Union Relations Specialist - Norfolk, VA

The Union Relations Specialist provides foundational support in maintaining positive, professional, and consistent relationships between the organization and its union partners. This role is responsible for ensuring the company adheres to collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), relevant labor laws, and internal policies while assisting in the resolution of routine inquiries, gathering information, and escalating issues as needed. Through consistent coordination, documentation, and relationship‑building, the Union Relations Specialist contributes to a fair, transparent, and compliant workplace for all employees.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has no direct reports.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as a primary communication point between the company and union representatives by responding to routine inquiries, scheduling discussions, and sharing needed information in a timely and professional manner.
• Support compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) by reviewing contract provisions, monitoring day‑to‑day practices, and elevating potential compliance issues to leadership.
• Interpret and ensure adherence to all provisions of CBAs across assigned districts or regions.
• Conduct regular outreach to union representatives to gather information, clarify concerns, and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships.
• Conduct regular audits of labor practices, work assignments, pay differentials, and job classifications to ensure compliance.
• Resolve contract-related disputes and grievances in collaboration with union representatives and internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with union leadership and field teams to support a culture of collaboration and problem-solving.
• Support workforce planning initiatives and change management related to CBA impacts.

Competencies:

• Clearly conveys information and maintains professional dialogue with union reps and internal leaders.
• Accurately interprets collective bargaining agreements and ensures company practices align with contractual obligations.
• Understands vegetation management operations, safety requirements, and work practices to align labor strategies with field realities.
• Assesses complex labor issues, identifies root causes, and develops practical, timely solutions.
• Builds strong, trust‑based relationships with union leaders, managers, and field teams to support positive labor relations.
• Handles sensitive information with discretion and consistently demonstrates fairness, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Work Environment:

• In-Office

Physical Demands:

• Frequent sedentary work with occasional reaching, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel may be required

Required education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial Relations, or a related field—or equivalent experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered for candidates without a degree.
• 0-2 years of experience in labor relations and union contract administration.
• Prior exposure to union environments, collective bargaining agreements, or employment law (even through internships or coursework) is preferred but not required.
• Understanding of collective bargaining agreements, grievance processes, and labor law.
• Experience working in or supporting the vegetation management industry (utilities, line clearance, forestry, or similar).
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills.

Preferred education and experience:

• Prior experience in a multi-union workforce environment.
• Experience supporting bargaining units in geographically dispersed field operations.
• Professional certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, or labor relations certificates).

Additional eligibility requirements:

• No other eligibility requirements.

Work authorization requirements:

• Must meet I-9 requirements.

Position requires employee to be able to pass a background check and drug screen as required for this job.

Work authorization requirements:

Must meet I-9 requirements.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

XKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999.

Benefits Offered:

This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.

AI Usage Disclaimer:

As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.