Who We Are:
The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) has a long history of fighting for workers’ rights and employee benefits while tackling social justice issues with passion and energy. The WFSE, Council 28 has been operating in the state capital for over 75 years and our staff fight for fairness and equality as well as ensuring the hard working men and women of state government, higher education institutions, and public service workers get better pay, better health care, better retirement, and a healthy work environment. There’s more to accomplish, and with the right personnel, we believe we can accomplish it. Come join our team and be a 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’re Looking For:
The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is recruiting to fill a Labor Advocate position in Olympia at our Headquarters location. The Labor Advocate is considered the collective bargaining “Technical Expert” of the WFSE. Incumbents are responsible for contract and mid-term negotiations and representation at higher levels of the grievance process. Labor Advocates act as the statewide liaison to employer agencies and are responsible for statewide Union Management Communication Committees (UMCC’s) and perform advanced representational work for the organization.
No two days are the same and you’ll be challenged to independently represent the WFSE as a Chief Negotiator in contract negotiations and represent WFSE in mid-term mandatory subject negotiations (“demand to bargains”). Responsible for attending and presenting representational matters related to the Personnel Resources Board (PRB) hearings. Responsible for representing WFSE in all aspects of grievance arbitration, including but not limited to: the selection of arbitrators, obtaining evidence, conducting research, preparation of pleadings, oral presentation of various cases, brief writings, and possible settlement agreements.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with relevant course work in labor relations, law, criminal justice, or allied field (substantial paid work experience in 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 possible 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.
Desired Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of Washington State Legislature and political environment.
Special Note:
This position is overtime exempt and may be required to work some weekends. Travel is normally limited to the assigned area of responsibility. Must have a valid driver’s license, use of personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance. Benefits include annual and sick leave, cell phone allowance, medical/dental, life, and long term disability insurance, and holidays. Salary range is $84,818 – $99,794 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: [email protected]. Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience, training, and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.
This position is open until filled; however, it is to the applicant's advantage 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, creed, color, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, 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 Human Resources Director, Ben McDonald at (360) 352-7603 or [email protected]. Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 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.