Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee(Leadership Associate (confidential)
Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, Hartford, Connecticut, us, 06112
Overview
Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee (Leadership Associate, confidential). Location: Hartford, CT and Newington, CT. Recruitment #260121-5989VR-001. Date Opened: 1/22/2026. Close Date: 2/5/2026. Salary: $90,161 - $129,393/year. Job Type: Open to the Public.
Introduction THE POSITION The State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is recruiting for multiple Leadership Associate positions, in the functional role of Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee, within the Office of Labor Relations (OLR). Qualified individuals will be appointed to the target class of Agency Labor Relations Specialist upon completion of the applicable training period.
What We Can Offer You
Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page.
Professional growth and development opportunities.
A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
Highlights These are full-time (40 hours per week) positions assigned to provide labor relations services to specific customer agencies – Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). This recruitment may be considered for future Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee opportunities within OPM, for locations in the Greater Hartford and surrounding areas.
LOCATION: Department of Developmental Services
ADDRESS: 460 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT
WORK HOURS: Full-time, first shift, 40 hours per week
SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday
LOCATION: Department of Transportation
ADDRESS: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT
WORK HOURS: Full-time, first shift, 40 hours per week
SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday
Discover the Opportunity To
Provide consultative labor relations services to your assigned customer Agency on a variety of issues that impact the mission of each organization.
Play an integral role in managing the relationships between the State Employee Bargaining Units and the Agencies to ensure the delivery of services to Connecticut residents.
Participate in labor relations matters such as investigations, union contract negotiations, contract grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and other labor and employment issues.
Independently perform labor relations activities to your assigned customer Agency.
About Us At the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management (OPM), we report directly to the Governor and provide information and analysis that the Governor uses to formulate public policy for the state. We assist state agencies and municipalities in implementing the law and public policy on behalf of the people of Connecticut. We prepare the Governor’s budget proposals; implement and monitor the execution of the enacted budget; and oversee the executive branch agencies that report to the Governor. OLR serves as the Governor’s designated representative, through the Secretary of OPM, on collective bargaining matters for the majority of executive branch State employees.
The Role This is an exciting opportunity to join the Office of Policy and Management’s (OPM) Office of Labor Relations (OLR) as an Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee (Leadership Associate with a target class of Agency Labor Relations Specialist).
You will be trained to provide consultative services to an assigned customer Agency (either the Department of Developmental Services or the Department of Transportation) on a variety of issues that impact the mission of the organization. You will be expected to manage relationships between the State Employee Bargaining Units and the Agency to ensure the delivery of services to Connecticut residents. Working in OLR provides an opportunity to participate in labor relations matters such as investigations, union contract negotiations, contract grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and other labor and employment issues. This position is accountable for independently performing labor relations activities for the assigned customer Agency.
What To Expect In Your Daily Work NO DAY IS EVER THE SAME!
In This Position The Incumbent Will Train To
Perform the full range of basic labor relations functions within the assigned Agency, conducting a variety of investigations and recommending appropriate action;
Administer and interpret collective bargaining agreements;
Administer progressive discipline;
Advise executives, administrators, managers and supervisors on collective bargaining agreements, and other employee relations issues, including contract interpretation and employee discipline;
Conduct labor relations activities to assure consistency in the application of policies and procedures, and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements;
Triage crisis situations and recommend appropriate action in conjunction with appointing authority;
Conduct agency-level grievance conferences with agency and union officials, and respond on behalf of agency;
Analyze complex workplace situations and issues and leverage solutions;
Provide labor relations guidance, training and support to assigned agency(ies) in the administration of their performance management systems;
Prepare and maintain relevant documentation;
Serve as member of labor contract negotiating teams, as assigned; and
Prepare information and testimony concerning negotiated contracts or other labor relations matters.
Learn More Learn more about making an impact by serving the state of Connecticut by watching the video below.
Selection Plan For Assistance In Applying Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply. Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
Before You Apply
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable between branches of state government.
Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the official Apply button on the State of Connecticut Online Employment Center.
After You Apply
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs). If requested, RQs can be accessed via email or your JobAps Personal Status Board.
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. Review the Interview Preparation Guide to prepare.
Stay connected: Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track status and check email for updates.
The immediate vacancy is listed above; applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates offered a position are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Questions? Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the recruitment process, contact opm.recruitment@ct.gov.
Purpose of Job Class In a state agency, incumbents participate in a formal development program designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to qualify for appointment to a designated managerial or professional confidential class assigned to the MP Pay Plan.
Examples of Duties Please refer to the section "What To Expect In Your Daily Work" for examples of duties.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable
oral and written communication skills
interpersonal skills
Considerable ability to
understand and apply state and federal laws, statutes and regulations
analyze and solve problems
effect and manage change
plan for and implement excellent customer service
learn a new knowledge base in functional area
learn and apply policy and procedure
Managerial aptitude
Minimum Qualifications Candidates must be able to meet the experience and training requirements of the designated class at the completion of the development program.
Preferred Qualifications What We’re Looking For
Experience in labor relations and/or human resources
Experience analyzing and interpreting Collective Bargaining agreements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures
Experience conducting employee investigations and making recommendations for corrective action
Experience with performance management and conflict resolution for employees
Experience with the grievance and arbitration process
Experience working in a high-volume working environment
Special Requirements
Prior to appointment, there must be an approved managerial or professional confidential designated class identified to which the incumbent will be appointed upon successful completion of an approved development program.
The work schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week.
Incumbents may be reclassified to the designated class without a competitive examination upon successful completion of the development program.
Appointments are under a development program and in accordance with a time schedule approved by the Department of Administrative Services.
No additional working test period is required upon successful completion of the development program.
Conclusion AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
Acknowledgement As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Introduction THE POSITION The State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is recruiting for multiple Leadership Associate positions, in the functional role of Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee, within the Office of Labor Relations (OLR). Qualified individuals will be appointed to the target class of Agency Labor Relations Specialist upon completion of the applicable training period.
What We Can Offer You
Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page.
Professional growth and development opportunities.
A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
Highlights These are full-time (40 hours per week) positions assigned to provide labor relations services to specific customer agencies – Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). This recruitment may be considered for future Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee opportunities within OPM, for locations in the Greater Hartford and surrounding areas.
LOCATION: Department of Developmental Services
ADDRESS: 460 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT
WORK HOURS: Full-time, first shift, 40 hours per week
SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday
LOCATION: Department of Transportation
ADDRESS: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT
WORK HOURS: Full-time, first shift, 40 hours per week
SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday
Discover the Opportunity To
Provide consultative labor relations services to your assigned customer Agency on a variety of issues that impact the mission of each organization.
Play an integral role in managing the relationships between the State Employee Bargaining Units and the Agencies to ensure the delivery of services to Connecticut residents.
Participate in labor relations matters such as investigations, union contract negotiations, contract grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and other labor and employment issues.
Independently perform labor relations activities to your assigned customer Agency.
About Us At the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management (OPM), we report directly to the Governor and provide information and analysis that the Governor uses to formulate public policy for the state. We assist state agencies and municipalities in implementing the law and public policy on behalf of the people of Connecticut. We prepare the Governor’s budget proposals; implement and monitor the execution of the enacted budget; and oversee the executive branch agencies that report to the Governor. OLR serves as the Governor’s designated representative, through the Secretary of OPM, on collective bargaining matters for the majority of executive branch State employees.
The Role This is an exciting opportunity to join the Office of Policy and Management’s (OPM) Office of Labor Relations (OLR) as an Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee (Leadership Associate with a target class of Agency Labor Relations Specialist).
You will be trained to provide consultative services to an assigned customer Agency (either the Department of Developmental Services or the Department of Transportation) on a variety of issues that impact the mission of the organization. You will be expected to manage relationships between the State Employee Bargaining Units and the Agency to ensure the delivery of services to Connecticut residents. Working in OLR provides an opportunity to participate in labor relations matters such as investigations, union contract negotiations, contract grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and other labor and employment issues. This position is accountable for independently performing labor relations activities for the assigned customer Agency.
What To Expect In Your Daily Work NO DAY IS EVER THE SAME!
In This Position The Incumbent Will Train To
Perform the full range of basic labor relations functions within the assigned Agency, conducting a variety of investigations and recommending appropriate action;
Administer and interpret collective bargaining agreements;
Administer progressive discipline;
Advise executives, administrators, managers and supervisors on collective bargaining agreements, and other employee relations issues, including contract interpretation and employee discipline;
Conduct labor relations activities to assure consistency in the application of policies and procedures, and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements;
Triage crisis situations and recommend appropriate action in conjunction with appointing authority;
Conduct agency-level grievance conferences with agency and union officials, and respond on behalf of agency;
Analyze complex workplace situations and issues and leverage solutions;
Provide labor relations guidance, training and support to assigned agency(ies) in the administration of their performance management systems;
Prepare and maintain relevant documentation;
Serve as member of labor contract negotiating teams, as assigned; and
Prepare information and testimony concerning negotiated contracts or other labor relations matters.
Learn More Learn more about making an impact by serving the state of Connecticut by watching the video below.
Selection Plan For Assistance In Applying Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply. Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
Before You Apply
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable between branches of state government.
Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the official Apply button on the State of Connecticut Online Employment Center.
After You Apply
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs). If requested, RQs can be accessed via email or your JobAps Personal Status Board.
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. Review the Interview Preparation Guide to prepare.
Stay connected: Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track status and check email for updates.
The immediate vacancy is listed above; applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates offered a position are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Questions? Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the recruitment process, contact opm.recruitment@ct.gov.
Purpose of Job Class In a state agency, incumbents participate in a formal development program designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to qualify for appointment to a designated managerial or professional confidential class assigned to the MP Pay Plan.
Examples of Duties Please refer to the section "What To Expect In Your Daily Work" for examples of duties.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable
oral and written communication skills
interpersonal skills
Considerable ability to
understand and apply state and federal laws, statutes and regulations
analyze and solve problems
effect and manage change
plan for and implement excellent customer service
learn a new knowledge base in functional area
learn and apply policy and procedure
Managerial aptitude
Minimum Qualifications Candidates must be able to meet the experience and training requirements of the designated class at the completion of the development program.
Preferred Qualifications What We’re Looking For
Experience in labor relations and/or human resources
Experience analyzing and interpreting Collective Bargaining agreements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures
Experience conducting employee investigations and making recommendations for corrective action
Experience with performance management and conflict resolution for employees
Experience with the grievance and arbitration process
Experience working in a high-volume working environment
Special Requirements
Prior to appointment, there must be an approved managerial or professional confidential designated class identified to which the incumbent will be appointed upon successful completion of an approved development program.
The work schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week.
Incumbents may be reclassified to the designated class without a competitive examination upon successful completion of the development program.
Appointments are under a development program and in accordance with a time schedule approved by the Department of Administrative Services.
No additional working test period is required upon successful completion of the development program.
Conclusion AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
Acknowledgement As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.
#J-18808-Ljbffr