Job Description

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agencys HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth age physical or mental disability genetic information marital status creed political beliefs or affiliation veteran status military service retaliation or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Required Skills and Competencies:

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Resolve Disputes: Utilizing principles and processes of dispute resolution specifically within labor relations. Ability to serve as a neutral facilitator with employers and unions using mediation techniques to address collective bargaining grievance and employment disputes.
• Interpret Rules and Statutes: Knowledge of and ability to interpret rules and state statutes related to collective bargaining and labor relations in Montana.
• Understand Labor Law and Labor Relations: Basic knowledge of labor law and its practical implications in employer-union interactions. Comprehensive understanding of labor relations dynamics and the full collective bargaining negotiation process.
• Train and Facilitate Interest Based Bargaining: Knowledge of the Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) process and ability to provide training and facilitate interest-based problem-solving that fosters positive labor-management relationships.
• Train and Facilitate Labor Management Committees: Ability to effectively train and facilitate Labor Management Committees addressing issues beyond collective bargaining and supporting ongoing labor-management relations improvement.
• Communication and Relationship Building: Excellent written and verbal communication skills including active listening to validate perspectives and foster collaboration. Strong interpersonal skills to bridge gaps between labor and management and build positive relationships in conflict situations.
• Visual Communication: Skilled in developing professional presentation materials that convey complex information in an accessible and visually compelling manner ensuring audience understanding and engagement.
• Presentation Expertise: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in public settings by delivering clear engaging and informative presentations tailored to diverse audiences including staff leadership and external stakeholders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years of experience in mediation labor relations or dispute resolution within public sector or unionized environments.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate training sessions committee meetings or labor negotiations.
• Proven ability to interpret Rule and State laws related to collective bargaining and labor relations in Montana.
• Demonstrated communication relationship-building and conflict-resolution skills.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and delivering presentations to stakeholders partners and public audiences.
• A degree in conflict resolution negotiation dispute resolution or a closely related field may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in the areas noted above. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered.
  

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:

A complete state application is not required; however you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application but the application will not be scored or reviewed.

Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

Tip: When attaching your resume cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as RELEVANT or we will be unable to view your documents.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter - Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified Knowledge Skills and Abilities with examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
• Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position including duties dates of employment.

Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.

If you need an accommodation with the application process please contact the HR office.

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: STATEMENT:
Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

DLI CORE VALUES:

• Responsiveness
• Respect
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Cohesiveness

Its about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open team-based supportive and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLIhere.

BENEFITS:

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking camping biking fishing boating hunting skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs rodeos and theaters. Read more about our great state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: Youll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health dental vision life insurance coverage flexible spending accounts EAP - clickhere to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- clickhere to learn more!
• Career progression training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1 2026.

*This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

Are you passionate about labor relations conflict resolution and building positive relationships between labor management teams As a labor mediator you will work with public sector employers and labor organizations to provide mediation assistance to resolve a variety of labor relations disputes across the state of Montana. Our labor mediators play a pivotal role in maintaining harmony between public sector employers and labor organizations. If you thrive on conflict resolution and have a passion for helping parties move past their differences and strengthen relationships this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in public sector labor relations.

Position Overview:

The Labor Mediator provides expert facilitation mediation and training services to public sector employers and labor organizations supporting the resolution of labor relations disputes and fostering positive labor-management relationships. This role is responsible for Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) and Labor Management Committee facilitation mediation of collective bargaining agreements grievance and employment disputes and the coordination of key labor relations conferences. By serving as a neutral party the Labor Mediator works to clarify issues promote constructive dialogue and guide parties to effective solutions that strengthen organizational trust and collaboration.

Essential Functions:

The Labor Mediator:

• Deliver Interest Based Bargaining and Labor Management Committee training and facilitation for public sector employers and labor organizations.
• Provide mediation services for collective bargaining negotiations grievances and employment disputes.
• Facilitate constructive communication between parties promoting calm and mutual respect.
• Confer with public employers and unions to clarify issues identify concerns and build an understanding of each groups needs and interests.
• Apply dispute resolution techniques to help parties reach mutually acceptable solutions.
• Coordinate and support the annual Montana Arbitration and Labor Relations Conference.

Job Tags

Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Remote work, Flexible hours,

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