Principal Employee Relations Analyst

Sacramento Municipal Utility District
United States, California, Sacramento
May 07, 2025
Apply now Title: Principal Employee Relations Analyst Department: Employee Relations Location: Sacramento, CA, US, 95827-3824 Category: Minimum Pay Rate:$123,531.20 Maximum Pay Rate:$163,592.00 Civil Service Status:Civil Service Apply by Date:05/20/2025 Posting Type:Open SMUD's People Services and Strategies Department seeks a Principal Employee Relations Analyst to provideprofessional and analytical support as well as subject matter expertise on employee and labor relations matters.The Principal Employee Relations Analyst is a lead contributor that performs a wide variety of duties related toemployee and labor relations, such as providing professional guidance, advice, and training on employee andlabor relations matters at all levels of the organization; assisting supervisors with employee coaching, performancemanagement, and performance improvement; conducting and supporting fact-finding investigations of potentialpolicy violations and EEO complaints; writing defensible investigatory reports; recommending discipline anddrafting disciplinary documents; addressing sensitive employee matters; and, serving in a support role for laborrelations with one or more collective bargaining units, including day-to-day contract management, grievanceresponse and resolution, and labor negotiations.This position also serves as Substance Abuse Program Administrator and Designated Employer Representative (DER), providing day-to-day oversight to ensure compliance with applicable State and Federal rules, laws, and regulations. NOTE: This position is posted until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received and mayclose any time after 10 business days 5/20/2025. For immediate consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early. Purpose To perform advanced professional analytical support and consulting services in the development, coordination, implementation, and administration of labor and employee relations policies, procedures, and programs; serves as a Chief Negotiator in negotiations with labor unions as well as in grievance resolution efforts; provides ongoing employee relations services to SMUD departments by keeping appropriate management abreast of changes in local Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), conducting fact-finding investigations, guiding disciplinary processes, and recommending solutions to employee relations issues. Nature and Scope There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements: Flex Classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series: Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level. Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job. Non-Flex Classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series: Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead role. Principal: Subject matter expert/lead level and is responsible for leading the most advanced work, as dictated by the work needing to be performed. Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully "progress" to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series. Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series. Duties and Responsibilities Directs or oversees staff or a work team in accomplishing daily tasks and assignments; provides leadership and counsel on work methods and standards; inspects completed work for compliance with established work standards and processes; evaluates, trains and performance manages assigned staff; ensures accountability for delivery of programs, services and execution of strategies. Represents SMUD in conducting good faith negotiations, in accordance with all applicable labor and employment laws; acts as a chief negotiator for union-related matters. Builds and maintains effective relationships with unions and SMUD management. Serves as an expert on SMUD's Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), providing advice and guidance to management on contract provisions, contract interpretation and other employee relations matters. Arranges and schedules meetings among grieving employees, supervisory and managerial personnel, and union representatives, to investigate and resolve grievances; advises, consults with, and prepares response for management in grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor proceedings, and other labor matters. Represents SMUD at administrative hearings. Collaborates with legal department and affected management on grievance, arbitration, and unfair labor practice issues. Leads in the maintenance of MOUs and handles meet and confer processes related to operational issues, working conditions, and wage and hour provisions; makes presentations and provides recommendations to appropriate parties; finalizes contract language. Conducts fact-finding investigations, leads disciplinary processes, and recommends solutions on the most complex of employee relations issues. Serves as the program coordinator for employee relations programs (e.g. Substance Abuse Policy Administration/DOT Administration, Threat Management, and Policies & Procedures) including owning and managing all vendor contracts associated with these programs. Guides team training, projects and programs to align with SMUD's employee relations goals and objectives. Researches, reviews, and evaluates legislation to keep apprised of legislation affecting employee relations and fair employment as well as other federal and state laws, codes, and regulations governing employment and employee relations work. Provides guidance and assistance to SMUD employees and leaders regarding EEO/fair employment issues, investigative findings, and related matters to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities; mediates, facilitates, monitors, and follows up on implementing plans to resolve relevant employment matters. Educates and gives instruction on employee and labor relations matters to ensure that SMUD employees and leaders understand and adhere to Federal, State, and local laws as well SMUD policies and procedures. Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary. Required Education Bachelor's degree with major course work in human resources, business, psychology/behavioral science, or a related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience. Required Experience Qualifications At least five (5+) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of public sector labor/employee relations including experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Problem Resolution Counseling with at least two (2+) years in a lead and/or supervisory role. Knowledge Of Fundamentals and practices of effective supervision, including training and performance management Applicable federal, state and local employment and labor regulations, policies and laws Investigative techniques used in labor, employee relations and grievance resolution Negotiation fundamentals and strategies as applied to employee/labor relations Cost analysis methods and techniques used in labor relations work Labor and/or employee relations administration in civil service environment Project and program development and administration Fair employment laws, regulations and practices Basic training methods and techniques Skills To Effectively organize people, resources and work plans Develop and administer labor and/or employee relations programs Lead by influence while collaborating to meet organizational goals Understand, interpret, and explain laws, regulations, policies, MOUs, and other agreements governing labor relations program operations Collect and analyze data to establish/identify needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and draw logical conclusions Investigate a variety of issues, grievances, and complaints in a timely and sensitive manner Develop, coordinate, and/or provide training to various groups in SMUD Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; deal with others in a tactful and diplomatic manner; interview people to determine root causes of interpersonal conflicts Maintain confidentiality of information; work effectively with others who may have objectives counter to assigned role Contribute to minimizing labor unrest and disruption by maintaining good working relationships with union representatives Operate standard office equipment including computers and applicable software Desirable Qualifications Public Sector Employee Relations experience Formal training and/or certification in Employee and Labor Relations Experience conducting fact finding investigations, including writing defensible reports and disciplinary documents Experience responding to grievances or appeals and serving as an employer representative in administrative hearings Experience providing consultation to management on performance management Formal training and/or certification in Mediation/Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) and/or Conflict Management/Resolution Required Licenses/Certificates Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License (CDL) and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years). Physical Requirements Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers.Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations. Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together. An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform "substantially similar work," when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance. SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests. Why Sacramento, California? The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few. On-site Work This position will be required to work onsite three days a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less,depending on the work and, at times, early mornings or evenings for onsite meetings. And, on a rare occasion, theposition may require weekend work. SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Req ID: 2164 Apply now