Senior Investigator

The City of Seattle is a leader on wage, labor, and workforce practices that enhance equity, address wage gaps, and create a fair and healthy economy for workers, businesses, and residents. The mission of the Office of Labor Standards (OLS) is to advance labor standards through thoughtful community and business engagement, strategic enforcement, and innovative policy development, with a commitment to race and social justice.
 
The Office of Labor Standards has an opening for two Senior Investigators to join a highly skilled, dynamic team. These positions will handle a complex investigation caseload including directed investigations, company-wide investigations involving numerous ordinances, and investigations requiring in-depth legal research and analysis. The Senior Investigators will be responsible for the research and planning for directed and complaint-based investigations, conducting investigations, and recommending resolutions to complaints of violations of various ordinances, such as the Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance, Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, Minimum Wage Ordinance, Wage Theft Ordinance, Secure Scheduling Ordinance, Independent Contractor Protection Ordinance, four Hotel Employee Protections Ordinances, Domestic Workers Ordinance, App-Based Worker Minimum Pay Ordinance, App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance, App-Based Worker Deactivation Rights Ordinance, Commuter Benefit Ordinance, Cannabis Employee Job Retention Ordinance, and other labor standards the City may enact in the future. 

Here is more about what you will be doing:

• ·Conducting labor standards intake and investigations that include:
  1. Interviewing witnesses and analysis of their testimony
  2. Collecting and analyzing of worker and employer records, payroll and financial records, and other evidence
  3. Conducting legal research
  4. Negotiating and writing of legally binding settlement contracts
  5. Writing of Findings of Fact, Determinations, and Final Orders, and other legal writing that can withstand judicial scrutiny
  6. Careful and accurate recording of investigative steps and actions
• Educating and training workers and employers in collaboration with OLS Outreach staff.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders in conducting research, creating and updating resources, educating and training workers and employees and participating in policy and rulemaking to support high-quality enforcement of Seattle labor standards.

You will be prepared to take on this role if you have a combination of the following: 

Experience:

• Conducting detailed investigations, with expertise in labor standards, civil rights law enforcement, equal employment opportunity, complaint investigation, or labor relations
• Identifying legal and factual issues and assessing compliance
• Applying racial equity and social justice principles in the workplace and community
• Preparing authoritative reports summarizing key findings and analysis
• Adapting to shifting priorities with a record of demonstrated quick learning
• Having an understanding of local, state, or federal labor laws

Skills:

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with an understanding of public policy and the policy-making process
• Outstanding organizational, technical writing, editing, data collection, and math skills
• Keen attention to detail 
• Proficiency in handling large datasets in Microsoft Excel
• Communicating with clarity and tact while encouraging collaboration and teamwork
• Strong interpersonal communication skills

The ability to:

• Building trust with marginalized communities, including those with limited English proficiency
• Reading and interpreting laws and regulations
• Actively listen, build space for diverse perspectives, and pursue inclusive outcomes
• Navigating fast-paced political environments with multiple priorities
• Engaging successfully with disenfranchised and marginalized communities with a focus on race and social justice.

In addition to the ability to complete the tasks mentioned above, you will need to possess the following required qualifications (or a combination of education, training or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class):

• Three (3) years of experience in areas such as civil rights law enforcement, equal employment opportunity, complaint investigations, labor relations, mediation, work in a related analytical team, paralegal experience, regulatory standards enforcement, arbitration, and/or conducting workplace investigations.
• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science, or a related subject area

OR

• Four (4) years of experience in areas such as civil rights law enforcement, equal employment opportunity, complaint investigation, affirmative action program implementation, personnel administration, labor relations, mediation, work in a related analytical team, paralegal experience, regulatory standards enforcement, arbitration, and/or conducting workplace investigations.
• Associate degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science, or a related subject area

OR

• Five (5) years of experience in areas such as civil rights law enforcement, equal employment opportunity, complaint investigation, affirmative action program implementation, personnel administration, labor relations, mediation, work in a related analytical team, paralegal experience, regulatory standards enforcement, arbitration, and/or conducting workplace investigations.

OR

• Two (2) years of experience in areas such as civil rights law enforcement, equal employment opportunity, complaint investigation, affirmative action program implementation, personnel administration, labor relations, mediation, work in a related analytical team, paralegal experience, regulatory standards enforcement, arbitration, and/or conducting workplace investigations.
• Masters degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science, or a related subject area

This civil-service position is eligible for overtime and is classified as a Civil Rights Analyst, Senior and is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the City and the union, PROTEC17 – Technical Unit. The full pay range for this step-progression position is $52.70 - $61.36 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $52.70 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. The hourly rate above is reflective of the 2025 salary schedule. There is a 3.6% AWI (Annual Wage Increase) that goes into effect on December 31, 2025.

First round interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for the week of February 10, 2026.  Second round interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of February 24, 2026.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to be in-office three times a week. This position will require the ability to work a flexible schedule, as there may be occasional travel that is required. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Sandra Wong at Sandra.Wong@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Why Work at the City? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40 departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example — inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused — while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives!

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle no later than 4:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:

• A PDF of your current resume
• A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in this job announcement. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Who may apply: This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. 

To learn more about the Office of Labor Standards, please visit: https://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards

Salary : $53 - $61