Utah Transit Authority is hiring: Labor Relations Specialist in Salt Lake City

Corporate + Administration
Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah Transit Authority (UTA) shares a passion for community in our work. We help keep Utah connected and understand that people are at the center of the UTA Way. We are looking for a Labor Relations Specialist.

JOB SUMMARY

The Labor Relations Specialist ensures compliance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and supports leadership in managing employee/labor relations. The role involves identifying and helping implement process improvements, delivering ideas for conflict resolution, and fostering effective communication between the labor department, management, employees, and the Union. Key responsibilities include conducting investigations and writing summaries of findings relevant to labor issues following the CBA and UTA policies. This position will help facilitate discussions with business unit management to foster strong relationships and alignment of CBA and UTA policies between management, employees, and union representatives. This position will help offer ideas and develop labor relations strategies, advise on collective bargaining, handle grievances processes such as investigations, coordinating calendars, management reviews, grievance and issue logs, etc.; and ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies. The Labor Relations Specialist will act as an assistant to the Labor Relations Program Manager with duties related to the labor department and unions in an effort to successfully collaborate, negotiate effectively, and implement UTA’s labor relations programs and training to UTA management and employees while ensuring just-cause standards are followed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Preferred bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources Management/Administration, or related field.

EXPERIENCE:

Three years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, public administration, and/or labor relations. Must have a general knowledge of labor agreements and labor laws, and federal and state employment laws and regulations, including UTA CBA. Must have the ability to communicate throughout the organization an understanding of CBA provisions. Critical thinking is a must for this position. Candidates will be required to analyze situations, gather facts, and look for root causes prior to identifying solutions and providing written summaries following the CBA and policies. Must be comfortable working in the “Grey”; managing conflict and delivering difficult messages. Must have the ability to manage time and workload efficiently, which includes planning, prioritizing, organizing, and following through on tasks, assignments, projects, and reports.

Must have knowledge of and experience with PC-based software operating in a Windows environment (with minimum proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint at the intermediate level).

Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills: Ability to understand and respond effectively to the emotions of others.
• Empathy and active listening: Demonstrated capacity to understand and value different perspectives.
• Resilience under pressure: Maintain composure and demonstrate self-awareness in high-stakes or challenging situations.
• Emotional self-regulation: Ability to manage one’s emotions and adapt behavior to achieve organizational and personal goals.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ): Proven ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and build meaningful connections.
• Conflict resolution skills: Experience managing sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and fairness.
• Collaborative mindset: Strong team orientation with a focus on mutual respect and shared success.
• Embraces Outward Mindset – Exhibiting strong E.I. skills (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management).
• Develops Self & Others – Taking action to continuously improve and accepting assignments that broaden capabilities.
• Ensures Fairness – Concerned with the welfare of others and expressing that concern on a personal level.
• Puts Safety First – Acting as a Safety Ambassador by working safely and complying with requirements.
• Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Values Differences – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Builds Effective Teams – Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Drives Engagement – Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
• Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

This job requires regular and predictable attendance.

- OR -

An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

[UTA reserves the right to determine the equivalencies of education and experience.]

As a full-time Administrative Employee, your Total Rewards Benefits Package will include:

• Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance (eligible after 30 days of employment).
• Onsite Health and Wellness Clinics for medical care at no cost to employees, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children.
• 22 days of accrued paid time off (13 vacation days and 9 sick days), which increases with tenure at UTA.
• 10 paid holidays and two paid floating holidays per year.
• Retirement options - Pension Plan with 5-year vesting schedule and 457 Contribution Plan.
• Generous tuition reimbursement for higher education, available for any higher education degree.
• Training, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and child placement (after 12 months of employment).
• Free transit passes for employees, their spouses, and their dependent children.
• Employee assistance program – includes counseling, legal services, financial planning, etc.
• UTA Well – a comprehensive wellness program designed to support employees and dependents in their health and wellness goals.
• Free on-site fitness facilities and discounted membership to VASA Fitness and EoS Fitness.
• Discounted cell phone plans with T-Mobile and AT&T.
• Pet insurance plan options.

Pay Range: $56,000.00 or more depending on experience.

If interested, apply before: Open until filled

* UTA promotes equal employment opportunities through its employment practices to current employees as well as internal and external applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, status as a parent, or genetic information.

*Utah Transit Authority is a drug-free workplace, subject to federal drug and alcohol testing regulations under 49 CFR Part 40, 655, and 219. All offers for employment are contingent upon a successful pre-employment drug test.