Labor Negotiator

Who We Are:

The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), AFSCME Council 28, has a long history of fighting for workers’ rights and employee benefits while tackling social justice issues with passion and energy. The WFSE has operated in the state capital for over 80 years, fighting for fairness and equality. We ensure hardworking public service workers receive better pay, health care, retirement benefits, and a healthy work environment. There’s more to accomplish, and we believe we can achieve it with the right personnel. Join our team and be part of a larger mission that will make an impact for years to come. Learn more about who we are at wfse.org.

What We are Looking For:

The WFSE is recruiting to fill a Labor Negotiator position based at its Headquarters in Olympia, WA. The Labor Negotiator is considered the collective bargaining “Technical Expert” of the WFSE. Incumbents are responsible for contract and mid-term negotiations, as well as representation at higher levels of the grievance process. Labor Negotiators serve as the statewide liaison to employer agencies, are responsible for the statewide Union Management Communication Committees (UMCCs) and perform advanced representational work for the organization.

No two days are the same, and you will be challenged to independently represent the WFSE as a Chief Negotiator in contract negotiations and represent the WFSE in mid-term mandatory subject negotiations (“demand to bargains”) with full decision-making authority. The Labor Negotiator is responsible for attending and presenting representational matters related to the Personnel Resources Board (PRB) hearings. The position represents the WFSE in all aspects of grievance arbitration, including but not limited to the following: the selection of arbitrators, obtaining evidence, conducting research, preparation of pleadings, oral presentation of various cases, brief writings, and settlement agreements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with relevant coursework in labor relations, law, criminal justice, or an allied field (substantial paid work experience in a related field may be substituted for education).
• Experience with principles and procedures of negotiation, arbitration, and administrative hearings.
• Working knowledge of general management principles, state and federal laws related to labor, public employment, collective bargaining, and Washington and Federal regulations.

• Outstanding oral and written advocacy skills.
• Excellent judgement and discretion, and ability to compare and evaluate potential courses of action, interests of members, and the WFSE’s strategic goals.
• Ability to write professional, clear, and concise briefs, analyses, and other documents or pleadings responsive to appropriate parties.
• Experience with investigating and evaluating information to solve problems.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends. 
•  The ability to present information and speak to groups of varying sizes.

Desired Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of the Washington State Legislature and political environment.

Special Note:

• Selected candidates are expected to live within commuting distance of their assigned work location (Olympia area) and within Washington state.
• This position is overtime exempt and may be required to work occasional weekends.
• This position is remote and represents a statewide turf.
• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, use of a personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance.
• A motor vehicle report and a background check will be conducted as a condition of employment.
• Benefits include $150 cell phone allowance, vacation, and sick leave, medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, 401K, Roth IRA, pension, and (12) twelve paid holidays.
• The salary range is $107,422 to $134,086 and will be determined commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position(s), applicants must submit a resume, letter of interest, and at least three (3) professional references to:  resumes@wfse.org. Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience, training, and education make you the best candidate for this position.

This position is open until it is filled; however, the hiring authority may conduct interviews as soon as qualified candidates apply. It is in the applicant's best interest to apply as early as possible.

The Washington Federation of State Employees is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and equal access in a non-discriminatory manner to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or pregnancy), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history), creed, color, marital status, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any real or perceived sensory, mental, or physical disability.
 
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact the HR Manager, Tiffany Wright, at (360) 339-5159 or TiffanyW@wfse.org.  Persons with a disability or hearing impairment can call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. The WFSE complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the Federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States, consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.