Chief Labor & Safety Inspector

State of Maine • Augusta, GA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the State of Maine’s Wage and Hour Division as our next Chief Labor Inspector. Play a vital leadership role in protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of Maine’s workforce. In 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 General’s 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 Division’s 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.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• 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.
• 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 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.91% for Confidential employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees