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Overview:

Champion Collaborative Solutions – Empower Positive Change at Valley Water

At Valley Water, we believe that strong labor relations are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. As a Labor Relations Specialist II, you will play a key role in supporting our employee-employer relations program, helping to foster a fair, respectful, and high-performing workplace.

In this role, you will assist the Labor Relations Program Administrator and Labor Relations Assistant Officer in delivering a comprehensive and proactive labor relations strategy. You will provide expert guidance to staff and bargaining unit representatives, support contract administration, process grievances, assist in disciplinary actions, and promote effective labor-management relationships.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and conduct labor relations investigations, including investigatory meetings and detailed written reports; develop analyses and draft confidential communications.
• Interpret and apply MOUs, policies, procedures, regulations, and labor laws to ensure consistent and compliant application across the organization.
• Serve as a key point of contact for Valley Water management, providing guidance on performance management, disciplinary matters, and grievance resolution; collaborate with bargaining units to proactively resolve concerns.
• Develop and maintain labor relations data reports to identify trends and training opportunities; make informed recommendations and deliver training to staff.
• Partner with internal HR units including EEO, Talent Acquisition & Career Pathways, Workforce Development, Recruitment, and Total Rewards to align labor strategies with broader HR goals.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in:

• Conducting workplace investigations with a strong understanding of labor/union contracts.
• Interpreting and applying MOUs, state and federal labor regulations, and employment law.
• Advising and coaching managers and supervisors on employee and labor relations matters.
• Supporting MOU negotiations through research, data analysis, and documentation using tools like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Handling sensitive issues with the highest level of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism.
• Researching workforce and compensation trends and translating findings into actionable insights.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent judgment, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to navigate complex employee relations matters with tact and professionalism.
• Proven ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders including bargaining units, staff, and leadership.
• Conflict resolution and mediation expertise with a customer-focused approach.
• Flexibility and adaptability in managing dynamic and sensitive work environments.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Public sector employee relations principles and practices.
• Union/labor contract administration and negotiation processes.
• Applicable state and federal labor and employment laws.
• Grievance procedures and dispute resolution methods.
• The role and function of unions in the public sector workplace.
• Investigative methodologies and best practices for employee relations cases.

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in:

• Human Resources Management
• Organizational Development
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Public or Business Administration
• Or a related field.

Substitution:

Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.

 

Labor Relations Unit (Position Code 834) 

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite, after completion of the probationary period  (one year).

Please click the Job PDF button below to view the full job announcement brochure.

A 2.5% supervisory differential will apply.

For priority consideration, apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted with qualified candidates throughout the recruitment period. The position will remain open until filled and posting may close abruptly. 

Overview:
Are you passionate about fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace? Valley Water is looking for a dynamic Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program Administrator to lead and innovate in our Equal Employment Office. Join us and make a tangible impact by ensuring fair treatment for all employees, handling sensitive matters with discretion, and driving positive change through collaboration and diplomacy. If you have a keen analytical mind, excellent problem-solving skills, and a dedication to upholding EEO principles, we want you on our team!
 
The Program Administrator will plan, direct, manage and oversee activities and operations of complex, management-designated programs in EEO. The successful candidate will have excellent analytical, reasoning and research skills, using their best judgement to respond to requests about EEO. They will be able to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and tact. Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are essential for this role, as is a customer-service oriented mindset to regularly engage with employees, administrative staff, union leaders, client groups, and other key stakeholders on a variety of employee relations matters. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, is results oriented, and builds positive relations through collaboration and diplomacy. You should be able to manage competing demands, have a passionate interest in EEO, and reflect our organization’s core values as you work with internal and external partners:

• Sustaining a healthy work-life balance for employees and placing a high value on all the things that provide enrichment and fulfillment.
• Acknowledging that all individuals are unique and important and will be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Creating an inclusive work environment, which reflects and supports the diversity of the community and enriches our perspectives.

Our Commitment: 
Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Program Management: Planning and leading Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs, projects, and activities.
• Compliance: Interpreting and applying Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Case Management/Investigations: Processing EEO complaints from intake through final disposition, including organizing, directing, inquiring, and evaluating cases.
• Conflict Resolution: Tackling conflicts when discrimination complaints arise.
• Policy Implementation: Implementing policies and recommending administrative changes to prevent discrimination and mitigate liabilities. 
• Develop complex, sensitive, and confidential memos. 
• Designing and delivering training programs for managers, supervisors, and employees in EEO and related topics.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
 
Ideal Experience:

• Six (6) years of experience in assigned program area of EEO, including either one (1) year in experience planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing various projects or programs, or serving as a Valley Water-recognized subject matter expert or advisor in EEO program area. 
• Experienced in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate an ability to be a strong partner in the organization.
• Effectively advise and provide consultative services to departments and supervisors on EEO matters.
• Conflict-resolution skills to maintain a harmonious and productive work environment. 
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Reporting and conducting EEO investigations. 

Ideal Knowledge:

• EEO practices and programs in a public sector environment.
• State and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Workplace investigations, dispute resolution, and grievance procedures best practices.

Ideal Training and Education:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human resources management, organizational development, industrial or organizational psychology, public or business administration, or a related field.
 
Substitution
Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years. 

 

DESCRIPTION:

The Department:

The Parks and Recreation Department provides planning, development, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the City's neighborhood parks, open space, water sites, recreation buildings, and trails.

The Position:

Under supervision, to perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in connection with the development and maintenance of City parks and recreational facilities.

As an As-needed Laborer, the successful incumbent will work in the department, performing routine maintenance on various parks and facilities including the city-owned cemetery. This position will assist in maintenance and repair using a variety of tools and specialized equipment. 

The Laborer position performs varied, unskilled and skilled manual tasks related to landscape maintenance and sanitization. Typical tasks include cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and buildings, loading trash and leaves in truck, litter abatement, mowing, edging, cleaning park sites, graffiti abatement, and operating a variety of hand/power tools and heavy equipment as needed. This position may require working weekends, holidays, and after hours. Must be able to read, speak, and write English at a basic level, follow written and oral instruction, and perform heavy lifting.  

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

The annual salary range for this position is $17.75 - $24.85.  This position will be filled at or near the bottom of the salary range.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

Under direct supervision, performs varied, unskilled manual tasks often requiring considerable physical strength and the use of hand tools and hand power tools; loads rubbish and leaves on trucks; excavates and fills trenches and ditches; assists in the removal, trimming and spraying of trees and shrubs; prepares surfaces for paving; mixes cement; breaks up paved surfaces; helps place forms and pour concrete; lays pipes; uses such tools as shovel, rake, and jackhammer; operates trucks and heavier equipment as needed. Performs construction, maintenance and sanitation duties as required; and does related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements:

Sufficient education to provide the ability to read, write and speak English at a basic level. 

Minimum Experience Requirements:

No experience is required.

Acceptable Substitution:

None.

License/Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license is required.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Landscape maintenance experience.
• Experience working with the public in a service environment.

Other Requirements:

Ability to work odd and irregular hours including weekends and holidays.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

Some knowledge of: the purposes, use, and maintenance of simple hand tools; construction and maintenance methods and materials. Good ability to: learn to use simple hand tools; follow oral and written instructions; and perform heavy physical labor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the direct supervision of an assigned supervisor.

Additional Information:

You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a Complete City Application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.