The Employee Relations Administrator reports to the Deputy Director, Employee Relations and is primarily responsible for supporting Employee Relations programs including the administration of the San Mateo County Transit District’s (SamTrans) Drug and Alcohol program. 

Essential Functions & Duties

Examples of Essential Functions:

• Plan, develop, coordinate and administer the District’s drug and alcohol program ensuring compliance with Federal Transportation Association (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations during employees’ entire lifecycle. 
• Serve as the District’s subject matter expert in FTA and DOT drug and alcohol regulations including educating internal stakeholders, partners, and staff on regulations, developing guidelines, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance, and communicating updates of requirements to business partners.   
• Assists with Employee Relations programs including the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program and the Expediated Arbitration and Formal Arbitration processes.
• Responsible for audits relating to the District’s drug and alcohol program including establishing and maintaining relationships with auditors, moderating meetings, and developing and submitting reporting information. 
• Provide support in labor related matters and grievances including interpretating and developing resolutions of collective bargaining agreement as well as personnel policies and procedures issues.  
• May supervise staff including hiring, mentoring and taking appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO and affirmative action policies and procedures are followed. Coordinate staff training and professional development, establish performance objectives, monitor and evaluate employee performance. 

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Analyze, interpret, and monitor applicable local, state, and federal regulations to ensure drug and alcohol program compliance; keep internal stakeholders and sub-recipients informed of rules, regulations, and requirements changes. 
• Assist with providing oversight for the Employer Pull Notice Program in compliance with regulations.
• Independently consider options for program effectiveness and determine course of action to implement new strategies and techniques for program improvement.
• Oversee investigations regarding drug positive results, Bus Operations incidents, attendance, and discipline grievances. 
• Perform compliant annual drug and alcohol training for supervisors and new hires.
• Provide advice and counsel to Bus Operations (Transportation and Maintenance) managers and supervisors on reasonable suspicion testing and guidelines.
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with all managers, employees and union representatives.
• Identify, investigate, and recommend solutions to resolve issues and complaints involving the administration of the District’s drug and alcohol program.
• Manage and perform audits of subcontractors, vendors, and third-party administrators. 
• Prepare reports for internal stakeholders by compiling data, analysis, and other documentation generated by responsible departments. 
• Monitor new and existing programs to ensure compliance with the District’s drug and alcohol program as well as FTA and DOT regulations.
• Train and educate internal and external stakeholders on FTA and DOT compliance, issues, and awareness.
• Assist the Deputy Director, Employee Relations in employee investigations and resolving grievance matters. 
• Assess, review, and identify key strategies for drug and alcohol program improvement at the District.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

How to Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date.  A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.  If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.   
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment.  We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply. 

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, industrial relations, business management, economics, or related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources, specifically administering regulated drug and alcohol programs. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Supervisory experience desirable.
• Knowledge of FTA and DOT drug and alcohol regulations.
• Experience with workplace investigations, collective bargaining, and grievance resolution is highly desirable.
• Experience working in public transit.
• Effective written and oral communications skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. 

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions.  Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.