New Job Safety Investigator 1 In Minnesota

Working Title: Safety Investigator 1
Job Class: Safety Investigator 1
Agency: Labor & Industry Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/30/2023
• Closing Date: 06/05/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor and Industry-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / OSHA Discrimination
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 20% of the time
• Salary Range: $23.62 - $34.45 / hourly; $49,318 - $71,931 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position will work from any of the DLI offices located out of Duluth, St. Paul, Mankato, Rochester, or St. Cloud.

In-state travel as much as 20% of the time. Position will require some overnight travel.

The purpose of this position is to provide resolution of alleged discrimination complaints for Minnesota employees in accordance with the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973, the Federal Surface Transportation Act of 1982 (Section 405C for intrastate commerce), or the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 182. To investigate and negotiate resolutions to difficult and complete allegations of retaliation against those employees, former employees, and prospective employees who have engaged in protected safety and health activities or who have testified, or are about to testify, about health and safety problems. To prepare and document complete and legally sufficient case files that can be successfully prosecuted by the Attorney General in civil litigation and to testify if requested in the judicial process on behalf of the Department of Labor and Industry.

Responsibilities include:

• Critically analyze and evaluate investigative findings to determine whether the case has “merit” or “no merit” using demonstrated knowledge and understanding of appropriate laws and legal principles.
• Following a full investigation, a determination recommendation to the supervisor will be made as to the case disposition based on the investigation findings.
• Dismiss, or administratively close “lack of cooperation” or "non-merit" cases using established procedures, rules, and regulations.
• In “merit” cases, prepare complete and legally sufficient case files that can be successful in civil litigation, and testify in the judicial process if directed.
• Represent the Department of Labor and Industry as well as the OSH Division on contacts with external constituents.
• Stay current with changes in all applicable safety, health and discrimination laws, regulations, standards, codes, and policies.
• Perform other non-inspection health and safety activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational Safety, Industrial Safety, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering or closely-related field; OR
• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational Safety, Industrial Safety, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering or closely-related field; AND (1) year experience where responsibilities involved the interpretation and application of safety and health standards or regulations, investigating claims of discrimination, workplace human resources or civil and administrative laws and regulations; OR
• Bachelor's Degree in an unrelated field AND three (3) years occupational safety and health experience where responsibilities involved the interpretation and application of safety and health standards or regulations, investigating claims of discrimination, workplace human resources or civil and administrative laws and regulations;
• Written communication skills sufficient to write investigation reports that are grammatically correct.
• Verbal communications skills sufficient to clearly communicate technical information to the public.
• Human relation skills sufficient to establish and maintain effective working relationships with industry personnel and internal staff.
• Ability to use computers and software programs sufficient to produce investigation reports.
• Analysis skills sufficient to determine the meaning, relevancy, validity, and importance of a large body of complex and inter-related facts; to weigh evidence, make conclusions and issue final decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who do not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Minnesota and federal occupational health and safety standards sufficient to determine violations and assess penalties.
• Experience investigating safety and health standards and regulations.
• Knowledge of auditing techniques sufficient to investigate and enforce discrimination provisions of OSHA.
• Language skills other than English (Somali, Spanish, Hmong, Karen or ASL).

Additional Requirements

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, Driver’s License Check, Education/License Verification.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line 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;
• 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;
• Be a United States citizen or resident alien;
• 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:

• Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
• Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
• 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 the 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].

About Labor & Industry Dept

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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.