1

Labor Relations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Labor Relations Specialist

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$37.09 - $61.81/hr

Under general supervision, coordinates the day-to-day operation of the AHS employer-employee labor relations program by performing a wide variety of technical, analytical and administrative clerical ...

Labor Relations Consultant

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$97K - $182K/yr

Under general direction of the Labor Relations Director for Employee and Labor Relations (ELR), provide labor relations support to management by representing UC Davis in grievances, arbitration ...

Labor Relations Analyst Location: La Mesa, CA 91942 Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Hybrid - 2-3 days onsite Duration: 3 months (with possible extension) Job Summary: * The Labor Relations ...

Senior Labor Relations Representative

CA ยท On-site

$131K - $198K/yr

Labor Relations Opening Date: 08/24/2026 Closing Date: 9/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented Employees Marketing Statement Ride BART to a satisfying career that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Labor Relations information

See California salary details

$57.7K

$109.9K

$164.3K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations in California is $109,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is labor relations?

Labor relations refer to the interactions between employers and employees, particularly regarding the negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, workplace conditions, and dispute resolution. Professionals in labor relations often work to ensure compliance with labor laws, facilitate communication between management and unions, and help resolve conflicts that arise in the workplace. Their goal is to foster a productive work environment while protecting the rights and interests of both employees and employers.

How does a labor relations specialist typically collaborate with management and union representatives to resolve workplace disputes?

Labor Relations specialists act as key intermediaries between management and union representatives, facilitating communication and negotiation during disputes or contract discussions. They often organize and participate in meetings, clarify contract terms, and mediate disagreements to ensure both parties' concerns are addressed fairly and within legal guidelines. This role requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as a thorough understanding of labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. Working closely with HR, legal teams, and union leaders, Labor Relations specialists help maintain a productive and cooperative work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in labor relations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Labor Relations, you need a solid understanding of labor laws, contract negotiation, and conflict resolution, typically supported by a degree in human resources or industrial relations. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), collective bargaining software, and relevant certifications like SHRM or PHR is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These capabilities are crucial for fostering positive employer-employee relationships, ensuring legal compliance, and facilitating productive workplace negotiations.

What is the difference between Labor Relations vs Human Resources?

AspectLabor RelationsHuman Resources
Primary FocusManaging employer-union relationships, collective bargaining, labor agreementsEmployee recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compliance, and employee relations
Work EnvironmentUnionized workplaces, industries with collective bargainingVarious industries, non-unionized settings
Required CredentialsLabor relations certifications, labor law knowledgeHR certifications, general management or business background
Employer UsageLarge organizations with unionized employeesMost organizations, including non-unionized

While both roles involve employee management, Labor Relations primarily focuses on union negotiations and collective bargaining, whereas Human Resources handles overall employee management, policies, and benefits. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals to each area.

What degree do you need for labor relations?

A bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, industrial relations, or a related field is typically required for labor relations roles. Advanced positions may prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications such as the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of employment laws are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs in California?

The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Labor Relations jobs in California?

For Labor Relations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Labor Relations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Labor Relations job openings:

Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $109,911 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Labor Relations Specialist / Labor Relations Analyst

Department of Social Services

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$7.1K - $8.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Perform analytical and staff work related to labor relations, including grievances, arbitrations, and labor negotiations for collective bargaining units.

  • Act as a management representative to support the effectiveness of the Labor Relations Program.

  • Complete activities necessary to ensure the effectiveness of labor relations functions.


Job description

This is a re-post. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.
Under the general direction of the Labor Relations Officer (LRO) for CDSS, the Labor Relations Specialist (LRS)/Labor Relations Analyst (LRA) will perform a wide variety of analytical and completed staff work in the field of labor relations, including grievances, arbitrations, and labor negotiations for collective bargaining units
within the Department. The LRS/LRA will act as a management representative and will undertake and complete a variety of activities necessary to assure the effectiveness of the Labor Relations Program.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey .
Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov . For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job .
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on our latest opportunities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer's markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.
This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST
  • LABOR RELATIONS ANALYST
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-520689
Position #(s):
800-692-9535-955
Working Title:
Labor Relations Specialist / Labor Relations Analyst
Classification:
LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST $7,172.00 - $8,910.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Shall Consider:
LABOR RELATIONS ANALYST
$5,188.00 - $6,495.00 A
$6,241.00 - $7,816.00 B
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.
CDSS Guiding Principles
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.
Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Special Requirements Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.
Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
Statement of Qualification must be no more than two pages in length, size 12-point Arial font. Your responses should not be repeated.
1. Please describe your education, experience, and/or training in labor relations or a related field, working with labor organizations, grievances, contract administration, negotiations, and conflict resolution.
2. Describe and provide examples of your abilities and experience communicating with all levels of staff, including CalHR, Executive management, managers, supervisors, and employee organizations.
3. Describe and provide examples of your experience in dealing with four of the following subjects: Arbitrations, Unfair Labor Practice Charges, Grievance Settlements, Impact Bargaining, Chairing Meetings, or Joint Labor-Management Committees.
4. Describe a situation and your experience in creating an inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration, cooperation, and consensus with management, union organization, and/or other stakeholders.
Please Note: A notation or reference to other materials such as cover letters, resumes, degrees, exam results or applications DO NOT take the place of the SOQ.
For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide and video Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) .
This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code.
You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.
Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/1/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 94244-2430
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) IS REQUIRED . Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.
TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT
โ€ข Public transit (mass transit) passes.
o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
โ€ข Vanpool drivers and riders
o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Layla Saleem
(916) 809-3976
layla.saleem@dss.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025
Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.
Examination Information
Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the examination announcement:
CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search
Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: Examinations@dss.ca.gov .
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (ment