CHIEF REGULATORY OFFICER, PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Definition

Under the general direction of the Director of Unfair Practices and Representation, implements policies and procedures for charges of alleged violations of the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act and representation questions which arise under the provisions of that Act; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• As delegated by the Director, is responsible for the implementation and consistent application of policies established by the Commission and the Director. Has broad latitude, within the policies established by the Commission and Director, for interpretation and exercise of independent judgment.
• May be designated to act as the Director in his/her absence.
• Prepares draft decisions for the Director of Unfair Practices and Representation based on transcripts, exceptions, briefs, written reports from Public Employment Relations Specialists who have sat as hearing officers, motions, and other documentary record evidence and on legal research and knowledge of legal precedent. These decisions relate to cases involving representation questions and refusals to issue complaints in unfair practice charges.
• Hears representation matters of extreme difficulty and complexity which have state-wide implications and require the highest degree of proficiency and expertise and personal acceptability.
• Processes charges of alleged violations of the Act which have state-wide implications and which require the highest degree of proficiency, as well as being responsible for the following:
• A. Arranges informal conferences between the parties in an attempt to resolve the issues in dispute and/or to develop a complete administrative record based upon an investigation.
• B. Provides assistance to the parties by discussing settlement possibilities and Commission and judicial precedent in an effort to reach settlement prior to a formal hearing.
• C. Arranges formal hearings.
• D. Develops full and complete records of all relevant and material facts necessary for a fair and proper decision.
• E. Prepares a reports containing findings of fact, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Performs A through E above.
• Is consulted by the Director and the Commission in establishing the philosophy and policy in the areas of unfair practices and representation.
• Issues the complaint package to the Hearing Examiner assigned to an unfair practice case.
• Insures the presence of a complete record. Discusses with the Hearing Examiner the procedural aspects of the case to date and any unusual aspects of its development.
• When an unfair practice is related to a representation issue, consults with and advises the Hearing Examiner concerning representation law.
• Provides information, assistance, and advice concerning specific cases to staff officers hearing representation matters and charges of alleged violations of the Act.
• Coordinates activities when the same parties are involved in different issues or where similar issues are being heard before different staff officers.
• As delegated by the Director, trains and furnishes guidance to staff members through in-service training seminars, individual conferences, and other appropriate methods to maintain and/or increase the level of competency in dispute settlement techniques, current issues in collective negotiations, and legal research and writing skills.
• As a representative of the Commission participates in conferences and educational programs of labor relations and legal professional associations, employers, employee organizations and university groups.
• Performs other related duties as may be required by the Director or the Chairman.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree supplemented by a law degree and admission to the practice of law in the State of New Jersey.

Experience

At least five years of comprehensive employment in the field of labor relations with an emphasis on experience working for and/or practicing before labor relations administrative agencies.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Wide knowledge of labor law as it affects unfair practices and representation proceedings which may come before the Commission.
• Wide knowledge of administrative law both in the public and private sectors within New Jersey and at the federal level.
• Ability to write articulate and well-reasoned decisions which will be able to withstand the review and examination of the Commission on review and the Courts on appeal.
• Thorough knowledge of dispute resolution techniques which can be utilized to resolve differences which exist between the parties in unfair practice and representation proceedings.
• Ability to maintain a judicial decorum at all times in a dynamic and explosive field.
• Wide knowledge of courtroom procedures and techniques.
• Ability to train staff members in the various techniques of processing representation and unfair practice cases.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. Communication may include such forms as American Sign Language or braille.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.