Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in California
Labor Relations Consultant jobs in California concentrate in the public sector, healthcare, logistics, and entertainment industries, with demand at every level from entry-level analyst to senior negotiator and arbitrator. Most openings cluster in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where large employers like the University of California system, Kaiser Permanente, and the County of Los Angeles regularly hire for these roles. Contract negotiation, grievance management, and public sector collective bargaining are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 23+ Labor Relations Consultant jobs
Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.
The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.
About the Department
The City Manager's Office of Employee Relations (OER) provides strategic leadership that supports the Mayor and City Council and motivates the organization to deliver high quality services that meet the community's needs. The Office of Employee Relations operates under the leadership of the Employee Relations Director who reports to the City Manager. Supported by a staff of 11, the Office is responsible for all functions associated with labor negotiations; administration of labor contracts; investigation of employee performance, misconduct, and discrimination and harassment allegations; employee-related policy development and interpretation; disability accommodation; and training. OER also manages the City of San Jose's Whistleblower Hotline where City employees, customers, and residents can raise concerns about City services. For more information about the City Manager's Office of Employee Relations, please visit: https://www.sanjose.ca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/office-of-the-city-manager/employee-relations.
Position Duties
The City Manager's Office is currently seeking to fill one full-time Senior Executive Analyst (SEA) vacancy in the Office of Employee Relations (OER).
Salary range for this classification is: $117,433.68 - $179,397.40 annually. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates' qualifications and experience.The SEA position is distinguished from an Executive Analyst I/II position primarily by the scope and complexity of their assignments and the ability to independently perform their work. The incumbent will be responsible for labor relations functions including: surveying other employers regarding pay and benefits; participating in various aspects of labor negotiations, including attending labor negotiation sessions, drafting proposals/correspondence, and performing cost analysis of proposals of varying complexity; researching, interpreting, and analyzing labor contracts; processing and responding to grievances according to the terms of each labor contract; and, participating in labor-management committee meetings. The incumbent will also be responsible for the following employee relations functions: conducting investigations involving allegations of employee misconduct; writing investigative reports; assisting departments with the disciplinary process as needed; consulting with and advising supervisors on employee performance and misconduct issues; developing, revising, and interpreting employee-related policies; and, giving oral presentations to small and large groups of employees and supervisors on employee relations issues.
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a passion for labor and employee relations in the public sector. The ideal candidate is self-directed, organized, dependable, flexible, and detail-oriented, with the ability to conduct complex, sensitive, and visible assignments. In addition, they are skilled communicators in both written and verbal formats with an ability to maintain the successful, collaborative, and constructive working relationships necessary to succeed in the City Manager's Office of Employee Relations. The successful candidate demonstrates individual leadership through strategic planning and analysis, continuous improvement, and collaboration. Finally, the ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, looking to grow and excel, thrive in a team environment, and be invested in San Jose's future.Minimum Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, or closely related field.
Experience: Four years of professional level analytic and/or administrative experience.
**Acceptable Substitutions: A Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field is preferred, and can be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Form 700 Requirement
This position is designated under the City's Conflict of Interest Code and/or California Government Code Section 87200 and requires disclosure of certain financial interests through the Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700). Upon hire and annually each Spring, the incumbent must also file the Family Gift Reporting Form with Form 700, as required by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
Other Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have an appreciation and passion for public service work and possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:
Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations, including: government administration, contract administration, human resources administration, financial management and emergency management.Analytical Thinking - Approaches a problem of situation by using a logical, systematic, and sequential approach. Able to reliably determine the cost or a new benefit or program.
Collaboration - Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities. Maintains a positive attitude in challenging situations.
Information Management - Demonstrates honesty, integrity, a strong work ethic, and the ability to appropriately handle very sensitive and confidential information.
Multi-Tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).
Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of the problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate information through the lens of City policies and/or labor contract language and then exercise sound, independent judgment.
Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts. Demonstrates the ability to present complicated concepts to small and large audiences unfamiliar with the subject matter.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the "Job Specific Questions." Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical/writing exercise.
If you have questions about the duties of this position or the selection or hiring process, please contact Hashona Braun at
hashona.braun@sanjoseca.gov.
.Additional Information:
Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.
Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.
AI and the Hiring Process
We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.
The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.
About the Department
The City Manager's Office of Employee Relations (OER) provides strategic leadership that supports the Mayor and City Council and motivates the organization to deliver high quality services that meet the community's needs. The Office of Employee Relations operates under the leadership of the Employee Relations Director who reports to the City Manager. Supported by a staff of 11, the Office is responsible for all functions associated with labor negotiations; administration of labor contracts; investigation of employee performance, misconduct, and discrimination and harassment allegations; employee-related policy development and interpretation; disability accommodation; and training. OER also manages the City of San Jose's Whistleblower Hotline where City employees, customers, and residents can raise concerns about City services. For more information about the City Manager's Office of Employee Relations, please visit: https://www.sanjose.ca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/office-of-the-city-manager/employee-relations.
Position Duties
The City Manager's Office is currently seeking to fill one full-time Senior Executive Analyst (SEA) vacancy in the Office of Employee Relations (OER).
Salary range for this classification is: $117,433.68 - $179,397.40 annually. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates' qualifications and experience.The SEA position is distinguished from an Executive Analyst I/II position primarily by the scope and complexity of their assignments and the ability to independently perform their work. The incumbent will be responsible for labor relations functions including: surveying other employers regarding pay and benefits; participating in various aspects of labor negotiations, including attending labor negotiation sessions, drafting proposals/correspondence, and performing cost analysis of proposals of varying complexity; researching, interpreting, and analyzing labor contracts; processing and responding to grievances according to the terms of each labor contract; and, participating in labor-management committee meetings. The incumbent will also be responsible for the following employee relations functions: conducting investigations involving allegations of employee misconduct; writing investigative reports; assisting departments with the disciplinary process as needed; consulting with and advising supervisors on employee performance and misconduct issues; developing, revising, and interpreting employee-related policies; and, giving oral presentations to small and large groups of employees and supervisors on employee relations issues.
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a passion for labor and employee relations in the public sector. The ideal candidate is self-directed, organized, dependable, flexible, and detail-oriented, with the ability to conduct complex, sensitive, and visible assignments. In addition, they are skilled communicators in both written and verbal formats with an ability to maintain the successful, collaborative, and constructive working relationships necessary to succeed in the City Manager's Office of Employee Relations. The successful candidate demonstrates individual leadership through strategic planning and analysis, continuous improvement, and collaboration. Finally, the ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, looking to grow and excel, thrive in a team environment, and be invested in San Jose's future.Minimum Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, or closely related field.
Experience: Four years of professional level analytic and/or administrative experience.
**Acceptable Substitutions: A Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field is preferred, and can be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Form 700 Requirement
This position is designated under the City's Conflict of Interest Code and/or California Government Code Section 87200 and requires disclosure of certain financial interests through the Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700). Upon hire and annually each Spring, the incumbent must also file the Family Gift Reporting Form with Form 700, as required by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
Other Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have an appreciation and passion for public service work and possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:
Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations, including: government administration, contract administration, human resources administration, financial management and emergency management.Analytical Thinking - Approaches a problem of situation by using a logical, systematic, and sequential approach. Able to reliably determine the cost or a new benefit or program.
Collaboration - Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities. Maintains a positive attitude in challenging situations.
Information Management - Demonstrates honesty, integrity, a strong work ethic, and the ability to appropriately handle very sensitive and confidential information.
Multi-Tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).
Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of the problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate information through the lens of City policies and/or labor contract language and then exercise sound, independent judgment.
Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts. Demonstrates the ability to present complicated concepts to small and large audiences unfamiliar with the subject matter.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the "Job Specific Questions." Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical/writing exercise.
If you have questions about the duties of this position or the selection or hiring process, please contact Hashona Braun at
hashona.braun@sanjoseca.gov.
.Additional Information:
Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.
Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.
AI and the Hiring Process
We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
See All 23 Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in California
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Find JobsLabor Relations Consultant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Labor Relations Consultant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in labor relations consultant jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, industrial relations, or closely related field
- Demonstrated experience managing collective bargaining agreements and union negotiations
- Working knowledge of California Labor Code, NLRA, and PERB regulations
- Experience representing management or labor in grievance procedures and arbitration hearings
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for drafting contracts and presenting proposals
- Proficiency with HR information systems and case management software used in California organizations
Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a labor relations consultant in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to practice as a labor relations consultant, so the path runs through education and experience. Most California employers expect at minimum a bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, or industrial relations, with a master's degree or a certificate in labor studies preferred for senior roles. Building familiarity with the California Public Employment Relations Board process and the California Labor Code gives candidates a clear edge with public-sector and healthcare employers.
Which companies hire labor relations consultants in California?
Companies currently hiring labor relations consultants in California include California School Employees Association, Kaiser Permanente, and California State University, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's deep concentration of public agencies, large hospital systems, and major logistics and entertainment employers makes it one of the most active states in the country for this role.
Which California cities have the most labor relations consultant jobs?
Oakland, Highland, and Solano County lead California for labor relations consultant openings. Los Angeles drives volume through its large county government, entertainment studios, and healthcare systems, Sacramento pulls consistently from state agencies and the California Department of Human Resources, and the Bay Area adds demand through its dense cluster of technology, transportation, and university employers with unionized workforces.
Are there remote labor relations consultant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical roles because much of the work involves on-site negotiations, hearings, and workforce meetings. About 50% of labor relations consultant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with most flexibility concentrated in policy research, contract drafting, and advisory consulting rather than direct representation or arbitration work.
How can I get hired as a labor relations consultant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a labor relations analyst or HR generalist role at a large California public agency or health system. The University of California and California State University systems, major county governments, and Kaiser Permanente run structured early-career programs where candidates move from analyst to consultant as they build negotiation exposure. A certificate in labor studies from a California community college or university extension program, combined with experience in a union-adjacent role such as HR coordinator or labor compliance officer, is the combination that most California hiring managers recognize.
Where can I find and apply to labor relations consultant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to labor relations consultant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated in real time. Search the roles available, find the ones that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to each posting without needing to create a profile or sign up.
See All 23 Labor Relations Consultant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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