Labor Relations Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Human Resources Manager for Labor & Employee Relations
(Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary hiring range is $95,000 - $126,000 per year and is commensurate with qualifications and experience.  This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President for Human Resources, the Labor & Employee Relations Manager works independently and applies sound judgment in the development of solutions to complex labor and employee relations matters, cases, and programmatic items. To satisfactorily perform these duties, the incumbent is expected to possess advanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of employment laws, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), legislation, policies and procedures, and workplace investigations.

The Labor & Employee Relations Manager is responsible for the administration of the employee relations and labor relations functions for the University. This position oversees labor contract administration, grievance/complaint processing, workplace investigations, and the development and implementation of programs to assist managers to deal effectively with employee and labor relations matters. This position provides guidance to all levels within the organization, utilizing specialized labor and employee relations experience to resolve questions, concerns, and grievances for a large complex organization in creative and effective ways. The Labor & Employee Relations Manager collaborates with campus and systemwide stakeholders to develop and implement solutions to foster a fair, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

The Labor & Employee Relations Manager serves as a resource where both employees and managers may seek support and guidance regarding workplace concerns. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of strategies such as coaching and counseling techniques, facilitation/mediation, conflict resolution, performance management, corrective action, and other approaches to address employee relations concerns.

The Labor & Employee Relations Manager is a member of the HR leadership team and supports the department's efforts in setting a professional, caring, and human-centered tone in all interactions with the campus community.

Key Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (including being a good listener) to interact and communicate effectively with campus and external constituencies, both verbally and in writing.
• Advanced time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects independently in a fast-paced organization with competing priorities and distractions.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, research, creative problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong negotiating skills to settle issues and maintain harmony in teams.
• Ability to effectively resolve disputes and complaints through mediation and negotiation.
• Working knowledge of applicable state and federal employment laws and regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of collective bargaining contract administration.
• Ability to interpret and analyze collective bargaining agreements and solve complex problems arising within the context of those agreements.
• Demonstrated proficiency and ability to effectively use common computer and technology programs and related computer software packages (e.g., Google Suite, Zoom, Microsoft, etc.).
• General knowledge of the effective methods of organizational management and the principles and practices of human resources management.
• Ability to write investigative reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals, position statements, and grievance responses.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, labor unions, and the general public.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions, and to interpret applicable law.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to lead and motivate staff.
• Ability to understand and analyze employment concerns, maintain objectivity and fairness, and treat confidential matters responsibly.
• Deep understanding of how workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion practices influence and impact people and work environments.
• Ability to empathize and understand the perspectives of others from different backgrounds and cultures.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a closely related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a collective bargaining environment.
• Demonstrated experience with effective conflict resolution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree and/or law degree from an accredited institution.
• HRCI and/or SHRM professional certification(s).
• Experience in a higher education and/or public agency setting.

Department Summary

Building a strong, caring community is at the heart of what we do. Fresno State Human Resources is dedicated to serving our people with professionalism, compassion, and a focus on well-being.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by September 13, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resume/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 22 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe. Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California State University, Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at (559) 278-2032.

Title IX

Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://occr.fresnostate.edu/clery.html. 

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Fresno State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at jhorio@mail.fresnostate.edu.

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Background Check Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

Additional Information

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)