FIELD INVESTIGATOR 1, DIVISION OF WAGE AND HOUR COMPLIANCE

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under close supervision of a District Supervisor, Wage and Hour Division and Contract Compliance or other supervisory official in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, assists in the field and office work necessary to conduct routine investigations and prepares preliminary reports regarding administration of the sections of the public statutes for which the division is responsible; does other related duties as required. NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. - Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL: Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. - Bilingual in Chinese and English SPECIAL SKILL: Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in Chinese and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.

Examples of work

Makes the necessary contacts with employers/employees of the requirements of applicable laws administered by the Office of Wage and Hour Compliance. Visits places of employment and makes preliminary/routine/follow-up examinations of personnel records, payroll, and time records, registers, and other records which are subject to the provision of the law. Interviews employers, employees, and others, including minors, who may have knowledge relevant to investigations conducted in which violations of the law are suspected or alleged. Takes interview statements, affidavits, and other information/evidence needed from employees, employers, and/or witnesses to resolve questions concerning possible violations of applicable laws. Assists with assembling materials and data for analysis, computation, and reports concerning wages and salaries paid by individual firms. Schedules meetings and/or conferences with employer representatives, attorneys, accounts, other enforcement agencies, representative of schools, health and social welfare agencies, unions, and employer groups, and other interested stakeholders. May be required to assist senior staff during investigations and education/outreach events. Interprets basic law and regulations and may provide explanation to employers, employees, their representatives or other interested parties. May appear as a witness before departmental hearings and other courts of appropriate jurisdiction and may serve summons, complaint papers, and subpoenas, and may assist in serving Stop Work Orders. Performs office tasks related to inspection procedures. Assists with the preparation of routine reports of inspections, investigations and matters concerning detailed/relevant information. Maintains investigation records and files. Assists with conducting inspections of agricultural employers, visit camps and tenant housing occupied by seasonal agricultural/industrial workers, inspect housing and sanitary conditions and inspect areas near camps and tenant dwellings with respect to sanitary and other conditions. May explain provisions of the NJ Crew Leader Registration Act and other statutes to camp owners and operators, farmers, and others, and check the camp occupancy requirements and report violations in accordance with the law. Reviews applications in accordance with the Contractor Registration Act. May contact contractors for additional compliance information and make appropriate recommendations regarding the status of the applications. Assists with conducting investigations related to the enforcement of the Crew Leader Registration Act. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. REQUIREMENTS:

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of New Jersey laws and related Federal statutes pertaining to wages and hours and of the specific provisions of the Wage and Hour Law, Child Labor Law, Crew Leader Registration Act, Earn Sick Leave Law, Prevailing Wage Act, Contractor Registration Act and other applicable laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division. Knowledge of the methods used to conduct inspections of places of employment, and examine personnel records, employment records, payroll/time books, registers, and other documents to determine compliance with law. Knowledge of the methods used to conduct investigations, and to collect and analyze data. Knowledge of local community public/voluntary agencies concerned with the civic, health, welfare, and education of residents. Knowledge of laws and regulations of other DOL divisions that have direct bearing on the enforcement of Wage and Hour laws. Knowledge of rural seasonal agricultural workers' problems pertaining to sanitation, water supply, housing, field sanitation, pay, working conditions and safety. Knowledge of oversight required in camps/dwellings/dormitories established for seasonal farm workers and their families. Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data and calculate any back wages that may be due. Knowledge of the types of occupations prohibited for children by provisions of NJ law. Knowledge of the customs of various ethnic and cultural groups. Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply basic law and regulations impacting the Division's operations. Ability to organize field investigative work, analyze problems arising therein, and develop appropriate work methods. Ability to conduct inspections of places of employment, and examine personnel records, employment records, payroll/time books, registers, and other documents to determine compliance with law. Ability to conduct interviews with individuals of different backgrounds and obtain information needed for cases where violations of the law are suspected. Ability to serve summonses and/or subpoenas and take interview statements of employees, witnesses, and other persons. Ability to speak with representatives of school, health, and social agencies when problems arise concerning the employment of minors. Ability to explain the provisions of the law to employers, trade union representatives, and other internal and external stakeholder. Ability to gather and analyze data concerning wages and hours for statistical presentation. Ability to prepare reports and maintain records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in identifying and investigating violations in a field of specific regulatory conditions, interpreting and applying these regulations and making recommendations based on findings. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.