Labor Investigator Senior

Working Title: Labor Investigator Senior
Job Class: Investigation Specialist 2

Agency: Labor & Industry Dept

Job ID: 93440

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: 04/14/2026

Closing Date: 04/27/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor and Industry‑MAPE

Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Labor Standards 2

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: $31.26 – $46.15 / hourly; $65,271 – $96,361 / 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.

This posting will fill four (4) Investigation Specialist 2/Labor Investigator Senior positions with emphasis on employment protections under Minnesota’s Paid Leave law, the Women’s Economic Security Act, or misclassification of employees. The position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the primary work location will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month; employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. The primary work location is St. Paul, Mankato, or St. Cloud.

Responsibilities

Investigate violations and administer and enforce the provisions of the state’s labor standards laws, including the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act and Prevailing Wages Act (M.S. Chapter 177), the Minnesota Payment of Wages Act (M.S. 181.01–181.1721), the Women’s Economic Security Act (M.S. 181.172 and 181.939–181.944), the Earned Sick and Safe Time law (M.S. 181.9445–181.9448), the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act (M.S. Chapter 181A), Misclassification of Employees (M.S. 181.722–181.723), employment protections under Minnesota’s Paid Leave law (M.S. 268B.09 and 268B.14), and other relevant laws and rules.

This position focuses on conducting complex civil investigations of violations under the Labor Standards Division’s jurisdiction.

Conduct mediations of disputes; respond to formal and informal complaints of possible violations; conduct on‑site inspections; review employment records and workplace policies; prepare and issue written determinations of findings of fact that explain the results of investigations, including calculations of back wages and other redress for damages; determine the proper method to achieve future compliance.

Obtain testimony and physical evidence to support effective enforcement actions and prepare cases for contested case proceedings.

Provide educational and informational services to employers, employees, and other stakeholders through professional verbal and written communications that are culturally appropriate, equitable and inclusive. Guide stakeholders on the above‑listed laws to educate workers on their rights and promote compliance by employers.

Participate in the development and implementation of DLI’s strategic compliance plans, with primary responsibility for the development and implementation of enforcement interventions. Initiate and conduct comprehensive investigations of employers in response to requests for assistance or as part of strategic compliance plans.

Provide supervisors, assistant directors, the director, and other DLI officials with status updates on investigations and other matters, and recommend industries or entities needing strategic initiatives or additional educational and outreach resources.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of experience that demonstrates: experience with interviewing, fact gathering, or evidence gathering, applying evidence to laws, regulations, policy or procedures.

Experience may include internships, fellowships, volunteering, and work experience directly related to the job duties.

Educational substitutions: Doctorate may substitute for two years of experience; Master’s for 18 months; Bachelor’s for one year; Associates for six months.

Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to produce reports, memos, findings of fact, or other written work product; preserve evidence and statements; respond to inquiries from stakeholders.

Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, languages, or other common experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of State employment and labor laws, including the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, Minnesota’s Prevailing Wage law, Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act, Women’s Economic Security Act, earned sick and safe time law, Paid Leave law, misclassification laws, or comparable laws.

Language skills other than English (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen, or ASL).

Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of executive branch agencies and public enforcement authorities; knowledge of public information dissemination practices and laws related to government data practices.

Experience working in low‑ or lower‑wage industries or for organizations that serve those workers.

Knowledge of Excel.

Additional Requirements
All final candidates must submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Driver’s License Check, and Education/License Verification.

Benefits

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

Training, classes, and professional development

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: 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, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues

Daily Living/Convenience Services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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 encourage 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, gender identity, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, public assistance status, disability, veteran status, or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr