Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a difference to the environment? The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) cleaned up Boston Harbor and currently provides Massachusetts with the cleanest drinking water in the country. Join a great team with unlimited aspirations!
About the Role
Responsible for managing the Authority's labor relations functions within the Human Resources Department, including but not limited to negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements, processing grievances, and serving as the primary point of contact with MWRA's union representatives. Manages employee drug testing program, uniform program, and debit card program for employee clothing allowances. Workforce is comprised of approximately 1000 employees in 5 collective bargaining units covering administrative, professional, trades, scientist, and engineering positions.
Responsibilities
•Serves as chief spokesperson for successor collective bargaining negotiations.
•Conducts mid-term and impact bargaining as necessary.
•Responsible for coordinating implementation of negotiated contracts and all human resources initiatives resulting from collective bargaining agreements.
•Gathers pertinent data and analyzes impact of collective bargaining proposals and tentative contractual agreements such as Authority costs, wage comparisons, budget data, and position titles.
•Advises managers and supervisors on labor relations matters, contract interpretation, employee performance issues, and disciplinary matters.
•Serves as management representative on Labor-Management committees and other relevant committees impacting labor relations.
•Provides support to legal counsel in arbitration cases, unfair labor practice charges, and other litigation matters.
•Assists with workplace investigations relative to claims of harassment, misconduct, workplace violence, and discrimination. Prepares appropriate reports and recommendations for action.
•Provides direction and advice to managers and supervisors in disciplinary matters including serving as hearing officer in pre-disciplinary hearings, preparing and reviewing hearing reports, and making appropriate recommendations at conclusion of such hearings.
•Manages employee drug testing program, uniform program, and debit card program for employee clothing allowances.
•Manages related vendor contracts, including scope of services development, vendor selection, and approvals by the MWRA Board of Directors.
•Implements training sessions for management and supervisory staff regarding managing in a unionized environment, disciplinary procedures, grievance administration, and interpretation of negotiated union contracts.
•Assists Director, Human Resources in implementation of special projects as assigned.
•Oversees the Authority's responses to union information requests.
•Manages the department in a manner consistent with the MWRA's goals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Qualifications
•A bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, public administration or related field.
•A thorough understanding of collective bargaining principles, labor and employee relations, human resources, and grievance administration as acquired through at least seven (7) years of experience in labor-management relations (preferably in the public sector) with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience in any field; or
•Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
Required Skills
•Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to draw conclusions based upon available evidence.
•Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and oral and written communication skills.
•Demonstrated supervisory skills.
•Strong understanding of relevant state and federal laws, including Massachusetts General Laws c. 150E.
•Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team and to function independently with minimal supervision.
•Proficiency with computer software, such as Microsoft Office Suite and videoconference applications.
•Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion while handling sensitive matters.
•Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.
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