Labor Standards Investigator (Compliance Specialist 2) Statewide Only

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

2d • $5,298 - $8,121 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is hiring Compliance Specialist 2 (CS2) positions for full‑time hybrid roles (with weekly onsite requirements). In this role, you will lead complex investigations, evaluate compliance with wage and hour laws, and take enforcement action based on detailed case findings. You will collect and analyze evidence, conduct interviews, perform advanced wage calculations, prepare legally defensible reports and determinations, and coordinate actions that support administrative hearings or litigation. Your work strengthens labor standards across Oregon and directly advances BOLI’s mission to protect workers’ rights statewide. The successful candidate may work from the Portland, Salem, or Eugene office. Fluency in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is preferred.

Requirements

• Four years’ experience doing administrative research that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action or decide compliance with program guidelines and regulations. Two of the four years must be above the technical support level.
• College-level course work may substitute for experience based on 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.
• Drivers’ license valid in the state of Oregon and acceptable driving record is required.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is preferred.
• Experience managing a high-volume caseload (e.g., cases, claims, investigations, or similar workload) with the ability to prioritize tasks and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply complex laws, rules, policies, and procedures to determine compliance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal or regulatory information to individuals from diverse backgrounds using a culturally responsive approach.
• Experience conducting interviews with employees, employers, witnesses, and other parties to assess compliance with statutes and administrative rules.
• Experience conducting investigations, including collecting and analyzing evidence, performing audits, and completing complex wage calculations to determine compliance or violations.
• Experience preparing clear, detailed written reports summarizing investigations, findings, and recommendations for use in administrative hearings or court proceedings.
• Experience mediating or negotiating settlements between parties.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations by collecting, reviewing, and analyzing records, evidence, documents, and data relevant to the investigation.
• Conduct on-site inspections to ascertain status of compliance with laws.
• Conduct research utilizing various online databases and websites to collect critical case details and information.
• Interview claimants/complainants, employers, attorneys, union representatives, public officials, witnesses, and others, and document interviews through written statements and contact reports.
• Perform complex wage calculations using Microsoft Excel and analyze a high volume of claims and complaints to ensure timely processing in accordance with Division performance standards.
• Monitor employer business practices, conduct compliance reviews and audits, and consult with other government agencies to clarify regulatory issues and support enforcement activities.
• Interpret and apply relevant laws, rules, and policies to case findings to determine outcomes or prepare cases for administrative hearings or referral to the Department of Justice for litigation.
• Facilitate dispute resolution through mediation, negotiation, or referral, and negotiate settlements and compliance agreements with employers and other stakeholders to recover wages and ensure compliance.
• Prepare correspondence, demand letters, orders of determination, settlement agreements, compliance agreements, and other written documentation.
• Participate in task forces, research changes in state or federal laws, and perform special assignments or other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Work/life balance, vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays a year, and personal days off
• Competitive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental
• Pension and retirement programs
• Advancement opportunities within BOLI and other State agencies
• Opportunity to expand your technical and professional skills
• Work with others who are passionate about public service
• Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians
• 5% bilingual pay differential is available upon passing the bilingual assessment and when bilingual skills are required.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed