Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) is seeking a highly skilled Temporary Labor Relations Coordinator to provide expert guidance to the Human Resources team and Court leadership on a range of labor and employee relations matters. This temporary role will support consistent application of collective bargaining agreements and employment laws while strengthening collaborative relationships with the Court’s labor partners.
The Court’s workforce is represented by L77 (IT Professionals), Teamsters L763, PROTEC17 (Probation Counselors), and the Marshals Guild. The LRC will serve as a key liaison between SMC management and union representatives, handling sensitive labor matters, advising on contract interpretation, and supporting grievance processes. This role also plays an essential part in evaluating and improving internal labor relations workflows and HR procedures to enhance consistency, transparency, and operational efficiency.
This assignment is ideal for an HR professional with strong labor relations and leave management experience in the public sector, excellent judgment, and an interest in process improvement.
*This temporary assignment is expected to last until December 31, 2027
- Interpret and provide strategic advice on collective bargaining agreements, employment law, MOUs, MOAs, and personnel rules.
- Provide strategic advice on employee leave management programs and usage to ensure compliance with City policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal and state leave laws.
- Conduct investigations of grievances and complaints and prepare documentation supporting management positions.
- Administer HR programs mandated by law, rules, and agreements.
- Represent the Court, when necessary, in labor management meetings, grievance proceedings, and discussions with union representatives.
- Respond to information requests from union representatives and compile timely supporting documentation.
- Coach and advise managers and supervisors on HR issues involving unionized employees, including performance management and discipline.
- Coordinate daily labor relations activities and support consistent contract administration.
- Support SMC’s commitment to equity, access, and inclusive workplace practices.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in labor relations, Human Resources, Business/Public Administration, Economics, or a closely related field.
- Three (3) years of progressively responsible labor relations administration experience.
- Experience working in a multi union environment.
OR
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience administering leave programs, ensuring compliant, timely, and consistent application of laws, policies, and contract provisions.
- Demonstrated experience in dispute resolution, grievance handling, and arbitration processes.
- Strong analytical, problem solving, and judgment skills with flexibility and reliability.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Experience working within a government or public sector environment.
Who may apply
This position is open to all individuals whose experience; skills and abilities are aligned with the qualifications as presented above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Why Work at the City
The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
Hiring Process
In addition to completing your online application, the following attachments are required for your application to be considered complete:
Resume
Cover Letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications, including your expertise in employee investigations, leave management, and addressing workplace complaints. Explain how you would apply these capabilities to advance and support the court’s RSJI mission, fostering equitable, transparent, and inclusive workplace practices.
Salary
The full salary range for this role is $64.25 - $74.58 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $64.25 hourly.
Work Environment
This position may allow for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their manager.
Benefits
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits
Additional Information
A job offer is contingent upon successfully passing the court's background check. The background check includes a criminal history background review, fingerprinting, and reference checks.
This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week.
For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/courts.
If you have any questions, please contact Pharez Freeland at Pharez.Freeland@seattle.gov
Listed under Human Resources & People jobs.