Chief Labor & Safety Inspector

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Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Standards

Job Class Code:7037

Grade:26 - Supervisory

Salary: $59716.80 - $84468.80/Annually

Location:Augusta ME

Opening Date:April24 2026

Closing Date:May8 2026

Join the State of Maines Wage and Hour Division as our next Chief Labor Inspector. Play a vital leadership role in protecting the rights safety and well-being of Maines this position you will oversee a team of dedicated wage and hour inspectors guide complex investigations and ensure consistent enforcement of state labor laws. This is an opportunity to strengthen strategic enforcement mentor staff and collaborate with employers employees and stakeholders to promote fair safe and lawful workplaces across the state.

We are seeking an experienced professional who brings strong judgment integrity and a commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will apply deep knowledge of wage and hour laws strong leadership effective communication skills and sound decision-making in a dynamic regulatory environment. If you are passionate about having a meaningful impact for Maine workers and businesses alike please submit a cover letter and your resume when you apply.

REPRESENTATIVETASKS:

As a Chief Labor Inspector you will:

• Direct and manage field operations to include scheduling annual inspections reviewing and assigning complaint investigations meeting with inspectors and reviewing complaint findings to determine jurisdiction violations and appropriate courses of action.
• Oversee and enforce the Work Permit program to ensure minors meet legal age requirements for employment in non-hazardous occupations.
• Provide technical assistance with the student-learner and cooperative education program to ensure proper placement of youth in various on-the-job training programs.
• Respond to requests for information to explain provisions and implications of state labor law.
• Develop investigation methods and procedures and establish qualitative and quantitative standards for inspectors to achieve departmental strategic plan goals.
• Review and evaluate unit/field operations and activities to develop improvements and make recommendations for change.
• Review consult with the Attorney Generals Office and recommend investigation cases for litigation to ensure accuracy of findings and compliance with laws.
• Develop implement and oversee assigned labor-related programs to ensure program goals and objectives are met.
• Develop and administer program budgets.
• Hire train and evaluate performance of field operations personnel.
• Provide outreach and education on the Divisions purpose responsibilities and enforcement authority; and enhance public relations.
• Coordinate and participate in panel and group discussions workshops seminars or meetings on law to develop consultation and training programs. Research and draft legislationto assist the Division Director in developing proposed changes.
• Compile and analyze statistical data to provide information and evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement activities.
• Implement and comply with human resource laws policies procedures and practices such as: AA/EEO recruitment employment position classification performance appraisals training discipline contract administration human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies and employee safety.

KNOWLEDGESSKILLSANDABILITIESREQUIRED:

Communication: The Chief Labor Inspector leads and oversees communication for the Wage and Hour Division. The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively with staff stakeholders and the public in person by phone and in writing. This includes directing and supporting staff in conducting interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds presenting information in both one-on-one and group settings and representing the Division in administrative and court proceedings. Strong writing skills are essential including the ability to review edit and produce clear plain-language correspondence reports and policy guidance.

Conflict Resolution: The Chief Labor Inspector provides leadership in managing and resolving complex and sensitive disputes. The successful candidate must have significant experience managing and resolving conflict in a neutral professional and solution-oriented manner while guiding staff in de-escalation techniques and ensuring consistent fair handling of complaints.

Critical Thinking: The Chief Labor Inspector oversees the evaluation of evidence and enforcement decisions across the Division. The successful candidate must be able to assess complex factual records objectively ensure consistent application of labor laws guide staff in evidence-based analysis and make sound determinations and recommendations regarding citations and enforcement actions.

Collaboration: The Chief Labor Inspector fosters a collaborative and high-performing team environment while maintaining strong relationships with community partners and government agencies. The successful candidate must demonstrate a proven ability to build and sustain effective working relationships support staff development and lead within a hybrid work environment.

Computer Skills: The Chief Labor Inspector ensures effective use of technology and data systems within the Division. The successful candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel Outlook and Word; experienced with electronic case management systems; and capable of overseeing data tracking reporting and analysis to support informed decision-making and operational efficiency.

Coordination: The Chief Labor Inspector manages division-wide workloads priorities and deadlines. The successful candidate must be highly organized and able to balance competing demands delegate responsibilities effectively monitor progress and ensure that all work is completed accurately efficiently and in alignment with agency goals.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS: An eight year combination of education training and/or experience in labor law employment practices or directly related field to include at least two (2) years of program administration.

PREFERENCES:

Interviewing: The Chief Labor Inspector oversees and guides investigative practices across the Division. The preferred candidate will have experience conducting and supervising interviews in a variety of contexts as well as coaching staff on effective interviewing techniques. This may include experience in fields such as law human resources law enforcement compliance or similar work that involves gathering evaluating and synthesizing information through structured conversations.

Auditing: The Chief Labor Inspector is responsible for complex case reviews and ensures consistency in evaluating records. The preferred candidate will have experience auditing or reviewing financial payroll timekeeping or other technical records and the ability to guide staff in identifying discrepancies assessing credibility and ensuring compliance with applicable laws.

Customer Service: The Chief Labor Inspector represents the Division and Department in interactions with the public employers and partner organizations. The preferred candidate will have a strong background in public service and demonstrated experience promoting professionalism responsiveness and fairness in all interactions while also setting expectations and standards for staff.

Curiosity: The Chief Labor Inspector sets the tone for thorough objective and thoughtful investigations. The preferred candidate will bring a strong sense of curiosity and an analytical mindset with the ability to ask the right questions challenge assumptions and encourage staff to approach complex issues with persistence and an open mind.

Perpetual Learning: The Chief Labor Inspector leads continuous improvement efforts within the Division. The preferred candidate will demonstrate a commitment to staying current with evolving labor laws policies and workplace trends while fostering a culture of learning knowledge-sharing and adaptability to support effective and consistent enforcement.

Contact Information -

Questions about this position should be directed to Scott Cotnoir at

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If you are unable to complete the online application please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.