PERSONNEL TRAINEE EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
Personnel Trainee Employee Relations is non-competitive, meaning the state checks your education and experience against the spec instead of ranking you on a test.
On paper it calls for a bachelor's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $55,691 to $58,222.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the close supervision of an Employee Relations Coordinator, Human Resource Manager, or other supervisory official in a state department, agency, or institution, as a trainee and productive worker, receives on-the-job training in government labor and employee relations practices, procedures, and their application, while gaining practical experience in employee relations work; does related duties as required.
Examples of work
As trainee and productive worker: Attends training sessions and studies government employee relations procedures and practices and the specific work processes and methods of the State department or agency concerned. Develops working knowledge of Departmental Employee Relations Bulletins and Interpretive Circulars, assists in the administration of Statewide negotiation unit contracts as assigned. Learns to assist with the training of supervisory and managerial personnel in the administration and application of the State-wide negotiation unit contracts. Receives training in the grievance/discipline process and applies such training to practical cases. Learns to collect information and gathers evidence used to substantiate claims. May assist a supervisor or lead worker assigned as a liaison between the institution, agency, and the local officers and officials of the various certified majority representatives in the day-to-day application of contracts and agreements. In a training capacity, reviews grievance decisions as necessary, with hearing officers appointed by the appointing authority of the institution or agency. May assist a supervisor or lead worker assigned as a liaison between the institution and agency and the Employee Relations Section for the processing of those contractual grievances, the decisions of which require interpretation of contractual provisions. May act as a liaison between the institution or agency and the Employee Relations Section, Bureau of Personnel Services, and Employee Relations on the interpretation, application, and administration of the unit contracts and agreements. Receives training and may assist in the conduct of special investigations concerning employee relations problems. Learns to prepare specialized and routine memorandums, reports, and correspondence as required in the course of official duties. May be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Ability to profit from an in-service training program in modern government employee relations procedures Ability to participate in training and acquire knowledge of New Jersey Public Employee Relations Act (Chapters 123 and 303 as amended). Ability to participate in training and acquire knowledge and familiarity with the conduct and procedures of grievance and disciplinary hearings. Ability to participate in training and acquire knowledge of the rules, regulations, and policies and procedures of the department concerning grievances and disciplinary hearing processes. Ability to participate in training and acquire knowledge of the grievance and disciplinary contractual provisions of the statewide negotiated unit contracts. Ability to participate in training and comprehend and interpret Civil Service, Department of Treasury, and Office of Employee Relations directives and other rules, regulations, and procedures. Ability to participate in training and handle routine matters concerned with departmental employee relations administration and the preparation and maintenance of the required records. Ability to receive training and prepare routine statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. ADVANCEMENT: Appointees who successfully complete the 12-month training period will be eligible for advancement to the title, Personnel Assistant 4, Employee Relations (Y19-) in accordance with NJ Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in this title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to Personnel Assistant 4, Employee Relations shall be considered cause for separation.
Note
Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Four (4) years of professional experience in the administration of negotiated contracts, grievance, and disciplinary processing programs in a large public or private organization. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.