Compliance Specialist 2 (CS2) - PWR

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), Prevailing Wage Rate unit in the Wage and Hour Division, is hiring a permanent, full-time Compliance Specialist 2. The position enforces Oregon wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, prevailing wage, overtime, wage collection, child labor laws, the Wage Security Fund, rest and meal periods, expression of milk requirements, sick time, and labor contractor licensing. The specialist independently assesses potential non-compliance, applies relevant laws and regulations, investigates complaints, conducts reviews, prepares reports, imposes sanctions when appropriate, and provides technical assistance and guidance to regulated entities. The role requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements clearly. It involves regular interaction with the public and employers, including navigating challenging situations to achieve compliance. The position follows a hybrid schedule with weekly in-person office requirements based on operational needs; in-person work may be at BOLI locations in Salem, Portland, or Eugene. The successful candidate will further BOLI’s guiding principles of integrity, respect, empowerment, trust, fairness, accountability, and equity, and support its mission to make Oregon the best place to live and work.

Requirements

Four years of administrative research experience that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action or decide compliance with program guidelines and regulations; two years must be above the technical support level.
College-level coursework may substitute for experience at 45 quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.
Demonstrated experience independently conducting complex investigations, including comprehensive evidence review, detailed fact analysis, and effective interviews with all involved parties.
Proven ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations to produce well-supported findings and draft clear, accurate, legally sound documents.
Experience managing a high-volume caseload efficiently, including consistent use of case-management or data-tracking systems to organize and monitor work.
Advanced Excel skills for organizing, analyzing, and presenting data.

Nice To Haves

Ability to accurately interpret and apply agency rules, policies, and procedures.
Strong analytical skills to assess inquiries, determine jurisdiction, and identify appropriate next steps.
Strong written communication skills, including preparing clear, accurate, and well-organized documentation.
Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively while maintaining precise data entry and organized records.
Strong customer service skills in phone, email, and in-person interactions, including explaining complex information clearly and professionally.

Responsibilities

Conduct investigations involving wage and hour statutes and administrative rules, with a focus on prevailing wage rate laws, to resolve claims or complaints or determine case disposition and whether further action is warranted.
Investigate complaints against public agencies for failure to comply with the state’s least-cost contract policy.
Develop investigative plans to obtain evidence and essential facts needed to determine the legitimacy and resolution of matters.
Interpret and apply relevant laws, rules, and policies to findings of fact.
Prepare investigative files for administrative hearings or referral of cases to the Department of Justice for litigation.
Research, analyze, amend, and apply precedents relating to construction duties, equipment, and materials to determine work classifications and corresponding Prevailing Wage Rates for Oregon public works contracts.
Conduct impromptu on-site prevailing wage inspections to assess compliance at multi-employer worksites, including interviewing potential witnesses and collecting available project evidence.
Conduct outreach and educate external stakeholders and interested parties about regulatory issues related to Wage and Hour and Prevailing Wage Rate laws.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to regulated entities.
Manage case materials, deadlines, and a high volume of inquiries.

Benefits

Vacation
Sick leave
11 paid holidays a year
Personal days
Medical benefits
Vision benefits
Dental benefits
PERS pension and retirement programs
Access to BOLI employee resources
Opportunities for skill development and career growth within BOLI and other state agencies
Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Union representation
Work/life balance