Job Description

Labor Relations Specialist 2 (260006UQ)

Organization

: State Employment Relations Board

Agency Contact Name and Information: Morgan Turjanica: Morgan.Turjanica@obm.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

: Sep 25, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Primary Location

: United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation: $36.75-$52.27/hr

Schedule

: Full-time

Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. M-F

Classified Indicator: Classified

Union: Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

: Labor Relations

Technical Skills: Labor Relations

Professional Skills: Attention to Detail, Listening, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Agency OverviewThe State Employment Relations Board (SERB) administers the Ohio Public Employees’ Collective Bargaining Act (O.R.C. Chapter 4117). SERB adjudicates filings from employee organizations (unions), public employees, and public employers. A public employer is any state or political subdivision located entirely within the state (including counties, municipal corporations, and townships with a population of 5,000+). We also serve school districts, state colleges, state agencies, authorities, commissions, boards, and other branches of public employment including public sector hospitals and health care facilities.

SERB’s essential statutory functions include:

• Investigating unfair labor practice charges.
• Adjudicating unfair labor practice complaints after investigation.
• Processing representation petitions and requests for recognition.
• Determining appropriate bargaining units and conducting elections to establish or change union composition.
• Analyzing and reporting wage and benefit data from collective bargaining agreements.
• Providing impasse resolution services through mediation, fact-finding, and conciliation.
• Resolving disputes as to the legality of strikes.
• Collecting and monitoring registration and financial filings by employee organizations.
• Training labor and management representatives in the methods and rules of collective bargaining.The agency consists of three board members and a staff of 24. The agency is organized into the following sections:
• Clerk’s Office
• Business and Records Office
• Representation
• Bureau of Mediation
• Unfair Labor Practices
• Hearings
• Research and TrainingLearn more about the agency by visiting https://serb.ohio.gov.

Job Description

The State Employment Relations Board (SERB) is seeking a detail oriented, motivated Labor Relations Specialist 2 to help uphold Ohio’s collective bargaining framework and ensure that public sector employees, employers, and unions have a fair, trusted process for determining representation. In this vital role, you will serve as a designated agent of SERB—investigating complex representation matters, guiding parties through sensitive disputes, and helping maintain the integrity of Ohio’s election and certification processes.

As a Labor Relations Specialist 2, you will play a central part in shaping how public sector bargaining units are formed and maintained. You will conduct thorough investigations, mediate challenging unit determination issues, prepare well reasoned reports and recommendations, and administer representation elections with accuracy, neutrality, and care. Your work ensures that every case is handled professionally, transparently, and in accordance with Ohio’s collective bargaining laws.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in an environment where analytical thinking, collaboration, clear communication, and public service intersect. You’ll work closely with employees, labor organizations, public employers, and fellow SERB staff—answering questions, providing guidance, and supporting key operations that keep the Representation Section running smoothly. Whether presenting findings to the SERB Board, assisting with special projects, or helping stakeholders navigate complex processes, you’ll have a meaningful impact on labor relations across the state.

If you’re energized by public service, committed to fairness, and ready to contribute to a small, dedicated team with statewide impact, we encourage you to apply.

Why Work for the State of OhioAt the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes: Medical Coverage Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more) Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation) *Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Completion of undergraduate core program OR 24 months experience in labor relations or business, public or personnel administration (e.g., unionism & collective bargaining, human resource policy, law of industrial relations, trade union administration, public sector collective bargaining, collective bargaining administration, compensation administration) AND 1 course OR 3 mos. exp. in position involving any of the following: public contact, interviewing, written business communication or public speaking.

-OR equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Labor RelationsSupplemental InformationUnless required by legislation or union contract, salary will be set at the lowest rate of the salary range with gradual increases in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code or OCSEA/AFSCME Collective Bargaining AgreementApplicants must clearly indicate how they meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants are also encouraged to document any experience, education and/or training related to the job duties of the position applying for. You must clearly identify how you meet the minimum qualifications throughout your application and in your supplemental question responses.ADA StatementOhio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.Drug-Free WorkplaceThe State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.