Labor Relations - Principal Human Resources Specialist

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).  Our MISSION is to help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high-hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services and by acting as environmental stewards to the Site’s Cold War legacy.  Our VISION is to be the user site of choice for large-scale, high-hazard, national security experimentation, with premier facilities and capabilities below ground, on the ground, and in the air. (See NNSS.gov for our unique capabilities.) Our 2,750+ professional, craft, and support employees are called upon to innovate, collaborate, and deliver on some of the more difficult nuclear security challenges facing the world today.   

• MSTS offers our full-time employees highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, and vision; both a pension and a 401k; paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays; relocation (if located more than 75 miles from work location); tuition assistance and reimbursement; and more.  
• MSTS is a limited liability company consisting of Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell), Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Jacobs), and HII Nuclear Inc.

The Principal Human Resources Specialist, Labor Relations will be a pivotal leader responsible for shaping and executing MSTS's labor relations strategy. This senior-level role demands exceptional expertise in managing complex union relationships, leading collective bargaining negotiations, and ensuring compliance with all relevant labor laws and agreements. The specialist will act as a primary liaison between MSTS management and union leadership, skillfully navigating sensitive issues, resolving grievances, and proactively fostering constructive labor-management partnerships. Success in this position requires a deep understanding of collective bargaining agreements, Project Labor Agreements, and federal regulations such as the Davis-Bacon Act. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of strategic thinking, persuasive communication, and the ability to drive positive outcomes in a dynamic labor environment. This role will also involve conducting thorough investigations, advising leadership on labor relations best practices, and contributing to the development of robust HR policies.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and expertise in all labor relations functions.

• Collaborate with Union Leaders and Management (up to Director level) to resolve complex issues and reach agreements.
• Lead and co-chair contract negotiations.
• Manage negotiation preparations and the process, including key financial information analysis.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of Project Labor Agreements/Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Apply expert working knowledge of the Davis-Bacon Act and related federal regulations.
• Conduct thorough investigations into internal and external employee concerns and complaints, especially for union-represented employees.
• Resolve union grievances through proper and electronic processes.
• Review, revise, and develop labor relations policies, procedures, agreements, and instructions; advise management on these.
• Multitask and respond promptly to all issues and concerns from management, employees, contractors, and other sources.
• Exercise independent judgment to identify labor relations concerns, prepare responses, and provide strategic recommendations.
• Manage challenging and sensitive conversations with labor union personnel and MSTS employees (up to Director level).
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality for all employee-related information.
• Develop internal and external reports on investigations.
• Provide backup support for the random drug-screening program.
• Handle protocols and consequences of positive drug/alcohol screenings.
• Interface with Legal, Internal Audit, and Employee Relations on issues.
• Cross-train and collaborate with Employee Relations staff on investigations and contracts.
• Stay current on employment law changes in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Maryland, and other states relevant to NNSS operations.

Due to the nature of our work, US Citizenship is required for all positions.

 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and at least 8 years’ of professional level experience, or equivalent training and experience.

  • Professional Human Resources (PHR) and (AWI) certifications preferred. 

• Demonstrated experience as a lead in negotiations.
• Knowledge of legal requirements that affect the Labor Relations Office.
• Knowledge of Human Resource principles, Equal Opportunity law and National Labor Relations Board laws.
• Possess expert working knowledge of the Davis-Bacon Act and related federal regulations.
• Adapt to changes in the work environment and deal with unexpected events.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain highest levels of confidentiality when dealing with employee and management concerns/issues, proprietary information, and sensitive situations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with all levels of personnel. 
• Must be able to communicate orally and in writing with tact, diplomacy, and/or authority when necessary.
• Detail-oriented and possess effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interview personnel, conduct research, assist with investigations, and provide investigative summery report to appropriate management
• Exercise considerable judgment and independent discretion in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships internally and externally.
• Must be able to cope with conflicting deadlines, frequent interruptions, and multiple tasks. 
• Identify problems, gather and analyze information skillfully. 
• Independently apply and carryout policies and procedures within assigned area of responsibility.
• The primary work location will be at the Losee Road facility in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Work at the Nevada National Security Site (located 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada) is required in support of these functions. 
• Work schedule will be 4/10s Monday through Thursday (subject to change).
  • Must be able to work flexible hours.
• Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

 

Ability to obtain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification credential under the Department of Energy Order 206.2, ‘Identity, Credential, and Access Management,’ and Supplemental Directive NNSA SD 206.2, ‘Implementation of Personal Identity Verification for Uncleared Contractors.’

 

MSTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

 

Annual salary range for this position is: $101,982.40 - $155,521.60.

Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate education and experience and internal equity.