Wage and Hour Specialist

Position Overview

The Wage and Hour Specialist plays a pivotal role as a trusted advisor to senior management within the Wage and Hour Division (WHD), providing expert interpretation of complex wage and hour policies and producing authoritative opinion letters on sensitive, high-profile issues. This position involves crafting comprehensive written materials that clarify and explain controversial agency policies, programs, and research with national implications, thereby supporting the Agency's mission effectively.

Key Duties

• Serve as an expert resource and senior consultant to WHD leadership on interpreting wage and hour regulations and preparing opinion letters.
• Develop and author explanatory documents that address complex and sensitive agency policies, programs, and research outcomes impacting the nationwide WHD operations.
• Lead staff in conducting significant exploratory and developmental studies on interpretive questions and program initiatives to identify challenges and formulate regulatory and interpretive policy options.
• Initiate and oversee approaches to develop authoritative interpretations of WHD statutes, regulations, and policies in response to legislative changes, judicial rulings, or internal reviews.
• Conduct research, prepare technical program documentation, and manage fact-finding, public hearings, and public rulemaking records related to WHD regulations.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 16 years of age.
• Required to obtain necessary security clearance; probationary period applies if requirements are unmet.
• Applicants must have completed 52 weeks of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 Federal Service level.
• Must fulfill the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), possessing at least two of the following specialized competencies:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Federal wage and hour laws, industrial occupations, and wage administration.
  • Proficient in analyzing verbal and written information and numerical data, conducting interviews, reviewing records, and applying legal principles.
  • Skilled in engaging with diverse individuals to explain rights, negotiate conflicts, and encourage compliance voluntarily.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal wage and hour laws regarding wages, work hours, and employment conditions.
• Specialized experience examples include developing or applying policies, conducting interviews, analyzing labor law, reviewing operational procedures, and working in compliance-related roles.
• GS-14 level specialization includes interpreting wage and hour policy, drafting regulations and official guidance, applying judicial decisions, and utilizing analytical and communication skills to produce precise policy instruments.
• No academic degree substitution for specialized experience at this level.

Additional Information

• The mission of the Department of Labor is to safeguard workers' welfare, enhance working conditions, and ensure employment opportunity and protections.
• Employment conditional upon background investigations for access to Department of Labor facilities and sensitive information.
• Potential for multiple vacancies depending on agency requirements.
• Federal hiring incentives and flexibilities may be offered to attract qualified candidates.
• The Fair Chance Act restricts requests for criminal history until after conditional offers, except for specified positions.
• Adherence to the Drug-Free Workplace Program is mandatory.
• Applicants should be dedicated to government efficiency, uphold constitutional principles, and support the rule of law.
• Federal employment provides extensive benefits for employees and their families, varying by employment status.