Field Investigator - Wage and Hour Compliance Officer

Department of Labor - Labor Standards/Wage & Hour DivisionJob Class Code: 0067Grade: 22 (Professional Technical)Salary: $47,174 - $65,832Location: AugustaOpening Date: August 27, 2024Closing Date: September 11, 2024We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join our team as a Wage and Hour Compliance Officer. This will primarily be an office-based position assisting Department of Labor inspectors with their investigations. Some field work may be assigned. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, auditing employment records such as daily time records, payroll records, and various Point of Sale (POS) records for compliance with State labor laws and compiling the information into spreadsheets. Individuals interested in this position should be detail oriented and proficient in Excel.The Maine Department of Labor supports employee success through intentional collaboration, innovative thinking, and adaptability. We value an inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplace where all employees thrive and contribute to the overall success of the agency.Primary responsibilities include:• Audits and/or inspects employers' payroll and time record keeping systems to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal labor laws, rules, and regulations.• Use Excel to create spreadsheets and formulas to compile and calculate various violations, penalty amounts, and wages owed.Recommends issuance of citations and orders for violations of labor laws.• Interviews employers and employees to gather information regarding labor practices and complaints.• Conducts conferences and training programs to explain law standards and provide information on labor laws.• Coordinates services and activities with other departmental professional staff to ensure that labor law protections are enforced for all migrant and immigrant workers in Maine.• Develops and implements caseload management strategies to manage assigned cases.• Testifies as an expert witness in court to assist in the prosecution of labor law violations.• Inspects State business establishments and field-based work sites to enforce labor laws and regulations and identify hazardous conditions for minors.• Writes reports of inspections and investigations to document findings and other required information.Skills or knowledge required:• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations regulating the employment of men, women, and minors.• Knowledge of the State Minimum Wage and Payment of Wage laws.• Knowledge of employment and business practices and records.• Knowledge of labor law compliance enforcement procedures and laws.• Knowledge of interviewing and investigative techniques and practices• Knowledge of research methods, techniques, and practices.• Ability to understand, and explain laws, rules, and regulations.• Ability to analyze facts and data, reach logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations.• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.• Ability to prepare comprehensive investigative reports.• Ability to perform mathematical computations.• Ability to use Excel proficiently, including creating formulas for various functions.• Ability to remain calm and maintain order in emotionally charged situations• Ability to manage a large caseload.Minimum qualifications:A six (6) year combination of education and experience providing paralegal, investigative, mediation, research, and/or analytical skills.Contact information:Questions about this position should be directed to Scott Cotnoir, Director – Wage & Hour Division207-623-7925 or scott.r.cotnoir@maine.govApplication Instructions:Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.Benefits of working for the State of Maine:No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:• Work-Life Fit – 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%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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.• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees.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.There's a job and then there's 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 you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d 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 you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.