Senior Labor Relations Advocate

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$160,680 - $196,752

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for a Labor Relations Advocate within the Staff Relations Division.  Under minimal direction, this position will serve as professional administrative staff to Laboratory management in all aspects of staff relations; developing, implementing, and interpreting relevant policies, procedures, and programs as appropriate.  This individual will exercise independent judgment and discretion in determining objectives and approaches to assignments and will interact with managers, supervisors, employees, and external agencies as appropriate.  This individual will represent the Laboratory in arbitration and unemployment insurance hearings. This position will report to the Staff Relations Division Manager in the Director's Office Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

You will

• Represent the Laboratory in both commercial and labor arbitration cases.
• Represent the Laboratory in unemployment insurance hearings.
• Counsel managers and supervisors on corrective action and other personnel issues.
• Conduct formal investigations on sexual harassment and discrimination complaints and other related issues.
• Respond to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and Civil Rights Department (CRD) complaints.
• Administer the internal employee complaint procedures and the grievance administration in collective bargaining agreements.
• Advise management on labor, employment and privacy statutes and regulations
• Represent the Laboratory in Labor negotiations and contract administration.
• Develop and present training programs on labor relations and employment related matters.
• Implement Laboratory communication and educational programs on designated topics, e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Return to Work.
• Develop and recommend policy and procedures in conjunction with other subject matter experts and the Office of General Counsel.
• Coordinate with Office of General Counsel attorneys and legal staff - Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Juris Doctorate (JD) or Graduate Degree in labor and industrial relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive working and practical knowledge of theory, practices, and methods related to employee/labor relations.
• Ability to conduct internal Investigations into employment, labor and discrimination complaints and concerns.
• Thorough knowledge of labor and related laws and regulations and extensive experience relating management philosophy to labor relations and management practices.
• Extensive experience in presenting cases at hearings, i.e., arbitration and unfair labor practice hearings. 
• Demonstrated background in labor relations – specifically collective bargaining.
• Experience working independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, flexibility, and experience working as a team player.
• Demonstrated ability to make presentations and conduct training classes.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with all levels of management within internal organizations and other agencies as necessary.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.