Labor Relations Deputy Chief

The Job

San Bernardino County Labor Relations Office seeks an experienced labor relations professional with advance level experience in Labor Negotiations and Labor Relations to take on a key leadership role within the County's Labor Relations team. The Deputy Director works closely with the County Labor Relations Chief to shape and implement labor strategies that support organizational goals. The Labor Relations Deputy Chief is responsible for assisting the County Labor Relations Chief to develop and administer the County's labor position including negotiating labor contracts, handling grievances, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations, and fostering positive relationships between county management and employees. The Labor Relations Deputy Chief will help manage a constant workload directing all activities concerning the County’s 11 labor unions, 28 bargaining units and 3 non-represented plans. In addition, the Deputy will manage a staff of two senior officers, and two labor analysts in this endeavor.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This position offers full benefits and a c ompetitive salary range of

$142,958.40 - $205,150.40 Annually DOQ

3% Annual Across the Board Salary Increases in February 2026* Bi-annual merit step increases of 2.5% up to Step 16

The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO)that provides a wage differential of 4% above the base salary rate with modified benefits.

TRADITIONAL

OPTION

BOTH OPTIONS INCLUDE

MODIFIED

OPTION

• Up to 160 hours accruable Paid Vacation time
• 96 hours Sick Leave with unlimited accrual
• 14 Paid Holidays + 1 Paid Floating Holiday
• 16 hours Perfect Attendance Leave
• Higher Medical Premium Subsidy

• Medical/Dental/Vision - family coverage with premium subsidies
• Generous Retirement - Vested after 5yrs (sbcera.org)
• 401K with 2-for-1 County match up to 8%
• 457 (b) with .5-for-1 County match up to .5%
• 80 hours of Administrative Leave with cash-out option
• Retirement Medical Trust Fund with County contribution
• Flexible Spending Account - County match up to $50 per pay period depending on plan
• $1,000 Education/Membership Reimbursement
• Tuition Loan Repayment up to $10,000
• Wellness Programs, including health club membership
• Dependent Care Assistance Plan

• 4% wage differential over the base rate of pay for all paid hours
• Paid time off (PTO) w/ cash-out option - up to 5 weeks accruable; can be used for vacation, illness, or other personal use
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Medical Premium Subsidy

PLUS FLEXIBLE 9/80 SCHEDULES & RETIREMENT RECIPROCITY WITH CALPERS AND '37 ACT PLANS

Click the links below for additional details:

Exempt Employee Compensation Ordinance

Summary of Traditional Benefits

Summary of Modified Benefits Option

The Labor Relations Deputy Chief manages complex labor relations issues, guiding dispute resolution efforts, and advising executive leadership on the interpretation of labor laws and policies. The Deputy Chief also builds strong relationships with union representatives, coordinates grievance processes, and supports employee engagement initiatives to foster a constructive labor-management environment. Additionally, the role entails leading cross-functional teams, mentoring labor relations staff, and contributing to policy development and workforce planning strategies.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the strategic direction and daily administration of the County’s labor relations program, including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance resolution, and compliance monitoring.
• Support the Labor Chief in developing, implementing, and evaluating labor relations policies and procedures that align with County objectives and legal mandates.
• Serve as lead or co-lead negotiator in labor contract negotiations; develop proposals and conduct cost analysis to inform County leadership.
• Collaborate with internal departments, elected officials, and external stakeholders to proactively identify and resolve labor-related issues.
• Provide expert consultation to County leadership and management on labor contracts, legal compliance, and best practices in labor and employee relations.
• Conduct training and informational sessions on labor policies, contracts, and related procedures for County departments.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and recommendations for the Board of Supervisors and executive management.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting labor relations and advise on necessary policy or operational changes.
• Represent the County in labor-related administrative hearings, including arbitration, civil service appeals, and PERB proceedings.
• Participate in budget development and monitor expenditures to ensure the efficient use of resources within the Labor Relations office.
• Coordinate closely with the Employee Relations Chief and other leadership on the development and implementation of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and County employment policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of County labor relations goals.
  

It is expected that the Labor Relations Deputy Chief will keep abreast of current developments in the Human Resources field, specifically labor relations, including labor market trends, personnel administration, recent court decisions, and applicable pending legislation.

THE LABOR RELATIONS OFFICE
The County's Labor Relations Office fosters and maintains productive and positive relations between the County, its employees, and the recognized employee organizations that represent them. The team is responsible for the development and implementation of the County's labor relations goals, policies and priorities. Our highly skilled staff, under the leadership of the County Labor Relations Chief, provides guidance to County Management regarding labor relations issues, negotiates labor agreements, participates in issue-specific meet and confer sessions, and handles general interactions with the County's recognized bargaining agents.

* Salary increases contingent upon Property Related Revenue and/or statewide 2011 Realignment Sales Tax Collections performance.

Minimum Requirements

Education: A Bachelor's Degree in human resources management, industrial/organizational psychology, public or business administration, behavioral science, law, legal studies, or other job relevant field.

--AND--

Experience:

Option 1: Four (4) years of recent (at least one year within the last five years) professional level human resources or labor law experience primarily performing labor relations functions (e.g., participating in collective bargaining negotiations, handling grievances and unfair labor practices charges, representing management at formal grievance arbitration hearings, etc).

--OR--

Option 2: Five (5) years of recent (at least one year within the last five years) professional level human resources experience performing employee relations functions (e.g., advising and representing management on employee relations matters and handling employee grievances, investigations, disciplinary actions and hearings; participating in labor negotiations, etc.).

Substitution: A Master's Degree in one of the disciplines listed above may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience in either option 1 or 2.

Desired Qualifications

Experience obtained within a public sector (i.e., government) agency or a large private sector employer with a large, union represented workforce (500+ regular employees) is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate:

• Has the ability to research and analyze data, define problems or objectives, and formulate effective, logical, and objective solutions and alternatives.
• Has in-depth knowledge and stays abreast of current labor laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Has a demonstrated record of achievement in managing a wide variety of complex labor relations and negotiations matters for a large public sector agency.
• Successfully resolves labor grievances.
• Has experience in preparing and presenting cases before hearing officers and/or bodies.
• Has written communication skills with the ability to synthesize and clearly present information.
• Has strong collaboration skills and the ability to lead and work effectively in a team environment.
• Has excellent relationship building capabilities and the ability to persuade and influence.
• Is self-motivated to continuously learn, innovate, and advance in the field of Labor Relations.

Selection Process

Selection Process: The selection process will consist of a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the application and responses to the supplemental questions. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the appointing authority for further consideration. Candidates advancing in the selection process will receive further information/instructions via email only.

Priority Application Review Date: Applications received by July 18, 2025 will be included in the first review/processing of applications; subsequent reviews may be conducted as needed to meet business needs.

Completing the Online Application: To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application.

If you require technical assistance, please click HERE to review the Government Jobs online application guide , or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans’ Preference points. Click here for information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points.

Please click HERE for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process .

Exempt Unit-Group C

The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

For a summary of benefits, please click here .

Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at hr.sbcounty.gov/employee-benefits/ .

Closing Date/Time: 7/18/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• San Bernardino County

• 9093878304

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