Labor Counsel Jobs

First things First: Who are we?

Twice the size of our next largest competitor, First Student is the leading school transportation solutions provider in North America. Every day, we complete 5 million student journeys, moving more passengers than all U.S. airlines combined. With a team of highly trained drivers and the industry’s strongest safety record, First Student delivers reliable, quality services including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, route optimization and scheduling, maintenance, and charter services for 1,100 school district contracts.

As the Labor Counsel you will work closely with HR/Labor Relations leadership and other members of First Student’s management team regarding labor and employment law matters. Provide day-to-day advisory services to field operations management with respect to labor relations and employment law issues. The Labor Counsel may reside in any metro market in the Midwest, preferably Chicago, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, or Detroit.

Major Responsibilities

• Assist managers and Regional HR Managers in the analysis, strategy development and communication of new labor laws passed at the national, state or municipality level that affect our employees.
• Open to remote candidates if easily accessible to travel within assigned region and to Cincinnati North American Headquarters.
• Travel up to 50%.
• Serve as chief negotiator in collective bargaining with a variety of unions for a variety of First Student operations.
• Represent the Company before Federal, State and Local agencies at arbitration, mediation, and in collective bargaining
• Represent the Company at the NLRB on representation issues and defense of unfair labor practice charges.
• Provide operations management and HR Department with day-to-day advice and guidance regarding all human resources issues, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Minimum Education & Certifications Required

• Able to collaborate with diverse personalities. Tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Superior interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently but also perform as a strong team player.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in a clear, concise, organized and persuasive manner.
• Law degree.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• 2-5 years of legal experience, preferably in labor and employment law.

First for a Reason

• Community Service & Impact

Go where opportunity meets community. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As the face of First Student in your community, you’ll have a positive impact on others.

• Extensive Training

Build skills and knowledge in such areas as safety and security, injury prevention, technology and equipment, and job efficiency.

• Professional Advancement

Start here. Go far. We believe in promoting from within … which means tremendous opportunities for you, thanks to our strong presence across North America. In addition, our 18-month Aspiring Manager Program prepares future leaders at First Student or First Transit.

• Diversity & Inclusion

Because we’re stronger together, we aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and diverse working environment for everyone every day.

• Benefits

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and paid holiday/vacation.

About First Student

Twice the size of our next largest competitor, First Student is the leading school transportation solutions provider in North America. Every day, we complete 5 million student journeys, moving more passengers than all U.S. airlines combined. With a team of highly trained drivers and the industry’s strongest safety record, First Student delivers reliable, quality services including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, route optimization and scheduling, maintenance, and charter services for 1,100 school district contracts.

Apply today and get your career on the road with First Student.

We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce therefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. For candidates applying to positions in San Francisco or Los Angeles California, First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance or Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance. First is an equal opportunity employer and by doing so we will sustain and promote an inclusive culture that supports future growth for all.