Retaliation Complaint Investigator

California Department of Industrial Relations; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Industrial Relations seeks a Deputy Labor Commissioner I to lead retaliation complaint investigations in the State Labor Commissioner’s Office. You will interview witnesses, collect evidence, take affidavits, and determine compliance with labor laws and IW Commission orders.

You may advise on civil actions and penalties while working with employers and employees. The role supports remote and district office work with travel to other offices; final filing date is

Qualifications

• Experience implementing restorative practices to resolve workplace disputes.

Responsibilities

• Interview witnesses, take affidavits, collect evidence, and investigate claims to determine compliance with state labor laws and IW Commission orders.
• Assess and collect civil penalties or initiate civil or criminal action as needed; advise employers and employees to secure compliance.
• May inspect workplaces and records to determine compliance with laws under the LCO jurisdiction.

Job description

Job Description And Duties

Under general supervision of the Deputy Labor Commissioner Supervisor (Senior Deputy) in the State Labor Commissioner's Office (LCO) Retaliation Complaint Investigation (RCI) unit, the Deputy Labor Commissioner I (DLC I) interviews witnesses, takes affidavits, collects evidence, and investigates claims to determine the extent of compliance with, and to resolve disputes arising under, State labor laws and Industrial Welfare Commission orders. The DLC I assesses and collects civil penalties or initiates civil or criminal action, and meets with employers, employees, and their representatives to advise them of, and to secure compliance with, state laws. The DLC I may inspect places of employment and employers' records to determine the extent of compliance with the provisions of laws under the jurisdiction of the LCO. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to advance their investigations through early engagement and resolution of retaliation claims through restorative strategies. Further, the incumbent will collaborate with other programs and stakeholders to advance industry‑specific early engagement and restorative strategies through a trauma informed lens.

Working Conditions

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR 249.3.

• Sacramento: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=532367


• San Diego: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=532370


• Santa Ana: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=532238


• San Francisco: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=532399

This position is located in: 320 W. Fourth Street, Suite 450, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

The incumbent will spend most of the time working both remotely and at their assigned District office, with occasional travel to other offices. The District Office is an air—conditioned office building with natural and artificial lighting, and standard office equipment. Travel may be required.

Special Requirements

As part of the required application packet, candidates are to complete a Statement of Qualifications. Responses should be typewritten using 12 pt Arial font, 1.5-line spacing and no more than 1 page total. Applications received without a statement of qualifications will not be considered.

• Describe your experience implementing restorative practices to resolve workplace disputes.

Final Filing Date: 10/8/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug—free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.