L&I DOSH Occupational Safety & Health Retaliation Investigator; OSHPRO

About the Role

Our mission is to keep Washington safe and working while advancing a culture of safety, respect, and continuous learning.

L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) administers the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) and protects workers from hazardous job conditions. This position is a Safety & Health Retaliation Investigator who safeguards employees from retaliation when they speak up about safety concerns.

In addition to the base salary: we provide a 10 % incentive for each hour required to use personal protective equipment (excluding hard hats, boots, hearing and eye protection) to enter a hazardous worksite for inspections or investigations where serious hazards are present.

PLUS King County premium pay – if assigned to a permanent duty station in King County, employees receive a 5 % premium pay calculated from their base salary.

AND IF BILINGUAL – if hired as bilingual (not required), employees with bilingual responsibilities receive a 5 % increase in pay after passing an assessment of fluency.

All required PPE will be provided by L&I DOSH as specified in WAC 296‑800‑16020.

• Conduct in‑person independent and complex investigations into workplace retaliation complaints under WISHA/OSHA laws.
• Travel throughout the state to interview employees, employers, and witnesses, documenting findings and analyzing evidence to determine case outcomes.
• Prepare and write detailed investigative reports and present clear, accurate findings.
• Negotiate and mediate settlements between parties when appropriate.
• Manage your own caseload (6‑12 open cases on average), set your own schedule, and travel statewide as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including attorneys, unions, and employers.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of workplace safety and health regulations (WISHA/OSHA).
• Deliver all assigned duties with integrity, impartiality, and utmost professionalism.

• Background in investigations, law enforcement, occupational safety & health, or a related field.
• Strong time‑management and organizational skills – able to manage multiple cases and keep meticulous records.
• Work independently without direct daily supervision.
• Clear and persuasive writing ability for reports, correspondence, and testimony.
• Strong interviewing, negotiation, and mediation skills.
• Integrity and trustworthiness in handling sensitive cases.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with coworkers and external stakeholders.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish or any language) are highly desired; all languages encouraged to apply.

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, or a related field AND at least four years of paid occupational/industrial safety related professional experience.
• OR a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, or a related field AND at least two years as an Occupational Safety and Health Professional 2 in DOSH.
• OR a Master’s degree in the same field AND at least two years of professional experience.
• OR four years of full‑time, journey level paid experience in government, military, public health, or a related safety and health field.

• Driving is a required part of this job. Frequent daily travel with occasional overnight travel statewide using a state‑issued or motor‑pool vehicle, or a personally owned vehicle (POV) with reimbursement.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver’s license and, if using a POV for state business, proof of personal liability insurance. The license must be clean of disqualifying offenses for the past seven years.

State employees who meet the qualifications are eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Additional benefits include a competitive health and dental package, paid time off, flexible work schedules, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process may contact our accommodations office. Language accommodations are available upon request.