Human Resources Labor and Employee Relations Analyst 1 or 2

Why It's a Great Opportunity: 

The Labor and Employee Relations Division of Human Resources (HR) is a dynamic and creative group of individuals who strive to provide professional and prompt service. You will delve into a wide variety of labor and employee relations activities with a primary focus on negotiating many of  the County's 19 labor contracts, advise, and counsel managers and supervisors on matters about collective bargaining and labor relations activities, conduct investigations on allegations of employee misconduct, prepare corrective and disciplinary actions, and provide consultation to managers on HR best practices.

Every day is different with new challenges, opportunities, and priorities, and your efforts in this role directly affect the quality and effectiveness of the workforce and management for departments throughout Pierce County!

 

Why It's a Great Department: 

Pierce County Human Resources supports the workforce that supports all of Pierce County. We deliver innovative, specialized services to support a high-performing and diverse workforce. We provide guidance, support and expertise on performance management, protected leave, County policies, state law and many other topics. You will join a collaborative, professional, and mission-driver team committed to serving all County employees. Within the department hybrid and remote work are the norms, and we maintain a consistent, intentional focus on continuous improvement, the pursuit of excellence, and a welcoming workplace culture.
 
Learn more about the Human Resources Department here.

How to Be Successful in the Role: 

Extensive knowledge of HR principles within a union environment, including collective bargaining, progressive discipline, and just cause—combined with strong written and verbal communication skills will be essential for success in this role. The ability to remain flexible and adapt in an ever-evolving union landscape will position you to thrive on our dynamic team. We are seeking someone who excels at building relationships and can clearly and concisely explain complex laws, policies, and contract proposals.

 

Your Future in this Role: 

A career with Pierce County means joining an organization committed to your growth and success. Through our robust online learning and variety of training opportunities, Pierce County ensures continuous professional development throughout your journey. This dedication extends beyond individual advancement, it reflects a broader mission to foster welcoming communities, maintain safe infrastructure, and promote equitable access to opportunities.  

Level of Responsibility:

Labor Relations Analyst 1

• Serve as a member of the negotiating team and provide administrative support to the lead labor negotiator.

• Prepare notes of bargaining sessions, prepare materials needed for negotiations including County proposals and counter proposals, research in preparation of bargaining, and process contracts through to implementation.

• May negotiate  demands to bargain less complex contracts.

• Advise and counsel managers and supervisors regarding federal, state, and local labor laws, policies, and guidelines; current and emerging issues; and strategies for dealing with performance, collective bargaining, discipline, and grievances, 

Labor Relations Analyst 2

• Negotiate collective bargaining agreements which may include representing the County during the mediation process.

• Advise and counsel managers and supervisors regarding federal, state, and local labor laws, policies, and guidelines; current and emerging issues; and strategies for dealing with performance, collective bargaining, discipline, and grievances.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found for the Labor Relations Analyst 1 here and the Labor Relations Analyst 2 here.

Required:

• Any equivalent combination of experience and education that clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.

Labor Relations Analyst 1 - $89,601.66- $110,542.14

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, labor relations, public or business administration, or closely related field; AND 
• Two years of professional human resources management experience directly related to the duties of the position. 

Labor Relations Analyst 2 - $110,158.71- $141,982.35

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, labor relations, public or business administration, or a closely related field AND
• Four years of experience directly related to the duties of the position is required.

• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

• As a condition of employment, you will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
• This position is remote for those residing in or relocating to Washington State. There are occasional in-person meetings and in-person contract bargaining meetings. This can mean once or twice per month for a few months of the year but also could be a few times per week during bargaining.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs. Attach a resume and cover letter to your application.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping