Chief Labor​/Safety Inspector

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State..Department of Labor Job Class Code: 7037

Grade: 26 (Supervisory)
Salary: $59,716.80 - $84,468.80/Annually Location of Position:
Augusta Opening Date :
August 13, 2026

Closing Date :
August 27, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Join the State of Maine’s Wage and Hour Division as our next Chief Labor Inspector. Play a vital leadership role in protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of Maine’s workforce. In this position, you will oversee a team of dedicated wage and hour inspectors, guide complex investigations, and ensure consistent enforcement of state labor laws. This is an opportunity to strengthen strategic enforcement, mentor staff, and collaborate with employers, employees, and stakeholders to promote fair, safe, and lawful workplaces across the state.

We are seeking an experienced professional who brings strong judgment, integrity, and a commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will apply deep knowledge of wage and hour laws, strong leadership, effective communication skills, and sound decision-making in a dynamic regulatory environment. If you are passionate about having a meaningful impact for Maine workers and businesses alike, please submit a cover letter and your resume when you apply.

As a Chief Labor Inspector, you will:

Direct and manage field operations to include scheduling annual inspections, reviewing and assigning complaint investigations, meeting with inspectors, and reviewing complaint findings in order to determine jurisdiction, violations, and appropriate courses of action. Oversee and enforce the Work Permit program to ensure minors meet legal age requirements for employment in non-hazardous occupations. Provide technical assistance with the student-learner and cooperative education program in order to ensure proper placement of youth in various on-the-job training programs.

Respond to requests for information in order to explain provisions and implications of state labor law. Develop investigation methods and procedures, and establish qualitative and quantitative standards for inspectors to achieve departmental strategic plan goals. Review and evaluate unit/field operations and activities to develop improvements and make recommendations for change. Review, consult with the Attorney General’s Office, and recommend investigation cases for litigation to ensure accuracy of findings and compliance with laws.

Develop, implement, and oversee assigned labor-related programs in order to ensure program goals and objectives are met. Develop and administer program budgets. Hire, train, and evaluate performance of field operations personnel. Provide outreach and education on the Division’s purpose, responsibilities, and enforcement authority; and enhance public relations. Coordinate and participate in panel and group discussions, workshops, seminars, or meetings on law to develop consultation and training programs.

Research and draft legislation to assist the Division Director in developing proposed changes. Compile and analyze statistical data to provide information and evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement activities. Implement and comply with human resource laws, policies, procedures and practices such as: AA/EEO, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies, and employee safety.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

An eight year combination of education, training, and/or experience in labor law employment practices or directly related field to include at least two (2) years of program administration.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Interviewing:
The Chief Labor Inspector oversees and guides investigative…