Employee and Labor Relations Analyst II

Position Information

Expand your employee and labor relations career with the County of Sonoma Human Resources Department. Starting salary up to $58.11/hour ($121,282/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

If you’re motivated by building strategic business partnerships, intellectual challenges, negotiation and conflict resolution, working in a fast-paced environment that changes daily, and being part of a supportive team, come join us!

We are currently recruiting for this position at the I, II, or III levels. Please apply to this and the separate, concurrent recruitments being conducted for Employee and Labor Relations Analyst I and Employee and Labor Relations Analyst III if you are interested in being considered at either of those levels of this opportunity.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available, depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Employee and Labor Relations Analyst III ($52.63 - $63.97/hour)
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 3%/1.9% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Join Our Team

The Human Resources Department (County HR) is a team of 60+ employees who provide human resources and risk management services to 32 agencies, departments, and special districts that employ 4,700+ positions. These diverse services include employee benefits, classification plan management, recruitment and examination, countywide training, employee and labor relations, equal employment opportunity, HR information systems, occupational health and safety, risk management, and workplace violence prevention. Our mission is to be a trusted partner, providing our clients with HR services that work to effectively recruit, develop, and retain an outstanding workforce committed to providing quality public service. We value customer service, collaboration, professionalism, consistency, proactive planning, flexibility, and innovative problem-solving. County HR is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone who works with, for, and/or receives services from the County of Sonoma is welcomed, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Unit is a team of 6 highly motivated and solution-driven professionals who strive to provide excellent customer service to the County departments and management we serve. We are supportive and collaborative, working together to successfully research, analyze, and address many difficult and complex employee and labor relations matters. Our team thrives on open communication, regularly sharing ideas, discussing cases, and refining recommendations to ensure consistency in our guidance and alignment with the Board of Supervisors’ priorities and human resources best practices.

Working as an ELR Analyst II, you will report to a Principal Human Resources Analyst and serve as a business partner to assigned departments. Advising and collaborating with County managers on the best application of rules, regulations, and best practices. You will consult with the Principal Analyst and seek guidance on highly complex employee and labor relations issues, including those with significant risk. You will also:

• Regularly represent the County and department clients as a negotiator in mid-contract meet and confers related to employee safety, policy changes, transferring of bargaining unit work, and work rules
• Perform in-depth research, gather information from a variety of sources, analyze findings, and provide recommendations for information requests, grievances, mediation, arbitration, and contract negotiations
• Support management with difficult and complex contract interpretation, conducting discipline and performance management, and processing grievances
• Identify whether department issues may have widespread consequences across the broader organization and consult with the Principal ELR Analyst to determine the appropriate recommendation(s)
• Liaison with unions on employee relations issues and facilitate labor/management committees and other interest-based processes

The position’s hours are typically Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and work is performed in an office environment. Depending upon operational needs, ELR Analysts must also be willing to work extra hours intermittently to complete specific tasks. With supervisor/manager approval, flexible scheduling and telework arrangements may be available.

What You Bring
While the minimum education and experience requirements vary by ELR Analyst level, at any level, our ideal candidate will demonstrate that they can quickly assess problems and are a solution-oriented thinker with a strong customer-focused approach. They can communicate effectively with diverse groups of people, including staff, department heads, consultants, vendors, union representatives, and County officials. Additionally, we are looking for someone who is collaborative, adaptable, strategic, tactful, and detail-oriented, and who also:

• Has negotiation and/or mediation experience, with a talent for uncovering solutions even in the most challenging situations
• Brings their analytical, critical thinking, judgment skills, and ability to see both details and the bigger picture
• Possesses current knowledge of regulations and best practices in employee and labor relations, including the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) and Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) decisions
• Demonstrates skills in researching, tracking, analyzing, synthesizing, and interpreting data with the ability to present information clearly and concisely, in a compelling way, to a variety of audiences
• Has superb organizational skills, including the ability to apply complex policies and procedures while meeting multiple competing deadlines
• Possesses high-functioning customer service skills with the ability to effectively address inquiries, coordinate services for various internal and external stakeholders, and maintain collaborative working partnerships with a variety of clients
• Maintains composure and professionalism in high-pressure or tense situations

Diverse lived experiences are valued, and a sense of humor is a must! While the HR topics we work with are consequential, often confidential, and support critical, integral services, we find opportunities and reasons to enjoy our time together.

We are interested in finding the best candidate for our position and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, education, and training to meet the minimum qualifications described below. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and transferable skill set and how they set you up to be the best candidate for this position.

Bring Your Commitment to Public Service to the County of Sonoma

The County of Sonoma is the place to live, grow, and build your career legacy. When you join the County of Sonoma, you'll have the freedom to explore the beauty of our county - its picturesque coastline, majestic redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, award-winning wineries, and a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities. For additional information about the beauty of our community and the valuable services and support that the County provides our communities, please visit sonomacounty.gov and sonomacountyconnections.org .

We are currently recruiting to fill an ELR Analyst position at either the I, II, or III level. This Employee and Labor Relations Analyst II employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title of this position is Human Resources Analyst II.

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Training and/or experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, at least one year of professional experience as a Human Resources Analyst I would provide such opportunity.

Education: Academic course work which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, substantial course work in public administration, business administration, human resources, political science, psychology or closely related courses would provide such opportunity.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position is required for most assignments.

The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: selection and Merit System principles and practices to include employee selection and advancement, classification and compensation, equal employment opportunity and employee/management relations; data research, compilation, and report writing; department rules, policies, procedures and work practices related to job analysis, examination development and management, or other assigned areas of activities; written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition; interview techniques sufficient to efficiently obtain and evaluate information related to employment and compensation matters; computer applications related to work including basic methods of graphic presentations.

Ability to: plan and organize research and statistical work related to various aspects of human resources administration such as job analysis, recruitment and examinations, volunteer programs, compensation and negotiations; synthesize information sufficient to produce complete, relevant, accurate, and logical results; apply analytical skills (i.e., discover, clarify and explain interrelationships of parts; examine and evaluate data with reference to criteria, standards and requirements) sufficient to arrive at and explain logical conclusions; apply problem solving skills (i.e., define issues, identify alternative solutions and related consequences, and make a logical decision) sufficient to reach appropriate solutions, take action, document, and complete work in a timely manner; manage a variety of simultaneous work projects or a recruitment and examination caseload sufficient to meet established timetables and commitments; set aside personal values related to differences in sex, cultural and ethnic groups in order to impartially conduct recruitment and examinations, complaint investigations, grievances, classification studies, and participate in negotiations; establish credibility and maintain cooperative working relationships with County management personnel, County employees, and the public in carrying out human resources administrative practices; perform data collection, interpretation and evaluation pertaining to human resources management; communicate ideas and information in a clear, organized, accurate and timely manner; make effective oral presentations before public bodies, community agencies, and other public groups.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate’s personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant’s name, former last name, address, phone number, email, driver's license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process.

Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

Additional Information

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: CG

HR Technician: CG

Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

County of Sonoma Benefits: Management*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonomacounty.gov or (707) 565-2900.

*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 11/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• County of Sonoma

• 707-565-8059

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