JOB
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:
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Municipal or public sector experience.
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Extensive experience in public sector labor relations, including collective bargaining, contract interpretation, and grievance administration.
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Strong classification and compensation experience.
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Experience conducting and managing complex workplace investigations.
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Advanced knowledge of California employment laws and regulations affecting public agencies.
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Master's Degree or Juris Doctor (JD) is highly desirable.
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Strong leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills.
The deadline for the first review of applications is on
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
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.
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.
