Labor Negotiator

Description Note: This position will remain open until filled. It is at the hiring manager's discretion to make a hiring decision at any time and close the recruitment. First round of interviews are anticipated to begin the week of May 27, 2025. It is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. Hybrid: Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. This position is flexible/hybrid, with the ability to telework, and some travel to in-person activities, meetings, and events are required. Why work for OFM The Office of Financial Management (OFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our vision at OFM is to work together for the equitable future of all Washingtonians. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. We’re also committed to creating an environment that fosters our core values – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Integrity, Innovation, Collaboration and Operational Excellence. All staff are expected to embed these values in their team and work. Join us in filling a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, making a meaningful difference and taking public service to another level. The job opportunity We are looking for a Labor Negotiator within our State Human Resources Division, Labor Relations and Compensation Policy (LR&CP) section. The LR&CP Section is responsible for statewide labor relations administration and contract negotiations of the collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) between the State of Washington and Labor Unions. The LR &CP Section is comprised of 12 labor negotiators and 6 compensation policy analysts who negotiate and help administer the State’s 34 labor agreements covering approximately 60,000 represented employees and 50,000 publicly-funded service providers. In this role, you'll serve as the Governor’s designee in negotiating complex labor contracts, including advising on the interpretation and application of the contract. Your strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills will be relied upon in this role as you'll serve as a lead negotiator. In addition, this position will provide support and testimony in administrative hearings involving unfair labor practices, bargaining unit clarification, union representation proceedings, grievance and interest arbitration hearings. You will advise the state enterprise on labor relations and contract administration, respond to union requests for information, public records requests and conduct legislative bill analyses for State HR and the LR&CP team. You will determine the best course of action to resolve complex labor relations situations, keeping your team leaders informed of any sensitive matters with statewide impact or high-profile risks associated with your approach to labor engagement using appropriate discretion when higher-level decision-making is required. Duties What You’ll Work On Negotiate labor contracts and Memorandums of Understanding with unions that represent state employees. Proposal development, approval processes and accuracy for state bargaining proposals and agreements during the bargaining process. Formulate strategy and coordinate resources to present the employer’s interest in labor negotiations, advising agencies, and Executive leadership on contract negotiations, interpretation and application. Research, prepare and obtain costing for proposals and agreements as part of the bargaining process or settlement negotiations. Compose, train and manage a team of employer bargaining team members. Coordinate with agency/institution stakeholders to develop bargaining proposals and understanding and appropriately respond to stakeholder interest and priorities. Independently assess the need for an assistant attorney general input or seeking input from other OFM teams as appropriate for proposals and settlement agreements. Raise awareness and share sensitive or global impact proposals and agreements with co-workers, chain of command and other teams within SHR. Seek pre-approval for economic items or items with statewide impact from OFM leadership. Negotiate with labor unions to reach tentative agreements during successor bargaining and mid-term bargaining and clearly articulate the whole and entire agreement in proper written form. Execute agreements and ensure that all required documentation is filed and published timely and properly and in accordance with RCW 43.88.583. Review draft “roll-up” of agreements and work with Labor Relations Assistant and respective union to achieve a final print-ready version of agreements. Develop training for stakeholder agencies/institutions for the implementation of assigned agreements. Track and respond to union information requests. Provide statewide guidance and interpretation for Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) assignments, often requiring historical research of intent and past bargaining activities. Provide representation, assistance, consultation, documentation and records, and testimony with assigned assistant attorneys general in grievance or contract mediation, grievance arbitration, interest arbitration, unfair labor practice cases or other hearings. Conduct pre-arbitration review meetings and/or grievance meetings for assigned areas of responsibility; conduct union outreach regarding questions of contract interpretation, implementation and processing. Conduct legislative bill analysis. Qualifications What we need you to bring Required Qualifications At least three (3) years professional labor relations experience. This should include demonstrated ability to articulate and implement labor relations principles and negotiating strategies, including the role of the union and their business interests and goals. Demonstrated experience with drafting labor contracts, contract administration and familiarity with negotiation, mediation and other forms of pre-litigation conflict resolution. Demonstrated experience effectively managing or leading teams by using influence, collaboration, developing teamwork and demonstrating effective people interaction skills (not via command & control or hierarchy). Demonstrated ability to build healthy working relationships with labor organizations as well as internal teams or groups. Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and understand applicable laws and their implementing regulations. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated knowledge of the state legislative process to include bill analysis. Proficient in common computer applications and ability to manage collective bargaining proposal development and use of legislative track changes in MS Word. Desired Qualifications Knowledge of WA State Government budget and operations. Knowledge of WA State Government Human Resources and labor relations best practices. Interest Arbitration experience. Experience and knowledge of the Washington Management Service structure. Knowledge of personnel and practices of public employee labor organizations in WA state. Five (5) years professional labor relations experience. This should include demonstrated ability to articulate and implement labor relations principles and negotiating strategies, including the role of the union and their business interests and goals. Demonstrated knowledge of State Government budget related to collective bargaining implementation and statewide accounting principles related to employees (State Administrative Accounting Manual (SAAM), travel, pay checks, etc). We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in this job posting. Don’t let doubts stop you, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the needed candidate for this role. Supplemental Information What We Offer At OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees. Benefits Please visit our Recruitment for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here’s a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers: A culture that values and strives to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging Tuition reimbursement Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year State retirement programs Application Process: Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application. Please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following: Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position Resume: that details your applicable experience and education. References: at least three professional references and their contact information. Questions: OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard of hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov. The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply. This position is exempt from civil service rules. For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read About Our Benefits The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information . Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 12-31-2022 01 The application process requires that you attached a cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position and a resume. Please click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation. Yes, I have attached a cover letter and a resume. No, I have not attached a cover letter and a resume. 02 Do you have least three (3) years professional labor relations experience. This should include demonstrated ability to articulate and implement labor relations principles and negotiating strategies, including the role of the union and their business interests and goals. Yes No 03 Do you have experience with drafting labor contracts, contract administration and familiarity with negotiation, mediation and other forms of pre-litigation conflict resolution? Yes No 04 Do you have experience effectively managing or leading teams by using influence, collaboration, developing teamwork and demonstrating effective people interaction skills (not via command & control or hierarchy)? Yes No 05 If you select "Yes" to the question 4, please describe your experience in one paragraph. 06 How did you first learn about this job opportunity? Word of mouth (e.g., friends, family, neighbor, etc.) OFM employee Other State employee Business Resource Group (BRG's) Career fair event Careers.wa.gov DeafNation Public job sites (e.g., Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Monster, etc.) WorkSource Office or similar OFM website governmentjobs.com Other 07 If you selected OFM or State employee, BRG, Career Fair event, or Other on the previous question, please list the name of the person and/or organization in the space below, otherwise type NA. Required Question