Director, Bureau of Labor Standards

Maine Department of Labor

October 22, 2024

Overview

The Maine Department of Labor seeks a Director for the Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS). The Director, in consultation with the Commissioner, provides strategic vision and operational guidance for the Bureau. The Bureau helps workers and businesses make their worksites safer; enforces worker protections including: minimum wages, child labor and other labor laws; and gathers information on the evolving landscape of work in Maine including trends like remote work.

Job Responsibilities

The Director reports directly to the Commissioner and oversees all Bureau operations including hiring and supervising key personnel. There are three Divisions, plus an Outreach and Education Coordinator and the State Monitor Advocate, who guarantee appropriate services for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers.
- Divisions:
  - Wage and Hour Division
  - Workplace Safety and Health Division
  - Research and Statistics Division
The Director has a unique statutory responsibility for implementation and enforcement of Maine’s employment protections and standards and is required to serve as a member of the Board of Occupational Safety and Health.
The Director represents the Department on committees, panels, meetings, and testifying before legislative committees.
The Director helps develop policy, legislation and rules as needed for those areas within the Bureau’s jurisdiction.
The Director monitors the performance and effectiveness of the various programs and activities of the Bureau and supports the senior staff in designing new processes or mechanisms for achieving Bureau and Department goals.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Working knowledge of employment law, rules, policies and procedures.
A demonstrated track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with with employers, employees and their advocacy organizations.
Ability to process and synthesize complex information received in wide a variety of forms and channels.
Experience managing staff and multiple projects and a history of achieving programmatic goals.
Ability to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) including strong active listening, and problem solving skills, with varied audiences such as: the general public, legislators, employers, employees, and department staf

This is an appointed position.