WAGE COLLECTION REFEREE
Wage Collection Referee is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
You can qualify with a doctoral degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $83,582 to $122,832, and state payroll currently lists 4 people in the title, most of them at Labor.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Labor and Workforce Development's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 4 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $111,094. The agencies employing the most are:
- Labor (4)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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.
Definition
Under the general supervision of the Chief, Inspection and Enforcement, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, investigates alleged violations of State labor laws; conducts quasi-judicial hearings throughout the state to resolve wage and/or benefit disputes between employees and employers; makes formal, binding decisions and approves settlements related to these cases; does other related work as required.
Examples of work
Presides at hearings involving claims by employees who allegedly did not receive wages in a timely fashion or pursuant to their employment contract; renders binding decisions and approves settlements related to these matters Gathers pertinent information in preparation of hearing; investigates facts and circumstances involving wage and/or benefit cases Researches laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings Interviews claimants and makes a decision to accept the filing for hearing, or to dismiss the filing for lack of merit, substance or legality Reviews evidence and hears testimony presented by all parties and issues a ruling on the validity of facts and legality of claims Renders binding decisions based on the evidence and testimony presented, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures Interprets company policies and procedures involving wages and/or benefits and applies them to the situation at hand Informs employers and employees of their rights and responsibilities under New Jersey law. Swears in witnesses and takes testimony from all parties at formal hearings Keeps abreast of, and analyzes, State and Federal legislation as well as court decisions pertaining to wage and hour matters and makes proper use of these when rendering decisions Rules on motions of dismissal, or continuance and admissibility of evidence; evaluates the credibility of witnesses Maintains a hearing calendar to ensure all cases are heard and decided in a timely manner May hold informal conference with employees and employers and/or their attorneys to interpret laws pertaining to wage claims, to explain the rights of the parties concerned, and/or to provide other services relating to wage claims and wage/hour laws Issues summons complaints, award letters, subpoenas, writs of execution, and other legal orders In the case of an appeal to the Superior Court, may prepare Findings of Fact, opinions and decisions for transcript Represents the Division in liaison work with the Attorney General's Office Recommends guidelines to ensure uniform interpretation of policy Audits payroll records Prepares statements including the date, place of the hearing and the judgment relating to the outcome of the case Drafts legal and technical correspondence to attorneys, defendants, plaintiffs and other interested parties Prepares extensive reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations Maintains essential records and files Utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units
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 the conduct of court proceedings and administrative or quasi-judicial hearing procedures Knowledge of State and federal laws involving minimum wage, overtime, wage payment and wage claims Knowledge of the regulations, policies, standards and procedures of the Division of Wage and Hour Compliance, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, involving wages/benefits and wage claims and their application to specific statutes Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze information Knowledge of prevailing wage statutes and regulations and their application to construction work on publicly funded projects Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings Ability to analyze, interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures involving minimum wage, overtime, wage payment and wage claims Ability to apply investigative techniques and procedures, rules of evidence and basic court procedures Ability to interpret and apply company policies and procedures involving wages and/or benefits Ability to write comprehensive, concise, and logical opinions, decisions, reports, and recommendations Ability to analyze case facts and circumstances, evaluate their importance in relation to state and federal laws, regulations, and policies, and to render clear, concise, and logical decisions based on the evidence and testimony presented Ability to analyze and interpret union collective bargaining agreements, company policies and private contractual agreements between employers and employees Ability to apply the principles of due process and its application to quasi-judicial hearings Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods Ability to audit payroll records Ability to deal with distraught and argumentative individuals Ability to learn 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, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the 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 as long as they can perform 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
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular 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. 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. Seen (7) years of professional experience in the interpretation, investigation, and/or enforcement of laws and regulations governing wages, hours, benefits and conditions of employment. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a Juris Doctorate or L.L.B. degree from an accredited college or university, or admission to practice as an Attorney-at-Law in New Jersey. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.