Internal/External Civil Rights Specialist (Administrator III) - Pueblo

State of Colorado; Pueblo (CO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

PERA retirement plan

Job summary

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) seeks a Civil Rights Specialist to support internal and external Civil Rights programs, including contract and labor compliance, equal opportunity, and DBE/ESB initiatives. The role conducts payroll and contract audits, reviews project documentation, and provides training to staff and contractors.

The position emphasizes site reviews, training, and ensuring compliance across CDOT projects with federal and state civil rights requirements, Title VI, and

Qualifications

• Six years of full-time professional work experience in employee relations, HR management and/or employment investigations.
• Education from an accredited college/university with coursework in Business Administration, Communications, Human Resources Management or related fields.
• Experience in employee relations, HR management and/or employment investigations will be considered for this role.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and resources to CDOT staff, contractors and local agencies on Civil Rights programs and requirements.
• Administer DBE, ESB, OJT and labor compliance programs.
• Educate stakeholders on program requirements and interpret related contract provisions.

Skills

Employee relations

Human resources management

Employment investigations

Oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Policy interpretation

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

SAP

LCPtracker

B2G Now

Payroll software

Job description

About CDOT

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit the CDOT Benefits for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

CDOT for All

CDOT’s strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

About the Position

The Region 2 Civil Rights Office supports CDOT’s commitment to equal opportunity and ensures compliance with federal and state civil rights requirements across transportation programs, construction projects, and maintenance activities. The office works closely with CDOT staff, contractors, consultants, local agencies, and other partners to promote fair and consistent practices and ensure civil rights requirements are met throughout Region 2.

As a Civil Rights Specialist, you will play an important role in supporting both internal and external Civil Rights programs. This position provides professional guidance and oversight related to contract and labor compliance, equal opportunity, DBE/ESB programs, Title VI, on-the-job training, and contractor compliance. You will conduct payroll and contract audits, review project documentation, provide training and technical assistance, perform jobsite reviews, resolve compliance discrepancies, and work with employees, contractors, and project staff to help ensure CDOT projects meet applicable Civil Rights requirements.

Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following

• Provide guidance, technical support, training, and resources to CDOT employees, contractors, consultants, and local agencies regarding Civil Rights programs and requirements.
• Administer and support the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Emerging Small Business (ESB), On-the-Job Training (OJT), and labor compliance programs.
• Educate stakeholders on Civil Rights program requirements and interpret contract provisions related to federally aided construction projects, the Davis-Bacon Act, and applicable federal regulations.
• Monitor program and contract compliance, conduct outreach, troubleshoot issues, and recommend appropriate actions to address potential penalties or noncompliance.
• Support the DBE goal-setting process for Region 2 projects and evaluate and determine DBE goals for consultant contracts.
• Implement DBE specifications and communicate program requirements to project engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor DBE and OJT compliance on active projects, including reviewing required documentation, Sublet Applications, OJT Special Provisions, construction bulletins, and OJT documentation.
• Conduct construction project site visits, audits, and reviews to evaluate compliance with Equal Opportunity, affirmative Action, labor, OJT, and DBE requirements.
• Review certified payroll, contractor records, personnel practices, and subcontractor/vendor solicitation and selection processes for compliance with applicable requirements.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, documentation, and recommendations based on compliance reviews, audits, and identified issues.
• Assist with resolving identified compliance issues and monitor corrective actions to ensure program requirements are met.
• Serve as an expert-level user of B2G Now and LCPtracker, including reviewing information, identifying discrepancies or missing documentation, and supporting program audits and project closeout.
• Assist and train CDOT staff, consultants, contractors, and subcontractors with onboarding and use of LCPtracker and B2G Now and provide support for system and compliance-related issues.
• Respond to requests for support and provide training related to contractor payroll software systems.
• Escalate complex personnel issues and legal matters to the Civil Rights Office Manager and provide guidance regarding workplace policies, procedures, state personnel rules, regulations, and laws.
• Assist management with personnel matters, including reviewing corrective and disciplinary actions and meeting with employees, supervisors, and others involved.
• Investigate employee-related complaints involving workplace conflicts, discrimination, sexual harassment, workplace violence, and other personnel matters.
• Conduct interviews, collect and review documentation, evaluate complaint information, and make determinations regarding potential violations of applicable policies, procedures, rules, or laws.
• Develop plans to address personnel complaints and workplace issues and provide guidance to management regarding appropriate next steps.
• Attend preconstruction meetings to present Civil Rights information, ensure customers have appropriate access to required software systems, and respond to questions regarding payment tracking, sublet requests, and payroll submissions.
• Travel to project locations, meetings, audits, site visits, and training as required.

Work Environment:

• Your schedule will primarily be 8:00 am - 5:00 pm work hours, Monday-Friday, but we are flexible to meet your work/life balance needs while ensuring CDOT business needs are met.

• You will likely work a hybrid schedule with a combination of in-office and remote work.

• Required to attend meetings, trainings, project site visits, as well as conduct investigations. Estimated 7-10 day/month travel.

• Occasional overnight travel 1-3 times a year throughout Colorado

• Required to operate CDOT vehicles

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only:

• Six (6) years of full-time professional work experience with a primary focus on employee relations, human resources management, and/or employment investigations.

OR

Education and Experience: A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least 6 years:

• Education from an accredited college or university with coursework in Business Administration, Communications, Human Resources Management, Sociology, Psychology, Law, Organizational Development, Public Administration or another field of study closely related to the duties of this position (College transcripts and/or Official NACES Report is required).

• Experience in employee relations, human resources management, and/or employment investigations will be considered

Please Note:

The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. "See Resume" statements on the application or resumes in lieu of a complete application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

College Transcripts:

If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or an official foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school, completed credit hours, and (if applicable) that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential evaluation report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks. More information in the supplemental information section.
• A current valid driver’s license is required for all Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) positions which require operating a state or personal motor vehicle to perform one or more essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

The exceptional applicant will be an experienced professional with proven ability or accomplishment in the following:

• Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section;
• Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position;
• Highest work/personal ethics and integrity;
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and federal laws;
• Knowledge of and/or experience interpreting, applying and ensuring compliance with Federal and State Civil Rights laws and Labor Laws and regulations;
• Knowledge and experience with workplace issues and laws (Title VI, Title VII, workplace violence, sexual harassment, ADA, FMLA);
• Experience with Equal Opportunity programs;
• Employee relations experience;
• Experience with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and On the Job Training (OJT) programs;
• Experience with the identification of small business needs;
• Strong workplace investigative, interviewing and research skills;
• Experience conducting investigations on labor-related or contract compliance issues;
• Excellent judgment, evaluation, problem solving, reasoning, and decision making skills;
• Superior oral communication skills including experience and skill providing oral presentations, trainings, lectures;
• Excellent writing skills and ability to develop official correspondence and reports;
• Strong, effective interpersonal, customer service and relationship-building skills;
• Excellent judgment, evaluation, problem solving, reasoning, and decision making skills;
• Organizational awareness and ability to partner effectively with professionals, consultants, stakeholders and staff with sensitivity to their needs and priorities;
• Ability to adapt communication style to various audiences and situations, modeling high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, and respect for individuals;
• Advising/mentoring/consulting skills and experience;
• Strong planning and time management skills;
• Thoroughness and attention to detail;
• Ability to operate in a politically sensitive environment;
• Negotiation skills;
• Flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances;
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite, Gmail, SAP and the ability to quickly learn new software.

Applicant Checklist

Complete Applications must include the following documents:

1. A complete CDOT Application for Announced Vacancy

2. A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)

3. A cover letter that describes your interest in this position, how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.

4. A detailed chronological resume. Resumes must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.

5. If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing completed coursework and credit hours, that your degree has been conferred (if applicable), your name, and the name of your school, or your official NACES credential evaluation report. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

6. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

Please note that you may redact information on your attachments that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Every effort must be made to submit all application materials by the announcement close date. Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Notifications:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be viaemail. Include your current workingemailaddress on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up youremailto accept messages from state.co.us and [e-mail] addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure youremailwill accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filteredemail. Immediately after you submit your application you should receive an email that confirms that you successfully submitted an application for this position. If you do not, try submitting again until you receive the confirmation email. Be sure to also check your junk folder for email communications from the State of Colorado's website.

The Hiring Process:

1. All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

2. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

• Part, or all, of the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SM