Senior Labor Standards Investigator

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, with a deep dedication to race and social justice.

OLS is seeking a Senior Labor Standards Investigator to advocate for workers’ rights through investigations and intake processes. This role handles a complex caseload, conducts legal research, and ensures compliance with Seattle’s labor ordinances, including Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST), Minimum Wage (MW), Wage Theft (WT), Secure Scheduling (SS), Fair Chance Employment (FCE), and laws protecting hotel employees, domestic workers, gig workers, and independent contractors. Responsibilities include investigating labor law violations, gathering evidence, negotiating and drafting legally binding settlement contracts, providing mentorship to Investigators, advising leadership, developing enforcement procedures and policies, and providing training and technical assistance to workers, businesses, and community organizations.

If you are dedicated to advancing workers' rights and driving systemic change, we encourage you to apply!

Your success will depend on your ability to:

• Identify legal and factual issues, assess compliance, and conduct detailed investigations.
• Build trust with marginalized communities, including those with limited English proficiency.
• Apply racial equity and social justice principles in the workplace and community.
• Listen actively, build space for diverse perspectives, and pursue inclusive outcomes.
• Communicate with clarity and tact while encouraging collaboration and teamwork.
• Prepare authoritative reports summarizing key findings and analysis.
• Navigate fast-paced political environments with multiple priorities.
• Engage successfully with disenfranchised and marginalized communities with a focus on race and social justice.
• Adapt to shifting priorities and demonstrate quick learning.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills.

You will be prepared if you have a combination of the following experience, knowledge, and skills:

• Experience in investigation or research in employment law, labor, worker advocacy, public or non-profit sectors, civil rights, human rights, or related fields.
• Expertise in labor standards, civil rights law enforcement, equal employment opportunity, complaint investigation, or labor relations.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with an understanding of public policy and the policy-making process.
• Outstanding organizational, technical writing, editing, and data collection skills.
• Ability to read and interpret laws and regulations.
• Keen attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in handling large datasets in Microsoft Excel and applying strong math skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 for communications, data analysis, and reporting.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

• Advancing racial and social equity through community engagement, education, or policy development.
• Contributing to efforts to combat systemic racism and promoting equitable policies passionate about BIPOC communities.
• Delivering meaningful outcomes in collaboration with diverse partners.
• Encouraging teamwork, a strong work ethic, and an inclusive work environment.

The work product of the Office of Labor Standards is subject to judicial scrutiny and must meet procedural and technical standards in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

Applicants are usually qualified with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science, or a related subject area AND three (3) years of experience in areas such as civil rights law enforcement, equal employment opportunity, complaint investigation, affirmative action program implementation, personnel administration, labor relations, mediation, or work in a related analytical team.

We also recognize that expertise can be gained through alternative means, including education, experience, or training. Relevant experience may include a Juris Doctor degree, paralegal experience, regulatory standards enforcement, arbitration, and/or conducting workplace investigations.

In evaluating equivalency, we consider the following:

• Coursework toward a bachelor’s degree, relevant certifications, or advanced degrees in a related field.
• One year of experience equals a full-time role for 12 months, featuring stated activities.
• Volunteer work should also be quantified, specifying the time committed (e.g., volunteering four hours weekly to provide technical assistance at a community-based legal aid organization).

Please note, this job advertisement is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice.

This role is represented by PROTEC17 – Technical Unit. The full pay range for this step progression position is $52.70-$61.36 hourly. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $52.70 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

Work Environment: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office at the Central Building in Downtown Seattle a minimum of three days a week. Individual schedules will be determined between the employee and their supervisor. The City of Seattle is a Drug Free Workplace. 

Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package includes vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Why Work at the City of Seattle? We recognize that every employee plays a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture results from our behavior, personal commitments, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

 APPLICATION PROCESS:

Here is an educational resource for Application and Interviewing tips(Download PDF reader) with the City of Seattle. 

To be considered you must include a resume and cover letter in addition to completing the application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle by Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM Pacific Time. We encourage you to use your cover letter thoughtfully to discuss why you want to do this work and how you meet the qualifications for the position. Your resume should summarize the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you bring to this work.
 
Who May Apply: This position is open to all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. 

Hiring Timeline: We anticipate conducting the first interviews at the end of April and second rounds of interviews at the beginning of May. Our goal is to have this position filled with a desired start date of Wednesday, May 21, 2025. 

Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and access other employment benefits and privileges. Please contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov to request accommodation. 

Questions? Please contact Nicolette Hornbeck at Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov. 

#LIHybrid 

Salary : $53 - $61