Employee Relations Manager

Under administrative direction, the employee in this class plans, conducts, and directs employee relations/special projects and activities involving collective bargaining, contract administration, labor grievance procedures, the progressive discipline system and Civil Service hearings; employee processing and the HRIS system; unemployment compensation; and, implementation and administration of programs for Drug Free Workplace, ADA and EEO activities.  Supervises subordinate supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel in EEO/Labor Relations/special projects and activities.  Work is of unusual difficulty requiring the exercise of extensive initiative and independent judgment and is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through conferences, reports and results obtained.  Appointed position; employee serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Consults with and provides guidance to supervisory and managerial personnel regarding disciplinary policies, procedures and the administration of progressive discipline, providing technical assistance to ensure consistency and compliance with collective bargaining agreements, local, state or federal laws, rules and regulations and judicial decisions.  Provides assistance in drafting disciplinary action forms and notices and takes corrective action in problem areas.

Provides technical assistance to supervisory and managerial personnel on interpretation of labor agreements, personnel policies and procedures, and other applicable regulations including but not limited to Civil Service Rules, EEO policies and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Supports and participates in training of supervisory personnel, including methods of effective supervision.

Plans, organizes, and participates in all phases of collective bargaining and negotiations with representatives of police, fire and general employees bargaining units, relative to wages, hours, terms and conditions of employment or any other bargain able subjects.

Provides research, documentation, exhibits and formulation of the City’s position in all grievance cases, whether via Civil Service Board or Arbitration. Prepares, briefs and provides technical assistance and support to legal staff in all administrative hearings and litigation.

Provides guidance and technical assistance to departments concerning drug testing and fitness for duty evaluation; monitors progress in substance abuse rehabilitation cases; coordinates mandatory and supervisory referrals to the employee assistance programs.

Ensures all regulations, City policies and procedures relating to labor relations and other employee relations programs are implemented and administered properly and in the best interest of the Administration and City employees.

Conducts and oversees internal investigations into employee performance or behavior, including but not limited to alleged harassment, discrimination or other inappropriate conduct.

Oversees activities of the Ethics Office as set forth in the City’s Ethics Code, including but not limited to consultation on related matters, training, investigations and compliance.

Conducts and oversees public records processes in accordance with Florida Statutes, manages a team of analysts, and oversees all requests for special projects to include surveys, employment requests, and ensures compliance within the state CDL clearinghouse.

Prepares reports and correspondence; assigns, develops and evaluates staff; manages unit budget and work processes.

Performs related work as required.

Comprehensive knowledge of:  labor relations, including negotiations, contract administration, and grievance processing; principles, practices, and procedures of public personnel administration; modern management practices and procedures; training practices.

Extensive knowledge of:  federal and state laws and guidelines relating to job duties (e.g. equal employment opportunity, American with Disabilities Act, Drug-Free Workplace, Florida Statutes, Chapter 447).

Ability to:  write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings; be persuasive and convincing in oral and written presentations; plan, assign, direct, and coordinate the work of professional, para-professional and clerical employees in a manner that promotes full performance; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, employees, labor union representatives, and the general public; set clear objectives and measures to monitor process, progress and results.

Skill in:  contract administration and negotiations with labor unions in a manner conducive to effective labor-management relations; discipline administration; implementation of employment laws.

Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, preferably a master’s degree, in public or business administration or related field and five (5) years of  progressively responsible experience in labor relations and/or personnel management at the supervisory or managerial level.

Possession of valid driver’s license is required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.