Compliance Investigator I

THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO ONLY.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 2026

We are planning to fill six vacancies with this posting. These positions are intended to be 100% remote.

The applicants hired under this announcement will be assigned to training teams and supervisors. Once the training period is complete the employees will be transferred to a final team and supervisor based on business need.

The Department of Labor and Employment keeps Colorado strong and competitive. We connect workers with great jobs and assist those who have been injured on the job. We help people who are unemployed through no fault of their own by providing temporary wage replacement and we ensure fair labor practices. We provide an up-to-date and accurate picture of the economy that helps in decision making. And we protect the workplace – and Colorado communities – with a variety of consumer protection and safety programs.

This is a values-driven organization, committed to accountability, agility, collaboration, and respect. We believe in outstanding customer service, an inclusive culture, continued process improvement and in our role as a trusted and strategic partner. Recognizing that knowledgeable employees drive our success, we are seeking dedicated individuals who exhibit our shared values and our passion for quality and excellence in all we do.

In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer excellent benefits:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans 
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• MotivateMe employee wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces
• RTD EcoPass Commuter Program
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information go to https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs

Our agency website: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

CDLE has implemented a pilot program on March 1st, 2022 which will award Disability Hiring Preference Points similar to the Veterans’ Preference Points program. During your application process you will be asked if you would like to be considered for either of these programs for additional points in the hiring process. To learn more about Disability Hiring Preference and what will be required to participate, please visit our website: https://sites.google.com/state.co.us/disability-hiring-preference/home

PLEASE NOTE: With the beginning of this program, CDLE will no longer accept attachments of any kind with applications. Please be as thorough as possible in documenting your education and work history in the application system. Attachments will not be accepted or considered during any phase of the hiring process including minimum qualification screening, comparative analysis, or interviews.

Classification: H6K2TX – Compliance Investigator I 

Salary Information:

Summary of Position:

This position is a fully operational compliance investigator, processing wage-and-hour complaints and inquiries received by the Division (collectively, “cases”). This position conducts investigations into compliance with regulations and standards, and the position’s work involves identifying, collecting, analyzing, and summarizing evidence to determine whether a violation has been or is being committed. 

This position reviews and analyzes cases. This position determines how to conduct the case investigation and what action to take as a result. This position determines what information is required from the parties involved in the case. Parties involved may include claimants, employers, attorneys, employee and employer representatives and organizations. Within limits set by the specific process, the investigator decides what operation is required to carry out and complete the case investigation. During and after the case investigation, this position is responsible for collecting and maintaining all relevant case documentation. 

Upon completion of the investigation, this position issues the appropriate determination and orders all applicable wages, fines, and penalties. The position’s determination is reviewed for accuracy, legal analysis, writing, etc., and, once approved, is sent to the parties involved in the case. If the position’s determination is not appealed to the Division’s hearing officer, it is considered the Division’s final agency decision. The position’s determinations are subject to review through the Division’s appeals process and the Colorado court system. 

This position also provides education to claimants and their representatives, employers and business organizations, and other private and public/governmental entities within the State of Colorado. This position may provide outreach and presentations to the community regarding rights and responsibilities when a request is received and approved by management. This position answers calls on the Division's call center.

Experience Only:

Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position (please review the job description section above), performing either: investigations; research and/or writing that is on a specific law or policy, or at the graduate school level; teaching; training; and/or outreach on complex subject matter.

Please be sure to clearly document your professional experience on your application, including detailing: your duties in each role; the number of years and months in each; and whether each was full-time, or if not, the number of hours in each. You can include unpaid work (internships, volunteer work, etc.) that you see as relevant professional experience.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience (following the guidelines above) in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to five (5) years.

Required Competencies: 

• Communication: Comfortable articulating complex information and subject matter to a wide audience in writing and verbally, and can do so effectively and in a timely manner.
• Critical Thinking: Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Takes initiative in identifying existing and potential challenges. Confidently considers solutions and presents options.
• Transparency and Accountability: Embraces government transparency and accountability to the program, the team, and the general public.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Is able to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information, and use sound reasoning to arrive at decisions.
• Customer- and Team-Focused: Approaches work with a collaborative, customer-centered mindset.
• Driving Results: Ability to meet organizational goals as well as customer expectations. Ability to coordinate several competing priorities within strict time constraints and ensure effective performance.
• Technical skills: Quickly learn relevant software, systems, and tools. Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Workspace.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience investigating cases or claims under labor laws, or other laws & regulations, including gathering statements, documents, and information from claim parties; drafting and sending notices; communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, with claim parties from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience writing important decisions explaining investigative findings including interpreting and applying laws, rules, or regulations to facts and evidence submitted; experience analyzing facts and evidence to make a written determination and resolve a claim.
• Experience managing a high-volume claim load with multiple time-sensitive deadlines to timely and efficiently produce claim resolutions; reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing various wage and time employer records that may be submitted in a number of formats.
• Experience performing duties similar to those assigned to the position as a classified State of Colorado employee.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a Colorado resident at time of application.
• We are planning to fill six vacancies with this posting. These positions are intended to be 100% remote.
• The applicants hired under this announcement will be assigned to training teams and supervisors. Once the training period is complete the employees will be transferred to a final team and supervisor based on business need.
• You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process.

Appeal Rights: 

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact: [email protected]

Minimum Qualification Screening

A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application, CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process.

SAVE THE DATE: The comparative analysis portion of this recruitment will require all qualifying applicants to complete an online skills assessment. This assessment is currently scheduled to take place from August 25th, 2026 to 11:59PM on September 1st. However, these dates are subject to change based on the needs of the recruitment.

This exam will feature 40 questions with a time limit of 60 minutes to complete. This exam measures the candidate's attention to detail. The test covers topics including finding errors, word analysis, and word meaning.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit with your application materials. Therefore, it is extremely important to document in the work experience/job duties portion of your online application the extent to which you possess the education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement. It is also important to thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions on the application completely and thoughtfully. Your answers may be rated based on your writing ability (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing) as well as the content of your answer.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE AND/OR FUTURE VACANCIES

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Work Visas

CDLE does not sponsor Work Visas of any type.

Applicant Use Of AI

The use of AI tools to aid in preparing application materials is allowed under the condition that the applicant independently verifies and confirms the information's accuracy before submission. Applicants are fully accountable for the content of their submissions and must ensure the safe and ethical use of any AI tools. Furthermore, active and direct participation in the interview process is required.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Sean Montoya, at [email protected]. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For all other inquiries about this recruitment effort, please call 303-318-8200.

While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.