Working Title: Labor Investigator
Job Class: Investigation Specialist 1/Spanish Bilingual Skills Required
Agency: Labor & Industry Dept
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Job ID: 95381
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Location: St. Paul
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Telework Eligible: Yes
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 07/09/2026
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Closing Date: 07/22/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor and Industry-MAPE
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Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Intake Unit
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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 position offers a conditional hybrid work schedule which includes telework days and in-office days at the St. Paul Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) office building.
Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. The primary work location for this position is 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN.
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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 that live in Minnesota and are more than 50 miles from the primary work location may be eligible for more than 50% telework with agency approvals.
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Employees may reside outside of the state of Minnesota if they live in a bordering state and are within 50 miles of the primary work location.
This position serves as the initial point of contact for employers and workers that need assistance with compliance and enforcement of Minnesota wage and hour laws. This position shall respond to phone calls, written correspondence, and walk-ins to the Labor Standards Unit. The position conducts intake for claims for final wage and hour complaints and responds to other inquiries from the public regarding:
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the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act
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related wage and hour laws, and
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the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act
Laws under these Chapters include:
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minimum wage and overtime
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pregnancy and parental leave
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wage disclosure protections
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access to personnel records
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sick and safe leave laws
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nursing mothers’ protections
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child labor
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illegal deductions
This position will also assist Labor Investigator Seniors in their work of completing investigations by:
1) reviewing document productions from employers to ensure all records have been provided,
2) organizing information related to case files and updating case files in the Case Management system, and
3) assist in performing wage and employer workplace policy reviews.
Perform other duties as assigned.
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Bilingual Qualifications Required: Fluency (written, spoken, and reading comprehension) in Spanish.
- Two (2) years of experience* providing assistance relating to compliance or enforcement of statutes, rules, or policies;
OR
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Four (4) years of experience* providing detailed information and assistance via telephone, email, or in person for questions covering multiple topics, and using a variety of tools, resources, and contacts.
- Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; Associates degree may substitute for six months of experience.
In addition to the above experience, applicants will be evaluated on and must demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze and evaluate complex information and independently make sound decisions.
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Communication skills sufficient to engage and inform the public by phone, email, in-person or in writing regarding employer and employee responsibilities and rights under state labor standards.
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Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who may not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.
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Knowledge and understanding of state and federal civil and administrative law and procedure to interpret statutes, regulations, and policies to accurately assess and identify patterns of illegal behavior and promote resolution and future compliance.
- One (1) year of experience conducting difficult or complex civil investigations of violations and/or complaints sufficient to determine compliance with laws, rules or regulations.
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Knowledge of State employment and labor laws, including the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, Minnesota Prevailing Wage Law, the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act or other state employment and labor laws for which the Department of Labor and Industry is responsible or knowledge of comparable laws.
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Paralegal certificate.
It is the policy that all final candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Criminal History Check, Driver’s License Check, Social Security and Address Verification, Conflict of Interest Review, Education/License Verification.
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five Recently Separated Veterans, who apply and meet the qualifications for the vacancy, must be granted an interview. To be considered a Recently Separated Veteran, you must meet all the following criteria:
- Have separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States;
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Have served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or more or for the full period ordered to active duty OR have separated by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty;
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Be a United States citizen or resident alien;
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Have served in active military service at any time on or after September 11, 2001 as shown on your form DD-214.
To be considered under this legislation, you must meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting; meet all of the above RSV criteria; and submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Jenny Karjala 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or [email protected].
Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis if you meet all of the following criteria:
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Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
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Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
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Meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Jenny Karjala 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or [email protected], or fax 651-284-5723.
If you have questions about this position, contact Jenny Karjala at [email protected] or 651-284-5474.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jenny Karjala at [email protected].
The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. The agency oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training programs.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
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 encourages 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 (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
