LABOR CONCILIATOR-FAIR LABOR STANDARDS

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible work schedules

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Paid holidays

Pension plan

Job summary

The State of Illinois Department of Labor is seeking a Labor Conciliator in Chicago, IL to investigate wage and hour violations and assist in resolving disputes. This role offers a strong benefits package and a hybrid in-office schedule, depending on operational needs.

As a Labor Conciliator, you will conduct expert investigations, prepare detailed reports, negotiate settlements, and oversee case resolutions while adhering to Illinois labor laws and agency policies.

Qualifications

• Four years of college or equivalent work experience in areas of workplace standards.
• Two years of experience conducting investigations into alleged violations.
• Two years of experience negotiating, mediating, and/or settling issues.
• Two years of experience preparing comprehensive reports with recommendations.
• Proficiency in Excel and case management tools such as SharePoint.

Responsibilities

• Investigates potential violations of labor and employment laws enforced by the Department.
• Performs expert level analysis of complex labor issues and cases.
• Travel to conduct on-site investigations for evidence gathering.
• Develops reports with analyses, findings, and recommendations.
• Facilitates appropriate case resolution and monitoring.

Skills

Investigations

Negotiation

Excel

SharePoint

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft SharePoint

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials

Job Requisition ID: 59350

Opening Date: 10/08/2026

Closing Date: 10/23/2026

Agency: Department of Labor

Class Title: LABOR CONCILIATOR - 22750

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6820 monthly; Full Range $6,820 - $9,875 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm (Flex Schedule Optional)

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 4 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Headquarter Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: Danielle Routh [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

As a State of Illinois Department of Labor employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position)
• 10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per year
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)

Position Overview

The Labor Conciliator positions are located in Chicago, IL. As a Labor Conciliator, you will assist citizens in recovering unpaid wages as required by the various laws enforced by the Department. This unique opportunity offers an exceptional benefit package that includes health insurance, including eye care and dental, Deferred Compensation, life insurance, and retirement. If you are interested in helping your fellow citizens recoup the wages they are owed, are interested in helping achieve our mission, and possess the qualifications listed above, we invite you to apply for this position.

Essential Functions

• Independently investigates potential violations of the labor and employment laws enforced by the Department, including the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, Illinois Minimum Wage Law, the One Day Rest in Seven Act, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Child Labor Law, and other relevant acts.
• Performs expert level analysis of the most advanced, complex and unusual labor issues and cases through strategic and proactive investigations.
• Travels to conduct on‑site investigations to gather evidence and information regarding potential violations of state labor and employment laws.
• Develops and prepares documents and reports regarding analyses, findings, and recommendations related to investigations.
• Independently facilitates appropriate case resolution and monitoring.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, or equivalent work experience specifically in areas of workplace standards such as: monitoring compliance with public construction, occupational safety, or other workplace protection standards; ensuring adherence to wage and hour, leave, or equal pay regulations; overseeing other statutory labor requirements.

Specialized Skills

• Two (2) years of experience conducting investigations into alleged violations of laws and policies.
• Two (2) years of experience negotiating, mediating, and/or settling issues between parties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience conducting investigations into alleged violations of laws and policies.
• Two (2) years of experience negotiating, mediating, and/or settling issues between parties.
• Two (2) years of experience preparing comprehensive reports with recommendations.
• Intermediate proficiency in using Microsoft Excel and case management tools such as Microsoft SharePoint.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last‑minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires completion of a background check and self‑disclosure of criminal history.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Agency Statement

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is one of Illinois' most important and dynamic Agencies. With an annual budget of $27.5 million, and an authorized staff of more than 143 full‑time employees, IDOL has the capacity and capability to provide administration and enforcement of over 25 labor and safety laws.

Through enforcement, education, compliance assistance, and community partnerships, IDOL works to protect workers’ wages, welfare, working conditions, and workplace safety while helping employers understand and meet their legal responsibilities. The Department of Labor is committed to fostering safe, fair, and equitable workplaces for all Illinois workers and safeguarding the public through the regulation of amusement rides and to ensure compliance with all other labor standards.

This position DOES contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).