Labor Research Associate #2212-0825-01

This is professional, skilled administrative work involving a wide variety of tasks performed with minimal supervision to support the operations of the Labor Relations department. Individual in this class serves as the office manager, confidential assistant to the Labor Relations Director and is responsible for developing procedures to ensure the Dept. properly records labor contracts, grievances and other required documents.

Work requires a knowledge of administrative practices, procedures of various State agencies and accepted labor practices. Individual is required to develop and refine work routines, and to carry assignments through to completion. Work is reviewed through conferences and observation of results; reports to Director of Labor Relations.


Hybrid remote options may be available once work routines are established.

35 hours per week.

• Participates in and assists in the preparation for collective bargaining negotiations including coordinating with other departments to obtain information for purposes of costing out and/or drafting contract proposals.
• Coordinates meetings, negotiations and arbitrations between the City and local union leaders.
• Studies methods of office procedures for improvement of workflow.
• Takes responsibility for all records and documents issued or received by the department.
• Records and files all documents in a complex filing system.
• Assembles pertinent documents for hearings and meetings.
• Prepares files for transmission to outside counsel.
• Triages telephone calls from managers and may advise department heads on personnel and/or labor-related matters.
• Attends meetings and records information as requested by the Labor Relations Director.
• Receives and responds to requests for information and/or routes them for necessary action to the proper division or individual.
• Assists in developing, conducting, and maintaining a comprehensive Labor Relations training and informational program for department heads.
• Organizes and maintains the internal Labor Relations docketing system for grievances and Municipal Prohibited Practice (MPP) complaints.
• Assists in facilitating the City’s interests by ensuring that Labor Relations policies, contract interpretations, and practices are applied consistently.
• Maintains the Director's calendar and office calendar.
• Performs related work as required

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and 5 to 7 years of experience in municipal labor relations or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• Considerable knowledge of administrative practices, filing systems, recording, and cross-indexing systems of records.
• Knowledge and experience with the procedures of the State Board of Labor Relations and State Board of Mediation and Arbitration.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee relations methods, techniques, and procedures used in municipal government.
• Ability to become familiar with state statues, and provisions of the City Charter and ordinances relating to the powers and duties of the Labor Relations’ office, of the department head and other related offices.
• Ability to interpret contract language and apply it consistently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with both labor and management.
• Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop a knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, procedures, and functions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, courtesy, and tact in receiving official telephone calls and in making proper disposition of requests.
• Ability to research and prepare material independently and translate it clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work independently on difficult or complex administrative tasks assigned with minimal preliminary instruction.
• Ability to plan and coordinate assignments and to supervise clerical and other subordinate personnel.
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously and to maintain a schedule of deadlines and hearing dates.
• Ability to maintain records and to prepare accurate reports utilizing departmental records and resources.
• Ability to review an issue and determine what information is necessary to address and resolve the issue.
• Considerable skill and accuracy in typing and in the use of standard Office computer applications.
• Ability to adapt to changing leadership within the department and willingness to provide support and guidance during the transition.

This position covered by the Executive Management & Confidential Employee Policy, available to review HERE.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening, (3) registration in the New Haven COVID Vaccination/Testing portal and providing proof of Vaccination status, as per the Mandatory COVID Vaccination/Testing Policy, and (4) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Applicants meeting minimum requirements will be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date. It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process, and in some cases, this information may be used to determine the eligibility list.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.