaining negotiations is strongly preferred.

PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.

Successful candidates will undergo required DMV, criminal, and credit background checks. This position is designated as a Position of Trust and requires the ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive personnel and labor relations matters.

A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required.