Serve as a senior labor relations subject-matter expert: investigate employee issues, manage grievances, administer union contracts, support labor negotiations, advise managers, maintain case files and LaborSoft data, draft policies, deliver training, ensure compliance with labor laws, and generate labor-related reports and analytics.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Posting Title:
Senior Employee Relations Specialist
Department:
Human Resources
Location:
415 SILVER AVE SW
Pay Range:
$54,018.00 - $85,363.00
Close Date:
November 8, 2026
Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.
The Employee Relations Specialist Senior performs professional and technical personnel services to support employees, managers, and the County. Serving as a senior member of the employee relations team, this position functions as a subject matter expert in labor relations. Key responsibilities include union contract administration, grievance handling, and labor negotiations. This role also contributes to the strategic development of employee relations practices and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and collective bargaining agreements. These updates reflect the evolving scope of the position and provide a more dynamic and precise understanding of its expectations and requirements.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Investigate, gather, and analyze information to ensure employment actions comply with County policies, applicable laws, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Assist with administrative investigations involving employee conduct and ethics as assigned by Human Resources Labor Relations.
• Support the development and revision of the employee relations framework, recommending improvements to policies and practices.
• Maintain an organized case management system; generate analytics and metrics for data-driven reporting.
• Advise managers and employees on employment matters, including policies, performance management, coaching, hiring, and disciplinary actions.
• Maintain disciplinary and grievance files for the Labor/Employee Relations Section.
• Conduct advanced research and investigations; recommend effective solutions for labor relations matters.
• Enter data related to random and post-accident drug testing into the LaborSoft database.
• Enter and manage unemployment claim data within the LaborSoft database.
• Research and draft new or revised employment policies to ensure legal compliance and alignment with County standards.
• Deliver training to managers and staff on policies and best practices.
• Apply advanced knowledge of union contract administration, including grievance handling and contract negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with labor relations laws such as the NLRA, Title VII, NMHRA, ADA, FMLA, and others.
• Generate reports related to terminations, grievances, and other labor-related activities.
• Prepare statistical reports and respond to inquiries related to labor and employee relations.
• Coordinate confidential inquiries and public records requests with other HR sections.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings regarding employee or labor relations with department leaders and HR Labor Relations.
• Prepare written communications, conduct research, and deliver presentations on employee and labor relations topics to ensure programs reflect current best practices.
• Handle confidential records and information with discretion and in compliance with County confidentiality policies.
*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of related work experience.
*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE
The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:
• Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination.
• Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
• Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position.
• Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Essential job duties are performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment. Primary work surface is even, dry, carpeted or tiled floor.
• Works alone primarily, with or without directions.
• Works with a group at times and with a select team at times.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS
• Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
• Materials and products handled on performance of duties include logs, spreadsheet, graphs, pie charts, writing utensils, safety manual, rules and regulations, and various office forms.
