Chief LaborSafety Inspector

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Department of Labor

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.

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 in order 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 in order to ensure proper placement of youth in various on-the-job training programs. Respond to requests for information in order 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 in order 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 legislation to 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.

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.

Preferred Knowledge Skills and Abilities

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.

For questions about the posting email:

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government you find employees who embody our state mottoDirigo or I leadas they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforces health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package including:

• Work-Life Balance Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays 12 days of sick leave and 3 weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11857.68-$13950.24 annual value) depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).

• Retirement Plan The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) on behalf of the employee.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information visit the Federal Student Aid office.

• Living Resources Program Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a childincluding fathers and adoptive parentsreceive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

Theres a job and then theres purposeful transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn grow and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race color sex sexual orientation or gender identity physical or mental disability religion age ancestry national origin familial status or genetics.

If youre looking for a great next step and want to feel good about what you do wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If youre currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application please download and print one HERE

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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.