Labor Relations Representative 2 or 3 (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is:

Labor Relations Representative 2: $75,000 - $93,000

Labor Relations Representative 3: $89,000 - $117,600

Initial applicant review will begin on or around January 5th, 2026. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is approved for a hybrid work arrangement. The requirement is one to two days per week in the office, which is subject to change based on departmental needs.

This position is a one-year contract and is eligible for full UC benefits.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Uses professional labor relations concepts and applies organizational policies and procedures to resolve a variety of labor- and union-related issues. Works on labor relations matters of moderate scope and complexity, receiving general supervision and guidance on assignments. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Interacts with internal stakeholders, union representatives, and campus partners to support compliance with labor contracts, personnel policies, and applicable laws.

Provides consultation to managers on disciplinary procedures, contract interpretation, grievances, personnel rules, labor law, and related personnel issues; prepares effective corrective action documents, and termination documentation, as necessary; resolves grievances through formal and informal procedures between employee organizations and management; provide consultation to executive level managers on complex organizational and personnel performance issues and problems; develop and provide training for managers and employees as needed. Interpret and effectively explain complex collective bargaining agreements, policies, and procedures to all levels of academic and staff personnel; represents the campus in proceedings, grievances, and arbitrations (staff and academic appointments); analyzes trends and metrics to develop provide recommendations and implement solutions, programs, and procedures; conduct exit interviews, collect and analyze data; maintain accurate records/file system; identify trends, and recommend process improvements. (Level 3)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Labor Relations Representative 2

Labor Relations Support & Case Handling

• Handles moderately complex questions, concerns, and lower-level grievances from a defined group of unionized employees, referring complex or precedent-setting matters to senior LR staff.

• Provides guidance to supervisors and managers on the application of labor contract provisions, personnel policies, and basic disciplinary procedures.

• Assists in preparing routine documentation related to corrective actions, fact-finding, and step-level grievance responses.

• Conducts initial fact-gathering for labor relations matters and prepares summaries or draft reports for review by senior LR staff.

• Tracks case activity, maintains organized case files, and ensures timely follow-up.

Contract Compliance, Interpretation & Training Support

• Ensures supervisors and managers are aware of and adhere to contract provisions and campus policies.

• Interprets and explains standard collective bargaining agreement (CBA) articles and related policies to employees, managers, and HR partners.

• Assists with developing and delivering basic informational sessions or training materials related to labor relations topics (e.g., leave provisions, contract interpretation basics, grievance timelines).

Bargaining & Labor Relations Programs Support

• Supports local preparation for bargaining, including collecting data, assisting with research, drafting summaries, and note-taking in negotiation or meet-and-confer sessions.

• Analyzes issues of moderate scope to help identify trends and inform bargaining strategies developed by senior LR staff.

• Assists with the implementation of new contract language, collaborating with HR colleagues to support communication and roll-out.

Reporting, Documentation & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Prepares routine reports on issues, grievances, and trends to support labor relations decision making.

• Works collaboratively with departments, HR colleagues, Talent Development, and other partners to address labor issues at the operational level.

• Assists in responding to Public Records Act requests by gathering documents and coordinating with senior LR staff for review.

• Maintains accurate tracking, databases, and documentation related to labor relations activities.

Labor Relations Representative 3

• Represents the campus in proceedings, PPSM complaints, grievances and arbitrations (staff and academic appointments).

• Supports negotiations/bargaining by providing guidance and advising on union/campus issues/trends, may be asked to draft contract language and/or act as local lead negotiator on ad-hoc meet and confer obligations.

• Provides consultation to managers on disciplinary procedures, contract interpretation, grievances, personnel rules, labor law, and related personnel issues; prepares effective corrective action documents, and termination documentation, as necessary; resolves grievances through formal and informal procedures between employee organizations and management; provides consultation to executive level managers on complex organizational and personnel performance issues; develops and provides training to managers and employees as needed, and maintain accurate records/file system.

• Investigates and responds to employee grievances and complaints; provides advice and guidance to senior administrators and managers/supervisors regarding labor and employee relations issues and opportunities.

• Interprets and effectively explains complex collective bargaining agreements, policies, and procedures to all levels of academic and staff personnel.

• Conducts effective and objective, complex employment-related investigations and writes thorough investigative reports, and provides recommendations for management action. Responsible for responding to, reviewing, and coordinating Public Records Requests in accordance with CPRA and HEERA. May be asked to assist with case preparation for unfair labor practices (ULP) and other legal proceedings.

• Drafts communications to disseminate labor relations updates to supervisors, managers, cabinet, and employees, as applicable. Provides training to managers and supervisors on a variety of labor relations topics.

• Works in a highly collaborative manner with others across the organization, external contacts of significance, labor organizations, union representatives, and members of campus management at all levels to effectively respond to department/campus priorities.

• In conjunction with Talent Development, provides ongoing training and informational sessions related to policies, procedures, and state and federal mandates. Improves the institution's effectiveness by providing training in supervisory/management skills to include coaching, performance management, discipline, grievance handling, and contract administration.

• Analyzes trends and metrics to develop solutions, programs, and policies; conducts exit interviews, collect and analyzes data; identifies trends, recommends process improvements; and develops draft procedures related to employee and labor relations.

• Assists with preparation of local bargaining with local bargaining units, e.g., sunshine process, draft proposals, attend and participate in labor negotiations, take notes, maintain records, and assists with the implementation of contract language in coordination with HR colleagues and other campus partners.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Labor Relations Representative 2

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Management, or HR, or equivalent experience/training. (Required)

• One year of directly related, progressively responsible employee and labor relations or HR-related experience, or seven years of equivalent related experience/training as outlined. An MBA may substitute for one year of experience; however, the candidate should possess actual work experience and the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to successfully perform the duties assigned to the position. (Required)

Labor Relations Representative 3

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, or a related area. (Required)

• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible employee and labor relations or HR-related experience, or seven years of equivalent related experience/training as outlined. An MBA may substitute for one year of experience; however, the candidate should possess actual work experience and the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to successfully perform the duties assigned to the position. (Required)

• Experience working in the public sector or University preferred. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Labor Relations Representative 2

• Ability to conduct moderately complex analysis, evaluate issues, and develop recommendations.

• Understanding of basic labor law principles, HEERA, and state/federal employment regulations.

• Familiarity with UC policies, personnel procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Basic understanding of other HR functions (e.g., leaves, compensation, recruitment) and how they intersect with labor relations.

• Foundational knowledge of advocacy approaches needed to represent the organization in lower-level dispute forums or discussions

• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally with diverse audiences; capable of maintaining effective working relationships.

• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult or emotionally charged interactions with professionalism.

• Ability to prioritize assignments, maintain detailed records, and manage multiple tasks with accuracy.

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HR information systems or databases.

Labor Relations Representative 3

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to write detailed, well-organized, publishable analytical reports, procedures, and/or memos; Skill in utilizing personal computers and associated MS Windows software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) in the completion of assignments; and detail-oriented.

• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including employee and union relations, recruitment, performance management, federal and state respective employment laws, compensation practices, workers' compensation, FMLA, ADA, benefit programs, HEERA, CPRA, and regulatory requirements

• Effective skills in negotiating, exchanging ideas, information and opinions with others to formulate policies and programs and/or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, and/or solutions.

• In-depth knowledge of the principles of advocacy to represent the campus in various dispute forums, e.g., arbitrations and administrative proceedings.

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of campus policies and procedures.

• Ability to deal effectively with ambiguity, recognize trends, and identify systemic approaches to solving problems in this fast-moving, constantly changing environment is imperative.

• Demonstrated skills in the areas of business acumen, diplomacy, consulting, analysis, project management, communication, presentation, negotiation and conflict management, and problem-solving while working within a matrix environment.

• Demonstrated ability to handle very difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively; Ability to protect the organization's value by keeping information confidential.

• Analytical skills to understand labor laws and research, develop, interpret, and administer contracts and policies.

• Possesses strong analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/