Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCM517: Labor Relations Manager

Labor Relations Manager

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM517
10
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
89,128.00 - 111,946.00 - 140,733.00 USD Annual
$42.85 - $53.82 - $67.66
$89,128.00 - $111,946.00 - $140,733.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Labor Relations Manager oversees and directs employee relations, labor relations, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) programs for Bernalillo County. This position manages and participates in negotiating collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), administering and interpreting CBAs, conducting investigations, managing disciplinary and grievance processes, and providing guidance to managers on employee-related issues. The position also develops and delivers countywide training on employee and labor relations topics.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Participate in negotiating collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), including administration and interpretation. Develop proposed CBA changes and assemble critical data for successful negotiations. Serve as the primary point of contact for bargaining unit leadership and maintain strong working relationships with labor unions.

  • Facilitate consistent interpretation and application of CBAs and Employment Relations Rules and Regulations. Ensure timely resolution of employee complaints and grievances.

  • Provide ongoing training to departments on County regulations, union contracts, performance management, and employment laws, including EEO, ADA, and ADEA.

  • Prepare for and participate in arbitrations and legal or administrative hearings.

  • Stay current with employment and labor laws to ensure County policies remain compliant.

  • Manage and advise on the disciplinary process. Ensure consistent, prompt, and thorough internal investigations into allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, and other workplace issues. Prepare investigative reports and EEOC position statements for submission to Legal.

  • Prepare and maintain statistical reports on grievances, arbitrations, mediations, and related labor activities. Ensure timely filing of compliance reports.

  • Develop and administer a centralized ADA accommodation process in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

  • Manage budgets related to accommodations, staff training, and program improvements.

  • Maintain records of disability and accommodation issues and document their resolutions.

  • Monitor compliance with all applicable disability laws.

  • Provide guidance to supervisors and employees regarding disability and accommodation matters.

  • Recommend and facilitate light duty or reasonable accommodations when appropriate.

  • Serve as liaison between the County and disability advocacy groups to resolve issues and ensure access to necessary services.

  • Coordinate with County communications personnel to ensure publications and meetings are accessible to the disabled community.

  • Conduct employee and labor relations investigations and recommend resolutions.

  • Build and maintain positive union-management relationships through trust and open communication with union leadership.

  • Administer labor contracts and represent management in labor and employee relations matters, including grievances and arbitration preparation.

  • Facilitate second-step grievances and represent the County at third-step grievances and mediations.

  • Investigate issues such as discrimination complaints, compliance concerns, working conditions, disciplinary actions, and appeals.

  • Advise leadership on potential labor issues related to new or proposed programs and policies.

  • Oversee and conduct grievance investigations, manage dispute resolution procedures, and prepare or review complex investigative and analytical reports. Develop tools for tracking and analyzing disciplinary and workforce data.

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of the County’s labor relations strategy and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

  • Administer the ADA review and documentation process.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
  • Seven (7) years of professional human resources experience managing labor and employee relations for large organizations.
  • Three (3) years working with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Four (4) years in a management or supervisory capacity

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must have knowledge of the ADA, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, New Mexico Human Rights Act, Title I and Title II of the ADA, and other relevant federal and state laws.

  • Must be able to interpret and apply laws related to equal access for individuals with disabilities.

  • Must be proficient with Windows-based word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Must successfully complete a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.

  • Must comply with all County safety guidelines.

  • Must complete required FEMA training(s) assigned to the position.

  • Must complete County-required supervisor training, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Work is primarily performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment.

  • Work surfaces are typically even, dry, carpeted, or tiled.

  • Works independently for most tasks, with occasional collaboration in group or team settings.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.

  • Materials and products handled in the course of performing essential duties include files, forms, reports, various other paperwork, and a wide variety of basic office supplies.

Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM