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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.

HOUSING OFFICER

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a Housing Officer to oversee the Housing Division in the Community Development Department, responsible for the City's affordable housing programs, human services funding, federal grants and homeless services. The ideal candidate will be a passionate affordable housing professional known for being creative and solution-oriented and will be well-versed in state and federal housing legislation and familiar with the unique challenges presented by California's housing market. This position manages the City's varied federal, state and local housing programs and projects and is responsible for managing the technical, fiscal and policy aspects of complex projects and programs. This position serves as liaison to the Housing and Human Services Commission which advises the City Council on funding and policy related to affordable housing and human services. The Housing Officer needs to work collaboratively with the Director, the other two program managers, the Housing Division staff, and many directors and program managers in other City Departments. Excellent written and spoken communication is required along with an excellent rapport with stakeholders and colleagues.

Currently, major work efforts include implementation of the 2023-2031 Housing Element Programs and establishment of programs to assist unhoused members of the community. Development of these programs requires coordination and partnership with numerous departments in the City, the County of Santa Clara, and agencies providing services. Consultant/contractor assistance may be required for developing and implementing programs.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package. A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  The position opens Friday, June 6, 2025 and final filing date is Wednesday, July 9, 2025 5:00 PM. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

Salary: HOUSING OFFICER: $172,706.00 - $215,883.00 Annually

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

We’re looking for a highly motivated, reliable and skilled individual to join the Public Works Department in the position of Cross Connection Control Specialist.  Working in the Utilities Section, you will oversee the City’s cross-connection control program, including backflow device testing and cross-connection control related inspections.  You will join a fast-paced, dynamic team environment, serving the City’s residents, visitors and business community by providing exceptional customer service. Review our detailed job description here.

What You'll Do:

• Conduct cross-connection surveys and tests to identify potential cross-connections to the water system. 
• Monitor the provision of backflow prevention at user connections. 
• Provide technical supervision over maintenance staff performing backflow prevention assembly installation, repair, inspection, and testing.
• Inspect potable and recycled water systems to determine the existence of cross connections and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Test, install, repair, and maintain backflow prevention assemblies.
• Perform plan reviews to ensure proper water system connections.   Identify potential cross-connections and provide written comments.
• Maintain records of installations, locations, tests, and repairs of backflow prevention assemblies.

The Essentials:

Cross-Connection Control Specialist

• Two years of experience in water system maintenance, equivalent to the responsibilities of a Water Utility Worker in the City of Mountain View
• Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade supplemented by approved courses of instruction in the theory, laws, regulations, and techniques of backflow prevention and/or cross-connection control.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
• Possession of an AWWA Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate and a California Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 Certificate.  
• Possession of an AWWA Cross-Connection Control Specialist Certificate within one year of appointment.  

Bonus Points:

• Experience administering a water system cross-connection inspection program is highly desirable.
• Completion of a recycled water site supervisor’s training class is highly desirable.

Are We a Match? :

• You are skilled in the maintenance of water distribution systems.
• You are flexible in your work style and can manage interruptions and changing priorities throughout your day.
• You are ready to be part of a well-trained and motivated team that provides excellent service in a fast-paced environment.
• You have a desire to protect the City’s water quality, maintain public safety and are committed to ensuring safe work practices.
• You can communicate effectively with your co-workers and members of the community.
• You have the ability to work a shift beginning at 6:00 a.m.

Please click on the Job PDF below to view the full announcement for this opportunity.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

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.