About this role
Job SummaryIf selected, you would serve as a senior Labor and Employee Relations Specialist responsible for independently producing timely and legally sound LR and ER actions. You would: conduct labor negotiations, handle clarification petitions, grievances, manage complex casework, and provide expert guidance on labor and employee relations matters. Will support program oversight, policy development, reporting requirements, and represents the Agency on labor and employee relations initiatives.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Administering and researching labor relations issues for federal civilian employees; Providing strategies/plans to guide managers on collective bargaining matters; Serving as technical advisor or agency representative in arbitration proceedings, unfair labor practice proceedings, matters before the Federal Service Impasses Panel (FSIP), and negotiability matters before the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); Formulating analysis and strategy to guide managers on best practices to address and correct conduct and performance concerns Minimizing legal liability for the agency and manager when advising on federal civilian employee corrective actions. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Major DutiesThe duties may include, but are not limited to:Supports development and evaluation of labor relations programs on behalf of USDA Management with its bargaining units.Prepares and assists with contract negotiations, including complex impact and implementation bargaining.Represents and defends management actions before FLRA, MSPB, and other administrative or quasi-judicial bodies.Serves as HR point of contact and advisor on interpreting negotiated agreements and grievance procedures.Assists in the development of Agency labor relations policies adapting government-wide and USDA regulations to Agency needs.Designs and delivers labor relations training and briefings for managers and supervisors nationwide.Evaluates labor relations program effectiveness and recommends improvements to working relationships.Performs complex employee relations work, advising on conduct, performance, grievances, and regulatory compliance.