L&I Industrial Relations Agent 2

State of Washington

WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$55,836–$75,108 Per Year
SKILLS
Accounting, Aged Care, Agriculture, Auditing, Bookkeeping, Childcare, Collective Bargaining, Compensation and Benefits, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Diversity, Driver's License, Employee Benefits, Employment Law, Facebook, Flexible Spending Accounts, Government, Health Maintenance, Healthcare, Industrial Hygiene, Industrial Relations, Interpret Regulations, Law Enforcement, Legal Support Skills, LinkedIn, Management Consulting, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Military, Negotiation Skills, Nonprofit, Problem Solving Skills, Radio Advertising, Regulations, Safety/Work Safety, Student Loans, Talent Management, Training/Teaching, Twitter, Use Tax, Willing to Travel, Work From Home
LOCATION
WA
POSTED
30+ days ago

L&I Industrial Relations Agent 2

Salary

$55,836.00 - $75,108.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations - Eastern Washington, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-04050

Department

Dept. of Labor & Industries

Division

Division of Labor Standards - Employment Standards

Opening Date

05/14/2026

Closing Date

5/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Description

Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!

Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

Please Note: This posting reflects 2 positions, one located at our East Wenatchee office, and one located at our Spokane office.

Job Highlights

As our Industrial Relations Agent 2, youll have a direct impact in fulfilling the Working component of the agencys mission. In this role, youll be a part of the Employment Standards team and will investigate wage complaints to preserve worker rights.

Duties

Some of what youll do:

  • Communicate with employers and employees via phone, email, in person, and letters to resolve wage disputes.
  • Determine validity of wage complaints by applying regulations promulgated under the appropriate statutes and rules: RCW 49.12; 49.46; and 49.48 as well as WACs 296-125; 296-126; and 296-128.
  • Review and audit of payroll records to determine unlawful payment of wages.
  • Negotiate for restitution of wages, mediating settlement or compromise proposals that both parties might find acceptable.
  • Unless otherwise resolved, recommend Citation and Notice of Assessment (NOA) or Determinations of Compliance (DOC).
  • Follow the standard work process as set out by the Employment Standards Program and the Operations Manual.
  • Communicate with employers and employees via phone, email, in person, and letters to resolve disputes.
  • Request and review records to determine whether violations have occurred.
  • Compile investigation case files and recommend determinations per Standard Work and Operations Manual.
  • Participate in the Wage Payment Act (WPA) appeal process for NOAs & DOCs and other violations such as child labor notices of violation or agricultural civil infractions.
  • Providing educational information to customer questions on wage and hour requirements and processes.

Qualifications

Required:

A combination of education and experience totaling 4 years:

  • 4 years of experience in labor/employment relations and regulations

OR

  • A relevant Bachelors Degree and one year of experience in labor/employment relations and regulations

OR

  • A relevant AA Degree and two years of experience in labor/employment relations and regulations

Qualifying experience could include one or more of the following areas:

  • Working with Wage Payment Act (WAC 49.48) and other labor laws
  • Experience in labor/employment relations and regulations
  • Explanation, interpretation, understanding and enforcement of rules and regulations pertaining to RCWs, and WACs.
  • Investigating complaints of misconduct (criminal or civil)
  • Collection of revenue/taxes from employers/businesses
  • Audit of employer financial records.

AND

  • The ability to take action to learn and grow.
  • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Desired:

  • Experience exercising judgement, and in conjunction with above cited statutes and WAC rules, applying and enforcing relevant administrative law and agency policies.
  • Experience working with labor relations, general policies, principles and practices of labor, and management state wage and hour laws and regulations; contracts; ability to apply such knowledge in mediation, arbitration, and resolution principles; standards and techniques of personnel investigations; rules of evidence; auditing; accounting and bookkeeping procedures.
  • Experience preparing written documents; organizing facts, arguments and conclusions in clear and logical sequence.
  • Experience interpreting complex laws, rules and regulation; analyzing issues involving wage disputes; prepare written documents; organize facts; arguments and conclusions in clear and logical sequence; gather, preserve and present material; relevant and pertinent evidence; exercise judgement in a wide variety of public contact.
  • Public Sector experience explaining RCWs and WACs for Employment Standards laws.
  • Working with applications or systems such as Outlook, Excel, Word, CATS, LINIIS, and BEAR

Supplemental Information

Things You Need To Know

To help you maintain a proper work-life balance, teleworking is one of the work schedule options for this position. L&I also offers flexible custom work schedules.

State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employees career. Click on the Benefits tab to learn more.

At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washingtons 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

For this position, telework is dependent upon business needs and supervisor approval. The assigned duty station for this position is Spokane or East Wenatchee, Washington.

For positions where in-office work is necessary, the frequency of telework will be discussed with the supervisor of the position at the time of offer.

To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for GovDelivery and select L&I job alerts.

Application process

We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

Please include the following documents with your application:

  • A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
  • A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
  • A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Please do not attach or place any medical information (vaccination status included) within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.

To learn more about our hiring process timeline at L&I please visit our L&I recruiting page at Hiring Process at L&I. If you would like to read our website in a language other than English, scroll up to the top of the page to select your language of choice from the banner.

Background Check Notice

Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.

Other information

  • For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted drivers license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
  • This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
  • Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
  • The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
  • Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

Did You Know?

Washington is Americas Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washingtons 3 million workers.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&Is Jobs@lni.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. 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 believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agencys greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more Information

If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact Haleigh Missildine (she/her/hers).

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

  • WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
  • L&I Talent Management Consultant
  • L&I Employee
  • Professional/Personal Network
  • Monster
  • College/University Website/Career Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Verg
  • Craigslist
  • Indeed
  • Twitter
  • Job Fair (Military)
  • Career Fair
  • EHS Careers
  • American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
  • Radio Advertisement
  • Newspaper/Magazine
  • L&I Website
  • Other

02

If you indicated "Other" please specify where you heard about this position.

03

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit?

  • Yes
  • No

04

PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS.

I will NOT attach or place any medical information within the application, resume, or cover letter. If I do, I understand that it will be rejected and I may be provided an opportunity to apply again without including my confidential health information, while the posting is still open and applications are being accepted.

I will not share my medical information with hiring managers or interview panels.

05

To be considered for this opportunity we require you to attach a resume and cover letter. Have you attached both documents?

  • Yes
  • No

06

How many years of relevant experience do you have? If you do not have experience, please type n/a.

07

Which location are you interested in working in?

  • East Wenatchee
  • Spokane
  • Open to either

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov

About the Company

S

State of Washington