Labor Relations Specialist Lead

Job Title

Employee Labor Relations Specialist Lead

Human Resources

415 SILVER AVE SW

$61,339.00 - $96,866.00

March 13, 2026

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals;

career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

The Employee Relations Specialist Lead performs professional and technical personnel services to support current and former employees, managers, and the County as a whole. This role is responsible for completing tasks as a lead team member while guiding and mentoring the Employee/Labor Relations Team and serving as a liaison between the Senior Manager and the team.

• Advise and collaborate closely with managers on employee matters, ensuring counseling, discipline, or termination aligns with labor agreements, Bernalillo County policy, and applicable procedures.
• Guide managers by clarifying rights and obligations under labor agreements and applicable policies.
• Foster a supportive environment for the Employee/Labor Relations team by providing guidance and mentorship, while serving as a liaison between the team and the Senior Manager.
• Investigate, gather, and analyze information to ensure employment actions comply with County policies and procedures, as well as Federal, State, and local laws, and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Assist in conducting administrative investigations involving employee conduct and ethical business standards in accordance with Bernalillo County policies, as assigned by the Senior Manager for Labor/Employee Relations.
• Maintain and revise the Labor/Employee Relations framework, including strategies and proposals to continuously improve practices.
• Maintain an organized case management system capable of running analytics and generating data-driven reports.
• Create, maintain, and track disciplinary and grievance files for the HR Labor/Employee Relations Section.
• Conduct advanced research, investigate factual allegations, and recommend effective solutions to issues impacting Labor/Employee Relations administration.
• Oversee the management of data related to random and post-accident drug testing and Unemployment Claims, ensuring accurate entry into applicable databases.
• Analyze and research employment, organizational, labor, and programmatic issues; provide recommendations and draft new or revised policies in compliance with current laws and organizational standards.
• Provide training to managers and employees on best practices and County policies related to Labor/Employee Relations.
• Apply expert-level knowledge of union contract administration, including grievance handling, problem resolution, contract and midterm negotiations, and legal requirements such as NLRA, Title VII, NMHRA, ADA, FMLA, etc.
• Generate reports related to terminations, grievances, and other labor-related activities as assigned by the Senior Manager for Labor/Employee Relations.
• Prepare statistical reports and correspondence; respond to written and verbal inquiries regarding Labor/Employee Relations and related matters.
• Coordinate confidential inquiries and Inspection of Public Records Requests with other HR sections and/or the County Attorney’s Office.
• Coordinate and attend meetings related to Employee and/or Labor Relations matters with Department Directors, Managers, or Supervisors and the Senior Manager; prepare communications, presentations, and conduct research to ensure programs align with best practices and workforce needs.
• Handle sensitive and confidential records, plans, documents, and decisions, maintaining the confidentiality of all sensitive information.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human…