The Labor Compliance Specialist I reports to the Labor Compliance Team Lead and supports labor compliance monitoring, document review, contractor communication, internal tracking, audit preparation, and compliance status reporting for assigned construction projects. The position requires working knowledge of California labor laws and regulations for construction, California Labor Code, DIR public works and eCPR requirements, federal labor standards including Davis-Bacon when applicable, dual-funded projects, HACLA Section 3 or similar federal workforce requirements, Skilled and Trained Workforce, and client or third-party compliance requirements.
The Specialist follows internal Labor Compliance guidance and department processes, maintains accurate records, communicates contractor compliance status, identifies possible wage, apprentice, training contribution, or documentation issues, and escalates potential violations or investigation notices to the Labor Compliance Team Lead.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Follow internal LC guidance, department procedures, review standards, templates, communication expectations, and escalation processes while maintaining internal logs, compliance matrices, Power BI reports, Excel trackers, and other approved tracking tools.
- Communicate with contractors, subcontractors, and lower tiers regarding compliance status, missing documents, delinquent CPR or eCPR records, trust fund reports, training contribution records, apprentice issues, corrective action, deadlines, and payment hold impacts; help contractors understand the process and where to search for applicable labor codes and compliance requirements.
- Collect, monitor, and review certified payroll records, electronic CPRs, statements of compliance, payroll corrections, non-performance payrolls, and required documents in LCPtracker, DIR eCPR, DIR portals, agency portals, and other project systems.
- Audit wages, classifications, scope of work, overtime, Saturday or holiday rules, predetermined increases, fringe benefits, deductions, proof of payment, restitution records, and supporting payroll documents to help avoid wage violations.
- Review apprenticeship compliance under applicable Labor Code requirements, including DAS 140, DAS 142, apprentice approvals, apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios, supervision, apprentice rates, and documentation needed to avoid violations.
- Monitor training contribution requirements, California Apprenticeship Council payments, union training fund documentation, proof of payment, and related records to confirm no training contribution violations remain open.
- Review Skilled and Trained Workforce documentation, monthly STW reports, apprenticeable occupation data, qualifying journeyperson records, disadvantaged worker, Section 3, dispatch, and other workforce documentation required by the project.
- Understand DIR, DLSE, client, agency, union, and third-party investigation notices, audit notices, document requests, delinquency notices, and compliance inquiries; notify the Team Lead and help compile audit-ready records, correspondence, portal documents, and internal logs.
- Coordinate with internal departments regarding compliance status, payment hold recommendations, risk items, missing documents, and corrective action; escalations unresolved issues to the Team Lead.
- Prepare status updates, reports, summaries, review notes, and documentation for the Labor Compliance Team Lead. Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge and Qualifications
- Working knowledge of California public works, prevailing wage, California Labor Code, DIR registration, DIR wage determinations, DIR eCPR, certified payroll, apprenticeship, training contributions, fringe benefits, overtime, classifications, and payroll audit standards.
- Working knowledge of federal Davis‑Bacon requirements, dual‑funded projects, HACLA Section 3 or similar workforce programs, trust funds, and understanding of Skilled and Trained Workforce.
- Proficiency with LCPtracker, DIR Portals, Excel, Word, Outlook, OCPS, LAUSD, eComply, agency portals, at‑will internal tracking logs, and other compliance or reporting systems required by the company, client, or project.
- Two or more years of labor compliance, public works, certified payroll, payroll audit, construction administration, or related experience preferred; experience with California public works payroll, apprenticeship records, training contributions, and STW documentation preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, accuracy, confidentiality, professional judgment, organization, follow‑through, time management, and ability to manage multiple deadlines while following Team Lead direction and department process.
- Ability to prepare clear compliance notices, contractor status updates, process guidance, audit summaries, internal escalation notes, and corrective action follow‑up; bilingual English and Spanish preferred
Core Competencies:
Audit Accuracy
Reviews payroll, wages, classifications, apprentice records, training contributions, trust funds, and documents for open issues or possible violations.
Communication
Communicates compliance status, missing items, corrective action, deadlines, payment hold impacts, and escalations clearly and professionally.
Tracking and Follow Through
Maintains logs, trackers, review notes, open item lists, and status reports until issues are corrected, cleared, or escalated.
Process Discipline
Follows internal LC guidance, applies department procedures consistently, and escalates significant concerns to the Team Lead in a timely manner.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Work is performed primarily in an office setting and at a computer for extended periods. The role may require carrying a laptop and other standard office materials, with periodic visits to active construction sites throughout Southern California.
- Remote work may be permitted based on company policy, department needs, and management approval.
- Jobsite visits require appropriate personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, and safety-toe boots) and compliance with site safety rules.
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods; ability to walk uneven terrain and climb stairs at job sites; occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record for travel between the office and jobsites.
Standard Statements
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be modified or assigned at the discretion of management. Employment is at-will.
Bernards is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local fair chance ordinances