​Agricultural Labor Relations Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established January 8, 1976

Scope

This series specification describes four classes in the specialized field of Agricultural Labor Relations.

Definition of Series

Classes in this series are involved in bringing about compliance with the Agricultural Labor Relations laws and improved relations among workers, employers, and labor groups by supervision of unit determination elections, mediation of disputes and investigation of allegations of unfair labor practice.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Level and variety of work, degree of supervisory responsibility, geographic area of concern, and size of staff serve as differentiating factors between individual classes.

Definition of Levels

Field Examiner I, Agricultural Labor Relations Board, Range A and

Range B

This is the entry and first level journeyperson class. Incumbents typically receive formal instruction and on-the-job training assignments which involve routine phases of cases under close supervision. As incumbents become qualified they receive more responsible assignments or operate with greater independence.

Field Examiner II, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

This is the first level which involves responsibility for the complete process of handling cases in both the representation and unfair labor practices categories. It is characterized by the assignment of cases of average difficulty, with authority to negotiate (a) independently in representation cases, and (b) after supervisory clearance in unfair labor practice cases. In addition, incumbents may perform incidental administrative duties in small field offices as needed.

Field Examiner III, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

This is the first supervisory level. Incumbents typically supervise teams of lower level field examiners in the investigation and processing of cases. This level may also be characterized by assignments of a difficult or special nature, which require a high degree of expertness. Incumbents are responsible for completing such cases with considerable independence and substantial negotiating authority.

Regional Director II, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

This is the second level of regional management. Incumbents are responsible for operations in the most complex agricultural region and represent the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and the General Counsel.

Incumbents receive charges of unfair labor practices, issue complaints and prosecute charges or negotiate settlements; determine appropriate bargaining units and supervise representation elections.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

Education Requirement:

The following educational requirement is part of the "Minimum Qualifications" for all levels in the series:

Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis of one year of experience equals two years of college.)

Field Examiner I, Agricultural Labor Relations Board, Range A

The educational requirement listed above; or

Six months of experience performing the duties of a Management Services Technician, Range B.

Field Examiner I, Agricultural Labor Relations Board, Range B

Either I

Twelve months' performing the duties of a Field Examiner I, Agricultural Labor Relations Board, Range A.

Or II

One year of experience in one or a combination of the following types of labor relations work:

l. Interpretation and settlement of grievances arising under labor agreements. or

2. Negotiation and preparation of labor agreements. or

3. Conciliation, mediation, or arbitration of labor disputes. or

4. Responsible work in the investigation and settlement of complaints regarding the violation of State or Federal labor laws.

Or III

One year of experience in one or a combination of the following types of community work in agriculture-related areas working with farm workers:

1. Education or training.

2. Social services.

3. Community organizing activities.

4. Investigation work related to agriculture.

Field Examiner II, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Either I

One year performing the duties of a Field Examiner I, Range B, Agricultural Labor Relations Board. (Applicants who have completed six months of the required experience will be admitted to the examination, but must complete one year of such experience before they will be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Two years of experience in one or a combination of the following types of labor relations work:

l. Interpretation and settlement of grievances arising under labor agreements. or

2. Negotiation and preparation of labor agreements. or

3. Conciliation, mediation, or arbitration of labor disputes. or

4. Responsible work in the investigation and settlement of complaints regarding the violation of State or Federal labor laws.

Or III

Two years of experience in one or a combination of the following types of community work in agriculture-related areas working with farm workers:

1. Education or training.

2. Social services.

3. Community organizing activities.

4. Investigation work related to agriculture.

Field Examiner III, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Either I

One year performing the duties of a Field Examiner II, Agricultural Labor Relations Board. (Applicants who have completed six months of the required experience will be admitted to the examination, but must complete one year of such experience before they will be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Three years of experience in one or a combination of the following types of labor relations work:

1. Interpretation and settlement of grievances arising under labor agreements. or

2. Negotiation and preparation of labor agreements. or

3. Conciliation, mediation, or arbitration of labor disputes. or

4. Responsible work in the investigation and settlement of complaints regarding the violation of State or Federal labor laws.

Or III

Three years of experience in one or a combination of the following types of community work in agriculture-related areas working with farm workers:

1. Education or training.

2. Social services.

3. Community organizing activities.

4. Investigation work related to agriculture.

Regional Director II, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Either I

One year performing the duties of a Field Examiner III, Agricultural Labor Relations Board, or a Regional Director I, Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

Or II

Broad and extensive (more than five years) experience in one or a combination of the following types of labor relations work:

1. Interpretation and settlement of grievances arising under labor agreements. or

2. Negotiation and preparation of labor agreements. or

3. Conciliation, mediation, or arbitration of labor disputes. or

4. Responsible work in the investigation and settlement of complaints regarding the violation of State or Federal labor laws.

Or III

Broad and extensive (more than five years) experience in one or a combination of the following types of community work in agriculture-related areas working with farm workers:

1. Education or training.

2. Social services.

3. Community organizing activities.

4. Investigation work related to agriculture.

(NOTE: Experience applied under Pattern III l, 2, or 3, must have included at least one year with overall responsibility for the administration of the program or project; experience applied under Pattern III 4, must have included at least one year's supervision of the investigation function.) (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must be comparable in level to Field Examiner III, Agricultural Labor Relations Board.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Field Examiner I, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Field Examiner II, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Knowledge of: The field of labor management relations; farm labor activities; collective bargaining processes; purposes, organization, and trends of employee and employer organizations; applicable labor laws and precedent decisions (particularly National Labor Relations Board); court procedure and rules of evidence.

Ability to: Apply investigative techniques; negotiate constructively and persuasively; analyze testimony and other types of evidence and draw correct conclusions; hold informal hearings, resolve disputes, and conciliate aggrieved parties; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; work effectively under stress and unfavorable conditions; prepare clear and logical reports.

Field Examiner III, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Knowledge of: All of the above, and regulations, policies, and procedures of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board; principles of personnel management and supervision; the Board's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, organize, and direct the activities of others; interpret and apply established policies and procedures of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board; and effectively contribute to the Board's affirmative action objectives.

Regional Director II, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Knowledge of: All of the above, and organization and functions of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, direct and coordinate the operations of a regional office; deal tactfully with labor and management groups in critical situations.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Demonstrated objectivity; demonstrated proficiency in dealing effectively with people of varying personalities, temperaments, bias, loyalties, and personal attitudes, and in commanding their respect; willingness to work irregular hours and to travel to all parts of the State on short notice.

Regional Director II, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Demonstrated managerial ability.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Regional Director II, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

Either:

1. Post graduate study in labor relations or a related field; and/or,

2. Legal studies.

Driver License

Possession of a valid State of California driver license. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

Alternate Range Criteria

Field Examiner I, Agricultural Labor Relations Board

These criteria will be used to allocate incumbents to Alternate Range A or Range B.

Range A. This Range shall apply to incumbents who do not meet the criteria for payment in Range B.

Range B. This Range shall apply to persons who have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of twelve months' Field Examiner I, Agricultural Labor Relations Board, Range A, experience or have one year of experience in labor relations, community or investigatory work listed under "Minimum Qualifications" in the specification.

When the requirements for movement to Range B are met and upon recommendation of the appointing power, the employee shall receive the minimum rate in Range�B and a new salary adjustment anniversary date shall be established.

Class History