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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.

 

Required License or Certificate To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)

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).

The City of Auburn is looking for an Administrative Services Technician, a unique role where you'll contribute equally to our Finance and Human Resources departments!

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

We're seeking a detail-oriented and adaptable professional to make an immediate impact. Your time will be split equally between the two departments, with a primary focus on payroll processing. Beyond that, this role offers a variety of technical and paraprofessional work, including accounts payable and receivable, accounting, cash handling, budget, benefits administration, recruitment, customer service and other essential technical-level functions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

A paraprofessional classification requiring specialized administrative and technical skills to perform semi-complex, administrative, support and confidential duties. The role is distinguished from lower classifications by its scope of work and requirements for specialized training and technical proficiency. This classification performs recurring tasks and solves problems independently under general supervision from the department director or assigned supervisor, and does not exercise supervision over staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Actual work may vary based on department needs or change due to evolving business practices.

• Perform  a varied range of administrative, operational and technical tasks supporting assigned programs and functions.
• Maintain accurate financial, human resources, and administrative records and data within various computer systems, including data entry, report generation, and resolving discrepancies.
• Participate in the implementation and testing of new technology systems and process improvements.
• Handle inquiries, provide information, offer technical information and guidance on procedures, rules and regulations to internal and external customers.
• Provide administrative support to department management and staff, including research, processing, and preparing reports, correspondence, and written materials.
• Maintain professional and courteous interactions with all contacts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Finance Duties:

• Participate in core finance processes, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, license and permit fee collection, and general financial transaction processing.
• Process and record financial transactions related to payroll and benefits, prepare related tax forms (e.g. 1099 and W2), and fee/levy data for tax rolls.
• Assist with budget preparation and monitoring, financial reporting, external auditor inquiries, and the review/approval of purchase requisitions.
• Participate in the implementation and adherence to Government Accounting Standards Board requirements and statements.
• Maintain financial and accounting records and data within systems, reconcile accounts, identify and resolve discrepancies, and prepare related reports.

Human Resources Duties:

• Participate in various functions supporting payroll, recruitment, benefits administration, leaves and other human resources functions.
• Participate in processing payroll including changes to wages, positions, benefits, leaves of absence, and related.
• Assist with benefits administration including processing forms, enrollments and changes, assisting employees, and responding to vendor inquiries.
• Intake and assist with worker’s compensation and insurance claim documentation.
• Apply personnel rules, MOUs, and relevant regulations to HR and payroll tasks, and assist with ensuring compliance, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel and management information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting including stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist; lift, carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard and calculator; verbally communicate to exchange information; vision to read printed material and computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone with or without correction.

The City of Lincoln is initiating a continuous recruitment to establish a pool of qualified candidates for future vacancies in the Senior Human Resources Analyst classification.

 

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Senior Human Resources Analyst, you will be an integral member of a focused team of four within the Human Resources Department, which is dedicated to delivering specialized services across various functions including:

• Benefits: Administering and managing employee benefits programs to ensure comprehensive and competitive offerings.
• Payroll: Overseeing accurate and timely payroll processing, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Recruitment: Facilitating the recruitment process to attract and hire top talent that aligns with organizational goals.
• Classification and Compensation: Analyzing job classifications and compensation structures to maintain fairness and competitiveness.
• Retirement: Providing guidance and support related to retirement planning and benefits.

Your role will involve leveraging expertise in these areas to support the department’s mission of enhancing employee satisfaction and organizational effectiveness. This role offers a wealth of opportunities, challenges, and avenues for professional growth.

 

DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs complex and highly responsible professional and technical human resources work in the areas of recruitment, examinations, classification and compensation, benefits administration, and provides support to the Human Resources Director.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Human Resources Analyst is a professional level class in which the incumbent is expected to perform a wide range of the most complex human resources activities.  As the advanced journey level classification within the Human Resources Analyst series, positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the greater level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken and by the nature, scope and impact of the work performed.  Employees perform the most difficult, confidential and advanced level type of duties assigned to classes within the series, which may include providing direct supervision over assigned personnel and performing complex professional analytical work in support of internal and external customers with sound judgement and minimal supervision.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Human Resources Director.  Incumbents may supervise technical or support staff.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Include but are not limited to the following:

• Administers the City’s selection process; plans and coordinates recruitments; conducts labor market analyses and determines length of recruitments; prepares job bulletins and recruitment information; determines and places advertising in appropriate media; coordinates participation in career and job fairs; and reviews and evaluates applications; determines appropriate written, oral and/or performance examination programs; develops, evaluates and validates selection instruments; supervises the administration and scoring of examinations and the establishment of eligible lists; receives, researches and responds to candidate appeals; manages the employee onboarding and separation processes and develops and implements recruitment processes and procedures.
• Prepares or oversees the preparation of all personnel action forms, including new hires and separations, and submission of payroll for processing.
• Administers the City’s employee benefit program including retirement, health, dental, life insurance and voluntary employee benefits; evaluates program and vendor effectiveness; assists in resolving difficult or sensitive problems; serves as intermediary for employees and vendors/providers and administers the City’s open enrollment process.
• Conducts position classification studies; performs job audits and analyses of individual positions, classes and series of classes; participates in organizational and staffing studies of City departments; prepares and revises class specifications and proposes appropriate salary ranges for newly established and revised classifications.
• Conducts salary and employee fringe benefit surveys, analyzes data and recommends adjustments and internal relationships.
• Develops, implements and manages the use of the City’s HRIS system; analyze and develop forms and procedures associated with human resources processes and HRIS applications; maintain the department internet and intranet pages.
• Provides professional and technical advice regarding memorandum of understanding (MOU), language, Personnel Rules and Regulations, policies, procedures, laws, rules and regulations to City departments, employees, employee organizations, job applicants and the general public and responds to complaints and requests for information from employees, management, outside agencies and the public.
• Designs and conducts employee training and orientation programs and assesses training effectiveness and modifies training programs as needed.
• Supports the Human Resources Director with employee and labor relations matters to include handling investigations, disciplinary matters and labor relations duties; assists in the collection and preparation of data used in negotiations.
• Supports the Human Resources Director with conducting formal and informal inquiries into discrimination, harassment and equal opportunity related complaints.
• Coordinates leave management programs; advises employees on their rights under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Care Leave (PFL), long-term disability and disability retirement; receives and processes requests for FMLA, CFRA and other leaves; determines eligibility and sends initial notices; requests additional information and prepares other leave-related correspondence; recommends approval or denial of leaves.
• Supports the Human Resources Director with monitoring compliance of the Department’s various programs with applicable laws, guidelines and regulations; tracks and analyzes proposed legislation to determine impact on human resources operations and programs; researches, develops and proposes updates to, and/or establishment of new, City policies, administrative regulations and personnel rules.
• Establishes highly effective working relationships with clients, employees and union representatives, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff and the public.
• Performs related duties as required.

 

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, and squatting in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Additionally, the incumbent in this position may work in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The following are a representative sample of the KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of:  Principles and practices of public personnel administration; methods and techniques related to classification, compensation and benefits analysis; applicable state and federal employment laws and regulations; principles and techniques of recruitment and selection in the public sector; knowledge of Meyers-Milias-Brown Act, California Public Employees’ Retirement System, Worker's Compensation law, Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, current labor case law and other related federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skill in:  Operate an office computer and variety of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, financial and other software applications. Develop, analyze, proofread and maintain Excel spreadsheets.

Ability to:  Interpret the City's personnel programs and policies to employees and department managers; interpret and analyze information; coordinate a variety of tasks and assignments; elicit the cooperation of others; use a variety of computer software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio; work in an office environment, which may require sitting for extended periods of time; maintain physical and mental condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties. Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.

 

THE SELCTION PROCESS

The process may include an in-basket exercise, individual interviews, panel interviews and/or other related components.  Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. The candidate selected for the position will be required to complete a background check including reference checks, fingerprint check, medical exam, drug-screening and/or other related components.

Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of five days in advance of the selection process exam by calling (916) 434-3229 or emailing hr@lincolnca.gov. The City of Lincoln is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

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. 

 

Required License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
 
Possession of HR Certificate and/or SHRM certificate is a plus. 

To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)

Labor Relations & Equal Employment Unit (Position Code 16)

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).