Wage and Hour Inspector - Bangor

State of Maine•Bangor, ME

4d•$49,275 - $69,139•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maine Department of Labor and its Bureau of Labor Standards are seeking motivated individuals to join the Wage and Hour Division as Wage and Hour Inspectors. In this role, you will help ensure that workers across Maine are treated fairly by educating employers and enforcing state labor laws related to child labor, minimum wage, overtime, rest breaks, payroll records, and other workplace standards. This position is focused on wage and hour law enforcement and education and not related to workplace safety and health inspections. Onboarding and training for this position will occur at the Department of Labor office in Augusta. Once training is complete, at management’s discretion, you will be dispatched on assignments from your home office and occasionally report to the Augusta office.

Requirements

Communicate with people in person, on the phone, and in writing
Interview people from diverse backgrounds
Share information one-on-one and in group settings
Testify in agency and court hearings
Tailor spoken communication to varied audiences
Strong writing skills are essential, including the ability to write clearly and in plain language across different formats such as emails, letters, and reports
De-escalate conflict and help resolve workers’ complaints
Handle conflict in a neutral, professional, and solution-oriented manner
Collect and review evidence to determine whether a labor violation occurred
Assess facts objectively, evaluate evidence, draw logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations regarding potential citations
Work as part of a team and rely on strong relationships with community and government partners
Build and maintain effective working relationships, particularly in a hybrid work environment
Regularly use computers, tablets, and smartphones
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and Word
Experienced in managing and documenting work in an electronic case management system (in legal, health care, social services, or similar settings)
Skilled at performing accurate mathematical calculations from complex information using Excel and related tools
Manage dynamic caseloads and multiple deadlines while working both independently and collaboratively
Organize and prioritize work, manage competing demands, seek assistance when needed, and ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time
A combination of education, training, and/or experience in Business/Public Administration, one of the Social Sciences, or a related area AND demonstrated experience involving extensive public contact, public speaking, complaint investigation/resolution, mediation, or a directly related area.

Nice To Haves

Experience interviewing people in a variety of contexts (e.g., journalism, human resources, insurance claims, law enforcement)
Experience auditing or reviewing financial, timekeeping, or other technical records to identify discrepancies or ensure compliance
Experience providing services to the public (e.g., retail, tourism, health care, public service, volunteerism)
Curiosity and analytical mindset needed to approach inspections and investigations with objectivity, persistence, and an open mind
Eagerness to learn and share new ideas and information that support effective enforcement and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Get out into the community to educate employers and workers about Maine’s labor laws and requirements
Visit employers to conduct workplace inspections as part of our Strategic Enforcement Initiative, focusing on industries where labor violations are most common
Provide information and resources to help workers and employers resolve problems
Engage in conflict resolution to quickly address complaints involving final pay, paystubs, breaks, and similar issues
Dig into investigations of systemic or pervasive labor violations by interviewing people, auditing records, and collecting evidence to determine what happened and how to resolve it
Use technology to support your work in innovative ways
Collaborate with partners in local communities, the Maine Department of Labor, other state agencies, and the U.S. Department of Labor
Contribute new ideas to ever-evolving labor standards enforcement efforts