Labor Investigator Senior- Bilingual Skills Preferred

Working Title: Labor Investigator Senior

Job Class: Labor Investigator Senior

Agency: Labor & Industry Dept

• • Job ID: 80666
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 10/07/2024
  • Closing Date: 10/21/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor and Industry-MAPE
  • Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Labor Standards
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes - Up to 20% of the time
  • Salary Range: $29.78 - $43.82 / hourly; $62,181 - $91,496 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This job posting will be used to fill four (4) Labor Investigator Senior positions.

This position is designated for hybrid and telework options:

Hybrid for State of MN allows an employee to work a portion of the time remotely with a regular schedule of time at the designated office.

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry plays a critical role in achieving compliance with labor and employment laws that are applicable to Minnesota's workforce, including the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, the Minnesota Prevailing Wage Act, the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act and other provisions of municipal, state and federal labor and employment laws.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to help prevent violations as well as pursue enforcement activity related to the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, the Minnesota Payment of Wages Act, the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act, the Women’s Economic Security Act, Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law, various anti-retaliation provisions, and other state labor and employment laws and rules.

Responsibilities include:

• Investigate violations and administer and enforce the provisions of the state’s labor standards laws, including: the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act (MFLSA) (M.S. § 177), the Minnesota Payment of Wages Act (MPWA) & related wage and hour laws (M.S. § 181), the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act (MCLSA) (M.S. § 181A), the Earned Sick and Safe Time law the Earned Sick and Safe Time law (M.S. §§ 181.9445 – 181.9448), the associated Administrative Rules issued by the Department (Minn. R. 5200) and federal and municipal laws establishing more protective pay rates than those established under state law.
• This position will be focused on wage theft investigations with an additional area of emphasis – misclassification, retaliation, or child labor – although the position may pursue investigations of the other laws listed above under Labor Standards’ enforcement authority.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the Department’s strategic compliance plans, with primary responsibility for the development and implementation of enforcement interventions. With limited guidance, this position shall initiate and conduct comprehensive investigations of employers in response to requests for assistance or as a part of strategic compliance plans.
• This position will also conduct mediations of disputes; respond to formal and informal complaints of possible violations of labor standards laws; perform worksite investigations; perform reviews of employment records and workplace policies; conduct complex civil investigations into violations of the MFLSA and MCLSA and related laws; prepare and issue written determinations of findings of fact that explain the results of investigations, including calculation of back wages and other redress for damages caused by violations of law; and determine the proper method to achieve future compliance. The position obtains testimony and physical evidence to support effective enforcement actions by the Division and prepares cases for contested case proceedings.
• Provide educational and informational services to employers, employees, and other stakeholders in Minnesota through professional verbal and written communications that are culturally appropriate, equitable and inclusive. Guidance related to the above-listed laws is provided in order to educate workers on their rights and gain compliance from employers.
• Provide Strategic Compliance Leads, Unit Supervisors, the Assistant Director, Director, and other Department officials with status updates on investigations and recommendations regarding industries or entities in need of strategic initiatives or additional educational/outreach resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• • Two (2) years of experience* that demonstrates the following:
• Experience includes internships, fellowships, volunteering, and work experience that are directly related to the job duties.
• *Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; Associates degree may substitute for six months of experience.
  • Experience with interviewing, fact gathering, or other evidence gathering, which may include applying this evidence to laws, regulations, policy, or procedures.
  • Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to produce reports, memos, findings of fact, or other written work product; to preserve evidence and statements collected during investigations; and to respond to inquiries from and otherwise communicate with stakeholders.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who may not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Knowledge of State employment and labor laws, including the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, Minnesota Prevailing Wage Law, the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act, the Women’s Economic Security Act, Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law, or other state employment and labor laws for which the Department of Labor and Industry is responsible or knowledge of comparable laws.
  • Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of executive branch agencies and public enforcement authorities.
  • Knowledge of public information dissemination practices and laws and regulations related to government data practices.
  • Experience working in low- or lower- wage industries or working for organizations or other entities that serve those working in those industries.
  • Knowledge of Excel and/or experience doing calculations using software.
  • Fluency (reading, writing, speaking) in a language other than English, (Spanish, Somali, Hmong, or Karen).

Additional Requirements

It is the policy that all final candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Driver’s License Check, Education/License Verification.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five Recently Separated Veterans, who apply and meet the qualifications for the vacancy, must be granted an interview. To be considered a Recently Separated Veteran, you must meet all the following criteria:

• • Have separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States;
  • Have served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or more or for the full period ordered to active duty OR have separated by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty;
  • Be a United States citizen or resident alien;
  • Have served in active military service at any time on or after September 11, 2001 as shown on your form DD-214.

To be considered under this legislation, you must meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting; meet all of the above RSV criteria; and submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Jenny Karjala 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or Jenny.Karjala@state.mn.us.

Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis if you meet all of the following criteria:

• • Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
  • Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
  • Meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.

To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Jenny Karjala 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or Jenny.Karjala@state.mn.us, or fax 651-284-5723.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jenny Karjala at jenny.karjala@state.mn.us or 651-284-5474.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jenny Karjala at jenny.karjala@state.mn.us.

About Labor & Industry Dept

The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. The agency oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training programs.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 12 paid holidays each year
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.