State of Washington
Labor Relations Manager, Washington State Ferries
State of Washington, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity WSDOT is looking for a seasoned HR professional to manage the Labor Relations program at Washington State Ferries (WSF). The WSF system is the largest ferry system in the United States and an essential component of Washington's transportation network. Nearly 2,000 employees in the Puget Sound region collaborate to safely and effectively transport approximately 20 million passengers each year!
The WSF business relies heavily on this Labor Relations Manager position, which provides the entire organization with strategic direction and oversight regarding Ferries' labor relations. In addition, the WSF Labor Relations Manager acts as the company's representative in all interactions with the eleven (11) Ferries unions, participating in and coordinating PERC hearings, negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and other forms of labor dispute resolution. The successful individual selected for this role will also assist with employee relations, recruitment, classification and compensation, risk mitigation, and proactive guidance regarding labor relations. This position also provides consultative services and proactive guidance regarding a broad range of sensitive human resource functions.
What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Labor Relations Manager will:
Administer and interpret labor relations contracts and work with management/directors and unions to resolve issues of mutual concern during the term of the agreement.
Resolve employee grievances via the contracts and grievance procedures, including arbitration and mediation.
Develop and present training programs on labor relations and employment-related matters.
Interface proactively and build relationships with union officials to anticipate potential labor relations issues.
Execute proactive labor/management relations strategies and actions to ensure positive employee relations and enable business priority and achievement.
Represent the department in labor negotiations and contract administration; provides day-to-day and strategic labor relations consultation.
Evaluate union proposals to determine how they align with management’s business priorities and strategic planning efforts.
Develop counterproposals to support business needs and implement the department's bargaining strategy.
Coordinate with other departments, including the Office of Financial Management, the State Human Resources and Labor Relations Section (OFM/SHR/LRS), and the Attorney General's Office (AGO), to ensure that the Ferries Division is effectively represented in all labor relations-related activities and litigation.
Act as the point of contact for coordinating activities related to interest arbitration before and during collective bargaining.
Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.
Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following qualifications are required:
Human Resources Practitioner Background
– Experience functioning as a human resources professional providing direct guidance and operational support across core HR functions, including employee relations, discipline, workplace investigations, recruitment, classification, compensation, and performance management.
Labor Relations Expertise
– Experience administering and interpreting collective bargaining agreements; advising management on labor relations matters; and participating in negotiations, grievance resolution, mediations, arbitrations, or administrative hearings.
Employee Relations & Just Cause Application
– Experience resolving complex employee relations issues, applying just cause standards, and supporting progressive discipline in alignment with labor agreements and organizational policy.
Legal and Regulatory Knowledge
– Working knowledge of Washington state and federal employment and labor laws and the ability to apply those standards when advising leadership and managing labor relations risk.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
– Ability to work collaboratively with union representatives, executives, managers, legal counsel, and HR professionals, and to produce clear, professional labor relations and HR documentation.
Confidentiality & Professional Judgment
– Demonstrated ability to manage highly sensitive matters with discretion, integrity, and sound judgment.
Growth Mindset:
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented:
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
It is
preferred
that qualified candidates also have the following:
Support of 24/7 or Operational Workforces
– Experience providing HR and labor relations support to organizations with continuous or non-standard operations, such as shift work, on-call staffing, or safety-sensitive environments, including addressing workforce and labor issues outside traditional business hours.
Supervisory Experience
– Experience supervising and developing professional staff, including assigning and prioritizing work, providing performance feedback, supporting employee growth, and ensuring accountability in a labor relations or HR environment.
Important Notes
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
The salary range listed includes a 5% premium for positions located King County.
Application review will begin on December 17, 2025. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
Work-Life Balance
– We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
Paid Leave
– In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
Tuition Assistance
– Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
PlanFor Your Future
– WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact Krystle.Jones@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 'LABOR RELATIONS' in the subject line.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity WSDOT is looking for a seasoned HR professional to manage the Labor Relations program at Washington State Ferries (WSF). The WSF system is the largest ferry system in the United States and an essential component of Washington's transportation network. Nearly 2,000 employees in the Puget Sound region collaborate to safely and effectively transport approximately 20 million passengers each year!
The WSF business relies heavily on this Labor Relations Manager position, which provides the entire organization with strategic direction and oversight regarding Ferries' labor relations. In addition, the WSF Labor Relations Manager acts as the company's representative in all interactions with the eleven (11) Ferries unions, participating in and coordinating PERC hearings, negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and other forms of labor dispute resolution. The successful individual selected for this role will also assist with employee relations, recruitment, classification and compensation, risk mitigation, and proactive guidance regarding labor relations. This position also provides consultative services and proactive guidance regarding a broad range of sensitive human resource functions.
What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Labor Relations Manager will:
Administer and interpret labor relations contracts and work with management/directors and unions to resolve issues of mutual concern during the term of the agreement.
Resolve employee grievances via the contracts and grievance procedures, including arbitration and mediation.
Develop and present training programs on labor relations and employment-related matters.
Interface proactively and build relationships with union officials to anticipate potential labor relations issues.
Execute proactive labor/management relations strategies and actions to ensure positive employee relations and enable business priority and achievement.
Represent the department in labor negotiations and contract administration; provides day-to-day and strategic labor relations consultation.
Evaluate union proposals to determine how they align with management’s business priorities and strategic planning efforts.
Develop counterproposals to support business needs and implement the department's bargaining strategy.
Coordinate with other departments, including the Office of Financial Management, the State Human Resources and Labor Relations Section (OFM/SHR/LRS), and the Attorney General's Office (AGO), to ensure that the Ferries Division is effectively represented in all labor relations-related activities and litigation.
Act as the point of contact for coordinating activities related to interest arbitration before and during collective bargaining.
Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.
Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following qualifications are required:
Human Resources Practitioner Background
– Experience functioning as a human resources professional providing direct guidance and operational support across core HR functions, including employee relations, discipline, workplace investigations, recruitment, classification, compensation, and performance management.
Labor Relations Expertise
– Experience administering and interpreting collective bargaining agreements; advising management on labor relations matters; and participating in negotiations, grievance resolution, mediations, arbitrations, or administrative hearings.
Employee Relations & Just Cause Application
– Experience resolving complex employee relations issues, applying just cause standards, and supporting progressive discipline in alignment with labor agreements and organizational policy.
Legal and Regulatory Knowledge
– Working knowledge of Washington state and federal employment and labor laws and the ability to apply those standards when advising leadership and managing labor relations risk.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
– Ability to work collaboratively with union representatives, executives, managers, legal counsel, and HR professionals, and to produce clear, professional labor relations and HR documentation.
Confidentiality & Professional Judgment
– Demonstrated ability to manage highly sensitive matters with discretion, integrity, and sound judgment.
Growth Mindset:
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented:
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
It is
preferred
that qualified candidates also have the following:
Support of 24/7 or Operational Workforces
– Experience providing HR and labor relations support to organizations with continuous or non-standard operations, such as shift work, on-call staffing, or safety-sensitive environments, including addressing workforce and labor issues outside traditional business hours.
Supervisory Experience
– Experience supervising and developing professional staff, including assigning and prioritizing work, providing performance feedback, supporting employee growth, and ensuring accountability in a labor relations or HR environment.
Important Notes
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
The salary range listed includes a 5% premium for positions located King County.
Application review will begin on December 17, 2025. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
Work-Life Balance
– We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
Paid Leave
– In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
Tuition Assistance
– Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
PlanFor Your Future
– WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact Krystle.Jones@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 'LABOR RELATIONS' in the subject line.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr