Employment Standards Special Program Manager

About the Department

Join L&I's Mission to Protect Washington's Workforce!

Please note: The entire compensation range for this Washington Management Service Band is $82,344-$146,784. For this position the anticipated range is $97,428-$139,440. Starting compensation will be dependent on chosen applicant's knowledge, skills, abilities and experience. 

L&I's Employment Standards Special Programs in the Division of Labor Standards (DLS) administers and enforces a broad portfolio of specialized labor protections that keep Washington workers safe, fairly paid, and treated with dignity on the job. This includes Hospital Staffing, Hospital Meal and Rest Breaks and Overtime Protections, Child Labor, Farm Labor Contracting, Pregnancy Accommodations, Transportation Network Companies, Protected Leave, Isolated Worker, Adult Entertainer, and Warehouse Worker/Quotas standards.

We're looking for an experienced, strategic leader to serve as our Employment Standards Special Programs Manager. Reporting to the Deputy Assistant Director of DLS, this position leads a team of 48 FTEs and oversees an $11.2 million biennial operating budget, directing statewide policy development, rulemaking, legislative activity, and compliance enforcement across this full range of programs. This role also carries lead responsibility for implementing Engrossed Second Substitute Bill 5217 (ESSB 5217).

If you're an executive-level leader who thrives on translating complex labor law into clear statewide policy, building high-performing teams, and navigating high-stakes, high-visibility decisions — this could be your next career move.

This position is based in a traditional office environment, working a standard Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule. Teleworking is available in accordance with agency policy and operational needs, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet business demands. Occasional travel to field offices and other locations for meetings and consultations is required.

Position Duties

As the Employment Standards Special Programs Manager, you will:

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direct the operations of the Employment Standards Special Programs team, ensuring service delivery aligns with agency policy and applicable law.
• Oversee statewide administration and enforcement of Hospital Staffing, Hospital Meal and Rest Breaks and Overtime Protections, Child Labor, Farm Labor Contracting, Pregnancy Accommodations, Transportation Network Companies, Protected Leave, Isolated Worker, Adult Entertainer, and Warehouse Worker/Quotas programs.
• Recommend legal actions, request legal advisory support, and develop and propose department-sponsored legislation, including review of and commentary on externally proposed legislation.
• Direct rule promulgation, training, technical support, and policy development for programs statewide.
• Make final decisions on the issuance of labor violation determinations (Notices of Assessment and Determinations of Compliance) and facilitate resolution through mediation and negotiation.
• Manage human resources, budget, and operational functions for program staff, including recruitment, classification, training, performance management, and — when necessary — disciplinary action.
• Develop and recommend the biennial budget and monitor implementation of adopted budgets, including a $2 million biennial budget for Attorney General legal costs.
• Serve as a key public affairs contact, building and maintaining relationships with media, stakeholders, appointed boards and committees, and public and private officials.
• Lead highly sensitive, political, or controversial projects and programs on behalf of the division.
• And much more!

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in public or business administration, or a closely related field. Additional qualifying experience substitutes for education at a rate of one year of experience per year of education.
• Demonstrated competency in L&I's core areas, these are:

L&I Core Competencies:

• Safety - Understands and is fully committed to creating and maintaining a positive safety culture by behaving safely.
• Customer-Centered Actions - Focused on understanding and meeting customers’ needs.
• Treats Others With Respect and Courtesy - Respects and values others at all times.   
• Accountability and Dependability - Acts within guidelines and accomplishes job assignments; accepts personal responsibility.  Performs duties in a way that reflects public service accountability.
• Managing For Results - Establishes and communicates mission-centered performance expectations, monitors outcomes, assesses progress, and takes action. 
• Leadership - Commits to the agency mission.  Plans, takes charge, and inspires people through example.  Uses standard work and visual management.  Observes and responds to visual measures with problem solving coaching, needed tools and resources, and removal of barriers.   
• Communication - Conveys clear, concise, timely and persuasive messages that positively influence thoughts and actions of others.  
• Relationship Building - Builds and maintains effective working relationships characterized by openness, honesty, mutual respect, shared commitment, and clear responsibility.  
• People Management - Maximizes employee talents and success in order to achieve agency goals.

DESIRED:

• At least four years of progressively responsible experience managing and administering a government program, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Strong understanding of state and federal labor law, with experience in negotiation and mediation related to compliance activities.
• Experience with or knowledge of the legislative process, including reviewing, advising on, and implementing legislation.
• Familiarity with state government operations, risk management, personnel management, policy development, budget administration, and rule development.
• Skill in managing and leading teams, developing and monitoring budgets, facilitating group meetings, and solving complex operational problems.

Ability to:

Plan, integrate, and direct a broad range of complex state agency services and programs; define complex public policy, management and operational issues; perform complex analyses and research; evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations; present proposals and recommendations clearly and logically in public meetings; understand, interpret, explain, and apply state and federal laws and regulations governing the conduct of program operations; evaluate, develop, and implement management systems, policies, and controls; exercise expert, independent judgment within general   policy guidelines; prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports and other written materials; establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, all levels of agency management, other governmental officials, community and civic organizations, employee organizations, employees, the media and the public; exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with highly sensitive political, public policy, community, and employee issues and situation.

Other Competencies:

• Understanding of Federal requirements concerning labor laws (US Department of Labor)
• Communicate effectively
• Support, coach, mentor, and train agency workforce
• Conduct public presentations, strategic planning, constituency contacts, and service
• Analyze statistical and budget information
• Interpret statutes, rules, and policies
• Assimilate and apply information to timely problem-solving and decision making
• Ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities
• Ability to represent the agency on labor law issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Managerial/Supervisory experience 
• Understanding of Federal requirements (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Strategic organizational planning
• Performance management
• Federal and state budgeting process
• Statistical analysis
• Human resource management

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

This position has direct access to credit, criminal history, and financial information and requires successful completion of a background check. Applicants, employees, and volunteers in positions with this designation may not hold the role if they have a conviction for certain crimes against property, government, or people, as outlined in Employee Policy 3.02's Background Check Guidance.

Bring your leadership, legal and technical expertise, and passion for workers' rights to L&I!

Apply today and help us protect Washington's workforce.

Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a candidate who brings a balance of executive leadership, legal/technical judgment, and people skills. Specifically, you'll need to be able to:

• Interpret and apply complex state and federal labor laws and regulations with sound, independent judgment.
• Lead and develop a large, geographically dispersed team, including setting performance expectations and coaching for improvement.
• Develop and manage complex program budgets independently.
• Navigate legislative processes, including reviewing, advising on, and implementing current and proposed legislation.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, in writing and verbally, with audiences ranging from field staff to executive leadership and the media.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in highly sensitive political, public policy, and employee matters.
• Analyze statistical and budget data to produce meaningful, actionable insights.
• Negotiate and mediate disputes to reach fair, defensible resolutions.

Other Qualifications

Things You Need To Know  

State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.

At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief videoand learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

Application process 

We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

Please include the following documents with your application:

Background Check Notice:

Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.  

Other information

Did You Know?

Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s [email protected].

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
 

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more Information

If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact the recruiter, Steve Camerer at [email protected]

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov