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Department of Labor
Opening Date: June 26, 2026
Closing Date: July 13, 2026
Grade / Admin Unit: 23 / Professional/Technical Services
Job Class Code: 7255
Salary: $49,275.20 - $ 69,139.20/Annually
Location: Lewiston
Do you believe in fairness and want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives? Are you looking to join a team dedicated to helping people while working for an organization that values public service, collaboration, innovation, and employee wellness? The Maine Department of Labor and its Bureau of Labor Standards are seeking motivated individuals to join the Wage and Hour Division as Wage and Hour Inspectors. In this role, you will help ensure that workers across Maine are treated fairly by educating employers and enforcing state labor laws related to child labor, minimum wage, overtime, rest breaks, payroll records, and other workplace standards. This position is focused on wage and hour law enforcement and education and not related to workplace safety and health inspections. If you are passionate about fairness and interested in a career with opportunities for growth and advancement while serving the public, please submit a cover letter and your resume when you apply.
Onboarding and training for this position will occur at the Department of Labor office in Augusta. Once training is complete, at management’s discretion, you will be dispatched on assignments from your home office and occasionally report to the Augusta office.
Primary Responsibilities: As a Wage and Hour Inspector, you will:
Get out into the community to educate employers and workers about Maine’s labor laws and requirements; Visit employers to conduct workplace inspections as part of our Strategic Enforcement Initiative, focusing on industries where labor violations are most common; Provide information and resources to help workers and employers resolve problems; Engage in conflict resolution to quickly address complaints involving final pay, paystubs, breaks, and similar issues; Dig into investigations of systemic or pervasive labor violations by interviewing people, auditing records, and collecting evidence to determine what happened and how to resolve it; Use technology to support your work in innovative ways; Collaborate with partners in local communities, the Maine Department of Labor, other state agencies, and the U.S. Department of Labor; and Contribute new ideas to ever-evolving labor standards enforcement efforts.
Knowledge, Sills, and Abilities:
Communication: Wage and Hour Inspectors communicate with people in person, on the phone, and in writing. The successful applicant must be able to interview people from diverse backgrounds, share information one-on-one and in group settings, testify in agency and court hearings, and tailor spoken communication to varied audiences. Strong writing skills are essential, including the ability to write clearly and in plain language across different formats such as emails, letters, and reports.
Conflict Resolution: Wage and Hour Inspectors must de-escalate conflict and help resolve workers’ complaints. The successful applicant must have experience handling conflict in a neutral, professional, and solution-oriented manner.
Critical Thinking: Wage and Hour Inspectors collect and review evidence to determine whether a labor violation occurred. The successful applicant must be able to assess facts objectively, evaluate evidence, draw logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations regarding potential citations.
Collaboration: Wage and Hour Inspectors work as part of a team and rely on strong relationships with community and government partners. The successful applicant must demonstrate a proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, particularly in a hybrid work environment.
Computer Skills: Wage and Hour Inspectors regularly use computers, tablets, and smartphones. The successful applicant must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and Word; experienced in managing and documenting work in an electronic case management system (in legal, health care, social services, or similar settings); and skilled at performing accurate mathematical calculations from complex information using Excel and related tools.
Coordination: Wage and Hour Inspectors manage dynamic caseloads and multiple deadlines while working both independently and collaboratively. The successful applicant must be able to organize and prioritize work, manage competing demands, seek assistance when needed, and ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.
Minimum Qualifications: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).
A combination of education, training, and/or experience in Business/Public Administration, one of the Social Sciences, or a related area AND demonstrated experience involving extensive public contact, public speaking, complaint investigation/resolution, mediation, or a directly related area.
Preferred Qualifications:
Interviewing: Wage and Hour Inspectors spend much of their time talking with workers and employers about complaints and during inspections. The preferred candidate will have experience interviewing people in a variety of contexts. This experience may come from fields such as journalism, human resources, insurance claims, law enforcement, or similar work that involves gathering and assessing information through conversation.
Auditing: Wage and Hour Inspectors spend a lot of time digging through employment records, some of which are professionally prepared and some are on the back of a napkin. The preferred candidate will have experience auditing or reviewing financial, timekeeping, or other technical records to identify discrepancies or ensure compliance.
Customer Service: Wage and Hour Inspectors serve the people of Maine and represent the Bureau and Department in the community. The preferred candidate will have experience providing services to the public, whether in retail, tourism, health care, public service, volunteerism, or other customer-focused environments.
Curiosity: Wage and Hour Inspectors are fact-finders. The preferred candidate will possess the curiosity and analytical mindset needed to approach inspections and investigations with objectivity, persistence, and an open mind.
Perpetual Learning: Maine’s labor standards are extensive, and statutes change from year to year. As Maine’s workplaces and workforce evolve, the Wage and Hour Division’s enforcement strategies must adapt quickly. The preferred candidate will be eager to learn—and to share—new ideas and information that support effective enforcement and continuous improvement.
Contact Information:
Questions about this position should be directed to: Scott.R.Cotnoir@maine.gov
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.
If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
