Mediator (Railroads or Airlines)

Only experience obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. Basic Specialized Experience Requirement: Experience in negotiating or interpreting labor agreements covering a large number of employees or a number of different crafts or classes, on such matters as wages, hours of work, and working conditions; or in mediating between, or negotiating with, management and employee representatives in the application of labor agreements. Such experience must have demonstrated all of the following: Knowledge of the background history of industrialization and the labor movement. Knowledge of economic, industrial, and labor trends, of current developments and problems in the field of labor-management relations, and of changes and trends in union agreements. Knowledge of collective-bargaining principles, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of the general structure, functions, policies, and practices of management and labor organizations. Knowledge of applicable laws governing collective bargaining, wages, hours, etc. Ability to deal effectively with people in tense situations. Ability to preside at meetings or conferences with dignity, poise, and impartiality. Ability to confer effectively with representatives of labor and management in order to obtain a clear understanding of their views on varied and difficult problems. Ability to analyze the issues in a dispute and evaluate their relative importance and susceptibility to compromise. Ability to formulate concrete and practical suggestions for alternative solution, compromise, and settlement. Ability to write clearly and concisely. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Work as a representative of a national labor organization or of management. Federal or State government or other work that involved dealing with labor relations problems and collective-bargaining agreements or that involved interpretation or application of labor laws, regulations, etc. In addition to meeting the requirements described above, applicants for positions at GS-12 and above must have: Knowledge of the Railway Labor Act, as amended, and the history of railroad and airline legislation and the background of working agreements in these industries. Knowledge of current railroad and airline operations and practices, and of current railroad and airline occupations and crafts or classes, and understanding of the problems arising in the interpretation and application of railroad and airline agreements. Applicants for positions at grades GS-12 and above must have had experience that included such activities as: (1) investigating representation disputes and conducting elections to choose collective-bargaining representatives, or (2) the mediation of increases in pay rates, or (3) the mediation of changes in rules or labor agreements. To be creditable as specialized experience, the work must have demonstrated active involvement in labor-management negotiations. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: At the GS-13 level, you must meet the following qualification: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is that which has equipped the applicant with the competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience for this position includes: Demonstrated expertise in the historical development of industrialization and the labor movement, with experience analyzing current labor-management economic trends and shifts in union agreements; Demonstrated expertise in collective-bargaining principles, management functions, and labor-organization structures, with experience with laws governing collective bargaining, wages, and hours; Demonstrated experience applying effective interpersonal skills to manage tense or sensitive situations, lead meetings with dignity and impartiality, and engage constructively with both labor and management to understand and address complex issues. At the GS-14 level, you must meet the following qualification: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level. Specialized experience is that which has equipped the applicant with the competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience for this position includes: Demonstrated expertise in the history of industrialization and the labor movement, alongside applying insights into economic, industrial, and labor trends, as well as current issues in labor-management relations and evolving union agreements; Demonstrated extensive expertise of collective-bargaining principles and procedures, management and labor organization functions, and relevant laws governing wages and hours; Extensive experience applying interpersonal skills effective in tense situations, fostering dignified and impartial meeting environments, and engaging with both labor and management representatives to comprehend and explain diverse and complex issues; Extensive experience with effective team management skills, including mentoring and training, promoting individual growth and enhance team dynamics, leading to greater productivity and collaboration. Applicants must carefully review the information in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section for important information and instructions pertaining to the multi-hurdle assessment process for this position. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The National Mediation Board (NMB) promotes the flow of interstate commerce in the U.S. Airline and Railroad industries through mediation, representation, and arbitration of labor-management disputes. The incumbent will be responsible for mediation of collective bargaining disputes. This position may require extensive travel and irregular duty hours.

• At the GS-13: Mediates labor-management disputes involving situations which range from a moderate degree of difficulty to those which may be highly complex, nationwide in scope and involve large carriers and their respective labor organizations. Works with the individual parties in order to secure information necessary to understand the basic nature of the dispute, the issues involved, and the positions of the various parties. Determines actions or basic approach to be taken. At the GS-14: Trains and mentors GS-13 mediators for six months to prepare them for handling complex disputes and dynamics using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to address labor relations issues in accordance with the Railway Labor Act (RLA). Possesses expertise in various mediation techniques, using in-depth knowledge of parties' backgrounds, relationships, prior agreements, and ongoing issues to aid in dispute resolution. Designs special projects aimed at improving the Board's services through research, mediation support, exchange programs, and training for labor and management participants.