Labor Negotiator

Labor Negotiator

Salary

$130,041.13 - $179,444.00 Annually

Location

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Regular

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-00281

Department

Human Resources

Division

HR_WrkfrceRelations+Comp

Opening Date

08/25/2026

Closing Date

9/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NONAFF

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

Do you have experience in Labor Relations? Are you interested in joining a team dedicated to building collaborative relationships with represented employees and committed to the collective bargaining process? Are you detail oriented and excel in negotiations and mediation?

If so, the City of Bellevue has an exceptional opportunity for a Labor Negotiator, HR Manager who will join our Labor Relations team as a lead negotiator. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating citywide HR programs/plans related to labor relations and contract negotiations. In addition, you must be able to supervise and help design compensation studies, including determining necessary research and analysis and identifying the scope of compensation studies, perform multifactor data and costs analysis, and present recommended actions to management.

Communication skills and strategic organizational acumen will be critical as this position communicates with all levels of staff and management within the City, union representatives, elected officials, the public, City attorneys, and representatives of other agencies and jurisdictions. Utilize your expertise and work direction to negotiate and bring resolution to problems, represent the City's interests, and articulate and represent programs. You will frequently be involved in sensitive and emotional issues requiring a considerable amount of tact, diplomacy, and skill in building relationships and gaining trust and confidence.

At The City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a diverse team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding public interest and being a part of the community vision. You'll work in a supportive and engaging work environment where being innovative, collaborative, and future focused are valued.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Labor Relations and Contract Negotiation

• Works closely with Department and City management to formulate and recommend negotiation strategies in support of the Citys mission and goals.
• Negotiates various agreements (CBA, MOU/MOA, etc.) on behalf of the City to modify or clarify terms and conditions of employment and participates on labor-management committees.
• Presents sensitive proposals and recommendations to management, elected officials, union representatives, and others as needed.
• Monitors, analyzes, and interprets collective bargaining agreements to ensure their accurate application, compliance with federal and state laws, City policies, and management practices. Recommends compliance actions for new and evolving legislation.
• Upon ratification of contracts, develops communication and training for managers and other departments for the accurate, consistent, and equitable implementation of newly negotiated collective bargaining agreements.
• Researches and formulates responses to grievances and unfair labor practice charges. Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with union representatives.

Compensation Studies, Market Analysis, and Union Proposals

• Compiles, prepares, and analyzes data to develop proposals in labor negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and other settings. Analyzes and costs union proposals including compensation and benefit proposals.
• Meets with management representatives and develops proposals for changes in collective bargaining agreements. Provides management with periodic updates related to negotiation progress and status.
• Serves as consultant to management regarding potentially unforeseen impacts and legal implications of proposed actions. Designs and conducts compensation studies (market analysis), including determining necessary research and analysis, scope of compensation studies, comparable market comparison studies, performs multifactor data and costs analysis, cost/benefit analysis, and presents recommended actions to City leadership.

HR Department Team Partnership, Collaboration, and Support

• Provides technical expertise to department management and staff, regarding the rationale for and proper application of human resources procedures and policies mainly in the areas of represented employees' benefits, compensation, labor and employee relations.
• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with other members of the HR department in development of policies and procedures. Ensures all policies and procedures are administered consistently within the scope of collective bargaining and City initiatives for represented employees while achieving best organizational development and human resources practices.
• Provides consultation and guidance to human resources staff regarding employee actions and highly complex, labor relations issues.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• Works under the direction of an Assistant Director of Human Resources.
• Work is performed independently under limited supervision with a high level of autonomy and responsibility.

Qualifications

Qualifications Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Psychology, or a closely related field. Masters or Juris Doctor degree preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations, contract negotiation, employee relations, and compensation analysis, preferably in the public sector. Working knowledge and experience in labor law and the processes and practices related to collective bargaining. First chair experience required.
• Experience in a variety of human resources disciplines preferred.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Able to compile and analyze statistics. Add, subtract, multiply, divide, compute fractions, ratios, percentages, and proportions; create and interpret graphs and charts; and apply these concepts to practical situations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of governmental budgeting and accounting.
• Ability to handle issues with large scope, high levels of complexity, sensitivity and visibility to the organization; make administrative and procedural decisions and recommendations to solve complex problems with sound judgment on sensitive, complex, and/or confidential issues.
• Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of customers in a diverse community and cope with conflicting points of view; function under pressure and demonstrate discretion, integrity, and fairness with effective interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner.
• Experienced in strategic thinking and developing approaches that consider organizational and long-term impacts of policies and proposed changes.
• Knowledgeable in best human resources practices, arbitration, employee and labor relations, employment law, strategies, and processes.
• Thorough knowledge of public sector labor relations practices/employment policies and procedures and PERC regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, including L&I guidance, PECBA, DOL guidance, and employee accommodation legislation.
• Effective and clear communication strategy in both verbal and written formats.
• Skilled in composing, proofreading, and editing contract language, correspondence, presentations, reports, policies, procedures, and other types of official documents.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval, and tracking.
• Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges while meeting and prioritizing sensitive deadlines
• Work independently and make decisions under broad guidelines.
• Perform effectively as a team member.
• Work Authorization: All new hires will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 10 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.
• This is a full-time, exempt, non-union position. All bargaining is conducted in person, mostly at City Hall or the Bellevue Service Center. Other work is performed in hybrid environment, both at home and in office days, but also may require travel to meetings.
• The incumbent may be required to work non-standard hours, which will include early morning meetings and evening meetings.

Flexible/Hybrid Working:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

HIRING PROCESS

The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.

The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:

Medical

Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the Citys self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).

Dental

Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.

Vision

Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:

More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the Citys non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

01

Your responses in this section will be used to review your application and determine your eligibility for this position. The experience listed here MUST match the employment history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, please go back and update your application before submitting, as any discrepancies may result in removal from consideration. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above". We do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application. Do you understand and agree to these requirements?

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed in Business Administration, Public Administration, Psychology or a related field?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above

03

How many years of progressively responsible experience in labor relations or collective bargaining do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5-8 years of experience
• 8-10 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience

04

What best describes your experience level as a negotiator?

• No experience
• Assisted in negotiations
• Co negotiator (shared lead responsibility)
• First chair lead negotiator

05

How frequently have you worked with union representatives or labor management committees?

• Never
• Occasionally (1-2 times per year)
• Regularly (ongoing role)
• Frequently (part of core job responsibilities)

06

What types of compensation analyses have you conducted?

• None
• Single factor analysis (market data review)
• Multi factor compensation and benefits analysis
• Complex costing models for negotiations or arbitration

07

How comfortable are you presenting sensitive or technical information to leadership or elected officials?

• Comfortable with support
• Independent and confident
• Highly experienced
• Expert; frequently present complex recommendations

08

The City of Bellevue is a hybrid workplace. This is a Washington State job, and candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of City Hall and be onsite in Bellevue at least 2 day(s) per week.

• Yes, I am interested in hybrid schedule and available to be onsite 2 or more days per week.
• No, I am interested in fully remote position.

Required Question

Employer City of Bellevue

Address PO Box 90012

Bellevue, Washington, 98009

Website http://www.bellevuewa.gov/