Labor & Safety Inspector - Agency Only

Department of Labor

• Labor Standards/ Wage & Hour Division

Job Class Code: 7255

Grade: 23 - (Professional/Technical)

Salary: $47,840 - $64,542

Location: Statewide

• Androscoggin County/Home Based

Opening Date: March 19, 2024

Closing Date: April 2, 2024

This is investigative and protective services work involving the inspection of construction projects, logging contractors, and State employers' payroll record keeping systems to ensure compliance and enforce labor laws. Responsibilities include inspecting work site equipment; auditing payroll record keeping systems; interviewing employees and employers to investigate and resolve complaints; consulting with employers and/or giving presentations to employers, businesses, and civic and other groups; and enforcing regulations concerning the employment of minors. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Audits and/or inspects employers' payroll record keeping systems and the working conditions of minor employees in order to ensure employer is in compliance with applicable federal and state labor laws, rules, and regulations.

• Inspects work site equipment in order to determine compliance with child labor safety standards.

• Recommends issuance of citations and orders for violations of labor laws in order to enforce labor law standards.

• Determines exemptions and makes recommendations for issuance of special licenses in order to allow employment of certain categories of workers.

• Interviews employers and employees in order to gather information regarding labor practices and complaints.

• Conducts consultations, conferences, and training programs in order to explain law standards, review practices and recommend appropriate changes/improvements to equipment and operational procedures, and/or provide information on labor laws.

• Coordinates services and activities with other departmental professional staff in order to ensure that labor law protections are enforced for all migrant and immigrant workers in Maine.

• Develops and implements caseload management strategies in order to manage assigned cases.

• Testifies as an expert witness in court in order to assist in the prosecution of labor law violations.

• Inspects State business establishments and field-based work sites in order to enforce labor laws and regulations and identify hazardous conditions for minors.

• Writes reports of inspections and investigations in order to document findings and other required information.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the 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 employment conditions, hazards of various industries and businesses, and the correct use and dangerous features of the machines, tools, equipment, and processes as they pertain to employment of minors.

• Ability to interpret and apply labor and child labor safety laws.

• Ability to ascertain facts, 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 write reports of investigations and inspections.

• Ability to perform mathematical computations.

Minimum qualifications:

A Bachelors Degree in Business/Public Adminstration, one of the Social Sciences, or a related area AND two (2) years experience involving extensive public contact, public speaking, complaint investigation/resolution, mediation, or a directly related area. Directly related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Scott Cotnoir, Director

• Wage & Hour Division207-623-7925 or scott.r.cotnoir@maine.gov

Application 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%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 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 ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan

• The State of Maine contributes 13.41% 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 child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive four weeks 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.

• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

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.