Wage and Inspector - Lewiston

Wage and Hour Inspector

The Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards, seeks Wage and Hour Inspectors to enforce state labor laws related to child labor, minimum wage, overtime, rest breaks, payroll records, and other workplace standards. The role focuses on wage and hour law enforcement and education, not workplace safety inspections.

• Educate employers and workers in the community about Maine’s labor laws and requirements.
• Conduct workplace inspections through the Strategic Enforcement Initiative, focusing on industries with common labor violations.
• Provide information and resources to help workers and employers resolve problems.
• Engage in conflict resolution to address complaints involving final pay, pay stubs, breaks, and similar issues.
• Investigate systemic or pervasive labor violations by interviewing personnel, auditing records, and collecting evidence.
• Use technology to support work in innovative ways.
• Collaborate with partners in local communities, other state agencies, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Contribute new ideas to evolving labor standards enforcement efforts.

• Communication
  :
  Ability to interview people from diverse backgrounds, communicate in person, phone, and written formats, testify in hearings, and tailor communication to varied audiences.
• Conflict Resolution
  :
  Experience de‑escalating conflict and resolving workers’ complaints in a neutral, professional, solution‑oriented manner.
• Critical Thinking
  :
  Ability to assess facts objectively, evaluate evidence, draw logical conclusions, and recommend citations.
• Collaboration
  :
  Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with community and government partners.
• Computer Skills
  :
  Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word), electronic case‑management systems, and accurate mathematical calculations using Excel.
• Coordination
  :
  Ability to organize and prioritize a dynamic caseload, manage competing deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively.

• Combination of education, training, and experience in Business/Public Administration, Social Sciences, or related area.
• Demonstrated experience involving extensive public contact, public speaking, complaint investigation/resolution, mediation, or a directly related area.

• Experience interviewing people in journalism, human resources, insurance claims, law enforcement, or similar contexts.
• Experience auditing or reviewing financial, time‑keeping, or technical records to identify discrepancies.
• Experience providing customer service in retail, tourism, health care, public service, volunteerism, or other public‑focused environments.
• Curiosity and analytical mindset for fact‑finding, objectivity, persistence, and open mind.
• Eagerness to learn about evolving labor standards and share new ideas to support enforcement and continuous improvement.

Questions about this position should be directed to:
Scott.

R.Cotnoir

• Paid holidays (13), sick leave (12 days), and vacation leave (3+ weeks, accruing with tenure).
• Health insurance coverage with 85‑100% employee‑only premium support.
• Dental insurance fully paid.
• Retirement contributions (14.11% to MainePERS).
• Gym membership reimbursement up to $40 per month.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program participation.
• Living Resources Program (employee assistance).
• Paid parental leave (42 consecutive days).
• Voluntary deferred compensation via Maine Saves 457(b).

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to building a sense of belonging for all team members, ensuring an inclusive environment for applicants of all backgrounds including race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status, or genetics. Reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.