Description

Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretariat (EOEEA) consists of the Commonwealth’s energy and environmental agencies, which includes Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Law Enforcement/Massachusetts Environmental Police, Department of Energy Resources, Department of Public Utilities, Department of Fish and Game, Department of Agricultural Resources and the State Reclamation Board.  All agencies promote the environmental or energy related goals and initiatives of the Administration and the Secretary of EOEEA. The Deputy Director of Labor Relations provides employee and labor relations services to all agencies within the Secretariat.

The Deputy Director of Labor Relations provides a full range of employee/labor relations services to the Executive Office Energy and Environmental Affairs.  The Labor Relations unit promotes positive labor relations while advancing Secretariat and Agency goals and initiatives.

The Labor Relations Unit takes a proactive approach to all employee and labor relations functions.  This includes a resolution-oriented approach to disputes to prevent grievances and litigation.  The Deputy Director of Labor Relations resolves or defends grievances at all levels of the grievance procedure.  The Deputy Director of Labor Relations represents the Secretariat and its agencies before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, Civil Service Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Division of Unemployment Assistance.

EOEEA is a diverse secretariat that encompasses six bargaining units in addition to management staff.  The Deputy Director of Labor Relations Bargaining Units include, but are not limited to, laborers, employees of forests, parks and beaches, clerical staff, professionals, engineers and scientists and Environmental Police Officers.  At the direction of the Director of Labor Relations, the Deputy Director advises management  supervisory staff regarding collective bargaining agreements, labor law, anti-discrimination law, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act and state analogues, wage and hour laws, Civil Service Law and Human Resources Division (HRD/OER) policy.

The Deputy Director of Labor Relations works with all levels of the organization to ensuring that pertinent labor laws, rules and regulations are adhered to, and effectuates appropriate action to remedy a lack of compliance. The Deputy Director acts on behalf of the appointing authority as its designated hearings officer for all union grievances, civil service appeals.

The Deputy Director of Labor Relations investigates cases of employee misconduct, issues comprehensive investigative reports and recommends appropriate disciplinary action.  The Deputy Director of Labor Relations works with Human Resources and agency management to recommend appropriate discipline and drafts letters of warning, suspension and discharge.

The Deputy Director will also serve as an advisor and subject matter expert to the HR Director, Director of Labor Relations, General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer, (COO), on employee and labor relations issues including but not limited to collective bargaining negotiations.

At the direction of the Director of Labor Relations, the Deputy Director of Labor Relations performs the following:

Advises managers regarding personnel issues including, but not limited to, discipline, discharge, promotion, transfer and evaluation to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Primary contact for union officials, Human Resources and management staff for issues involving labor relations and collective bargaining agreements.

Serves as management designee for grievances at Steps I and II and, in consultation with the Director of Labor Relations, issues written responses, negotiates settlements and drafts settlement agreements.

Represents management in Step III grievances before the Human Resources Division.

Chairs monthly labor-management committees and represents agencies in mid-term bargaining.

Drafts policies and procedures and satisfies bargaining obligations while advancing the interests of the Secretariat and its agencies.

Advises Human Resources and Managers regarding labor law, Civil Service law, anti-discrimination law, wage and hour laws, the Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other related Federal and State laws.

Leads investigations and coordinates with Human Resources for investigative materials and interviews.  Issues comprehensive investigation reports including findings, recommendations and remedial measures.

Represents EOEEA and its agencies in all employment related matters before administrative   boards including, but not limited to, the Civil Service Commission and Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

Holds show cause hearings for suspensions and terminations.

Drafts letters of discipline and other legal correspondences for EEA agencies.

Assists and directs Human Resources and agency staff to manage and resolve labor and

employment disputes.

Works proactively with union officials to resolve potential labor disputes.

Presents and defends grievances at all steps before arbitration.

Maintains grievance records and grievance database.

Responds to union requests for information in a timely manner.

Prepares training materials and provides instruction for training programs including, but not

limited to, managing in a union shop and progressive discipline.

Assists Human Resources Division attorneys in preparation for grievance arbitrations and prohibited practice charges.

Attends arbitrations and hearings before the Department of Labor Relations as agency subject matter expert.  Based on assignment, may provide secondary representation for arbitrations and DLR cases.

Ensures all agencies comply with initiatives, policies and procedures.

Represents EOEEA on collective bargaining teams and reviews proposals with the Director of

Labor Relations, Human Resources and the Chief Operating Officer.  May draft proposals where

appropriate.

Performs other duties as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Thorough knowledge of federal, state and where applicable local laws, rules and regulation pertaining to labor and employment.

Knowledge of litigation preparation, representation, negotiation, advocacy and writing effective legal briefs and memoranda.

Knowledge of collective bargaining procedures.

Knowledge of arbitration procedures.

Ability to conduct hearings.

Ability to interpret rules, regulations, and statutes.

Ability to use Westlaw database and other research tools.

Ability to analyze facts and evidence as to obtain a clear and well-developed concept of the issues.

Ability to express and present ideas orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner.

Ability to effectively mediate complex and highly charged employment disputes.

Juris Doctor from an accredited Law School and member of the Massachusetts Bar.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Administrator V

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street

Job

: Human Resources

Agency

: Exec Office Of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: Sep 14, 2023, 9:14:36 AM

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary

: 75,653.45 – 110,000.00 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Melixza Esenyie – 6176261282