Principal Employee Relations Analyst
Salary
$127,338.00 - $191,006.00 Annually
Location
City of Anaheim, CA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2026-00111
Department
Human Resources
Opening Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
The City of Anaheim Human Resources Department is seeking a dynamic professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a passion about employee and labor relations. The Principal Employee Relations Analyst will lead impactful initiatives, collaborate with and advise City leaders, mentor HR professionals, and serve a trusted advisor on complex workplace matters.
The Principal Employee Relations Analyst will possess a strong understanding of labor relations, as well as classification and compensation, including experience in collective bargaining negotiations and labor cost analysis. In addition, this position will perform a full range of employee relations functions, including employee performance management, misconduct and disciplinary investigations, leave administration, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interactive process administration, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance.
The incumbent may also lead, mentor, and supervise professional and technical staff; advise and consult with management throughout the City on a variety of complex labor and employment matters; and provide advanced professional support to the Employee Relations Manager. The incumbent is considered to be an expert in the field and is expected to exercise a high degree of independent judgement, requiring minimal supervision beyond general policy direction.
Ideal candidates will possess:
The deadline for the first review of applications is on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Essential Functions
The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Coordinate the organization, staffing, and operational activities of one or more employee relations programs, including collective bargaining and labor agreements, employee performance management and progressive discipline, classification and compensation, EEO/ADA administration and investigations, and leave administration.
Conduct analysis and provide recommendations and/or training on disciplinary procedures and standards of progressive discipline, contract interpretation, grievances, personnel rules, labor law, and related personnel issues; resolve grievances through formal and informal procedures between employee organization and management; provide consultation to executive level managers on complex organizational and personnel performance issues and problem.
Respond to complaints and charges; conduct and/or oversee investigations.
Administer and participate in difficult and complex labor negotiations in order to establish wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment; participate in the development and presentation of strategies and proposals for labor negotiations, including preparation of management and labor proposals and counterproposals.
Prepare, analyze, and maintain a variety of records, reports, studies, documents and statistical findings; draft Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs); draft ordinances, resolutions, policy statements, and administrative instruction to implement terms of the MOUs.
Negotiate, develop, and monitor professional service contracts; assist in the preparation of department budget; develop and prepare financial reports.
Interpret and apply labor contracts and resolutions to workplace issues.
Provide advocacy and represent the City on labor relations matters.
Establish highly effective working relationships with clients, employees and union representatives on employee relations issues.
Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommend and implement resulting policies and procedures.
Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identify resource needs; review with appropriate management staff; implement improvements.
Direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for assigned employee relations programs and activities; assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Develop and facilitate city-wide training programs; conduct needs assessments to identify citywide and department-specific training needs; conduct formal training sessions and act as course instructor; assess training effectiveness and modify training programs as needed.
Coordinate assigned activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations.
Oversee the research and development of new City policies, administrative regulations, and personnel rules; oversee the preparation of resolutions and motions for City Council adoption; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of employee relations and human resources administration; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
Perform related duties as required.
Qualifications
Experience and Education: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional human resources administration experience (preferably in employee relations) including two (2) years of lead and/or supervisory experience, supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resources, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Any equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
Knowledge of: Advanced principles, practices, operations, and activities of a human resources and employee relations programs, including labor relations, complaint investigation, classification and compensation, employee performance management, and leave administration; supervision and employee development principles and practices; methods of statistical measurement, research and analysis techniques; municipal government organization, functions, and management; labor relations and negotiation processes; public sector employment law; principles and practices of job classification, job analysis, and compensation; principles of performance management and progressive discipline; record keeping, business letter writing and report preparation; principles and practices of customer service; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications; pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to: Perform advanced professional, technical and analytical human resources and employee relations work; make complex independent decisions; collect, compile, and analyze statistical information and data; make complete and accurate analysis, reports, and recommendations; understand and assess needs and strengths of others; maintain confidentiality of private or sensitive information; understand, interpret, and apply complex administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations and Memoranda of Understanding; lead and supervise others; prepare and conduct presentations and training; understand the organization and operation of the City; plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
License/Certification Required: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license. PHR, SPHR, or CLRM Certification highly desirable.
Supplemental Information
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.
The selection process will consist of a minimum of skills examination and oral interview. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.
Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process.
The City of Anaheim 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 benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits summary, visit: https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/30970/Benefits-Summary-Full-Time
For additional information about the Citys benefits, visit: www.myanaheimbenefits.com
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
Note: Pension contribution limitations are set by CalPERS each calendar year, with compensation limit requirements for Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members and Classic members. Employee contributions will be deposited into a 401(a) account after reaching this limit. Employees with CalPERS membership dates prior to July 1, 1996 are not impacted by these limits.
To view the current limits and additional CalPERS information, visit:
https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/4783/CalPERS-Rates
01
Candidates will be evaluated based on the information provided on both the application and the responses to the following Supplemental Questions. Failure to fully detail all experience or stating experience in response to the Supplemental Questions but not listing the experience in the application, copy/pasting information, or responses referring to your resume may eliminate you from consideration. Do you understand this requirement?
02
How many years of professional human resources experience do you possess?
03
Do you possess a Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resources, public administration, business administration, law, or related field?
04
If you have obtained a college degree, please list your degree and major. If none, type N/A.
05
Do you have prior human resources experience within a public sector setting?
06
If you have experience in a public sector setting, please describe your experience. If none, type N/A.
07
How many years of supervisory and/or lead experience do you possess?
08
If you possess supervisory and/or lead experience, please describe your experience to include your title and the level of staff that you supervised. If none, write N/A.
09
Do you possess experience serving as a lead negotiator or serving on a labor negotiations team in a unionized environment?
10
Briefly describe your experience with labor negotiations. If none, write N/A.
11
Do you possess experience with conducting investigations and/or handling grievances?
12
Briefly describe your experience conducting investigations and/or handling grievances. If none, write N/A.
Required Question
Employer City of Anaheim
Address 201 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 501
Anaheim, California, 92805
Phone 714-765-5111
Website http://www.anaheim.net/jobs