Business Partner, Labor & Employee Relations

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission.  We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Priority deadline for applications is August 18th, 2025, at 8 am PST. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than August 18th, 2025. 

Job Summary:

With limited oversight, provide advice and direction to management and employees on complex labor and employee relations matters, ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws, CBAs, and Aquarium policies; address and resolve employee and labor relations issues, conduct sophisticated investigations, participate in grievance procedures, and develop strategies to mitigate labor and employee relations risks; perform other duties as required. This role will collaborate closely with the other LERBPs and leaders, as well as employment counsel, in labor and employee relations issues.

 

Core Activities:

• Work with P&C leadership and labor management team to develop and implement strategic solutions to complex employee and labor relations issues impacting a wide range of staff, including union and non-union employees and management.
• Conduct objective and thorough workplace investigations into employee complaints and grievances:
  • Conduct interviews
  • Analyze and assess investigative details across MBA and external regulation/policies
  • Determine final resolution and recommended actions
  • Produce thorough and accurate documentation of outcomes and follow up with impacted individuals
• Participate in labor grievance process and disciplinary procedures, including hearings, mediations, and arbitrations as needed.
  • Advise management on individual grievances
  • Engage with labor reps and internal labor management teams in grievance process
  • Inform labor reps on the outcome of investigations and recommended actions
• Advise management on general labor and employment issues including but not limited to CBA and Aquarium policy interpretation and application, employment laws, and performance management..
• Support labor contract negotiations processes as needed.
• Respond to State, Federal, and agency claims (California CDR, DIR, EEOC, etc.), engaging counsel when necessary.
• Provide labor and employee relations expertise on cross-divisional strategic and operational projects and programs.
• Develop and implement internal and external processes regarding labor and employee relations.
• Respond to a wide variety of P&C inquiries including All Voices submissions.
• Perform other generalist duties as required.

 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• 5+ years People and Culture (Human Resources) experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading the investigation and resolution of sensitive and complicated employee and labor relations issues
• HRIS/HCM database experience
• Expert knowledge of local, state, and federal employment law and regulations
• Superb communication skills including effective listening, clear and concise presentation and writing
• Must maintain confidentiality and apply discretion and good judgement when dealing with sensitive matters
• Proficient with Excel and PowerPoint, and virtual meeting/communication platforms
• Ability to work as part of a team and strong customer focus are essential
• Meticulous attention to detail and adherence to compliance requirements are required
• Must be able to meet deadlines and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• PHR/SHRM certification highly preferred
• Bilingual preferred
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium's Core Values

 

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events

 

Annual Compensation Range:

$93,500 - $119,000 Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set