Senior Labor Standards Investigator

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

4h•$55 - $64•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Seattle is an authority in advancing fair wage, labor, and workforce practices that promote equity and economic well-being. The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) enforces labor laws through strategic enforcement, policy development, and community engagement, while remaining committed to race and social justice. The Office of Labor Standards has an opportunity for two Senior Labor Standards Investigators to join its highly skilled, dynamic Enforcement Division. These positions will handle a complex caseload of individual, company-wide, directed, and/or complaint-based investigations and ensure compliance with Seattle’s labor standards ordinances (including the Paid Sick and Safe Time, Minimum Wage, Wage Theft, Fair Chance Employment, and Secure Scheduling Ordinances), laws protecting hotel employees, domestic workers, app-based workers, and independent contractors, and other labor standards the City may enact in the future. These positions will also provide mentorship to Labor Standards Investigators, advise leadership, and develop enforcement procedures and policies, including participating in policy and rulemaking to support new ordinance. These positions will report to the Enforcement Supervisors.

Requirements

Conducting detailed investigations of complaints, proactive investigations, and/or research in labor standards, employment law, labor, civil rights, human rights, or related fields.
Expertise in labor standards, employment law, civil rights, equal employment opportunity, complaint-based investigation, or labor relations.
Understanding of local, state, and/or federal labor laws.
Demonstrating a commitment to racial equity and social justice principles.
Remain objective and impartial.
Read and interpret laws and regulations.
Synthesize complex legal concepts and communicate with clarity.
Work with diverse populations.
Solve problems and build consensus with divergent groups.
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with an understanding of public policy and the policy-making process.
Keen attention to detail and outstanding organizational, technical writing, editing, and data collection skills.
Proficiency in handling large data sets, applying strong math and calculation skills, and collecting and analyzing data to make professional judgments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 for communications, data analysis, and reporting.
Strong interpersonal communication skills.
Three (3) years of experience in areas such as conducting workplace investigations , civil rights law enforcement , equal employment opportunity, complaint investigations, labor relations, mediation, working in a related analytical team, paralegal experience, regulatory standards enforcement, and/or arbitration.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science, or a related subject area.
OR Four (4) years of experience in areas such as conducting workplace investigations, civil rights law enforcement , equal employment opportunity, complaint investigation, affirmative action program implementation, personnel administration, labor relations, mediation, working in a related analytical team, paralegal experience, regulatory standards enforcement, and/or arbitration.
Associate degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science, or a related subject area.
OR Five (5) years of experience in areas such as conducting workplace investigations, civil rights law enforcement , equal employment opportunity, complaint investigation, affirmative action program implementation, personnel administration, labor relations, mediation, working in a related analytical team, paralegal experience, regulatory standards enforcement, and/or arbitration.
OR Two (2) years of experience in areas such as conducting workplace investigations, civil rights law enforcement , equal employment opportunity, complaint investigation, affirmative action program implementation, personnel administration, labor relations, mediation, working in a related analytical team, paralegal experience, regulatory standards enforcement, and/or arbitration.
Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science, or a related subject area, or Juris Doctor degree.

Responsibilities

Vetting complaints and reports of alleged violations, identifying legal and factual issues, gathering and analyzing records, interviewing witnesses and analyzing testimony, assessing potential violations, and making recommendations for OLS enforcement actions.
Planning and conducting detailed investigations, including carrying a caseload of investigations of varying sizes, severities, and complexities, conducting legal research and analysis, applying relevant law and legal theories to facts, calculating financial remedies, and determining case outcomes.
Drafting authoritative reports and legal documents (complaints, subpoenas, Director decisions, and settlement agreements).
Negotiating, settling, and resolving disputes using alternative dispute resolution techniques.
Communicating likely findings or determinations, ensuring compliance, and providing training and technical assistance on labor standards laws.
Supporting appeals and litigation, maintaining legal expertise, and applying equity principles through community engagement and enforcement work.
Providing training and technical assistance to workers, businesses, and community organizations.
Demonstrating strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with clarity, professionalism, and tact while encouraging collaboration and teamwork.
Navigating fast-paced political environments, adapting to shifting priorities, and demonstrating quick learning.
Engaging successfully and building trust with disenfranchised and marginalized communities, including workers, business owners, and people with limited English proficiency, through active listening, building space for diverse perspectives, pursuing inclusive outcomes, and applying racial equity and social justice principles in the workplace and community.
Working on special projects, as assigned, that may include independent or collaborative work.
Performing related duties as needed and required.