Wage Hearing Officer

Under the direction of the Deputy Labor Commissioner Supervisor (Senior Deputy) in the Wage Claims Adjudication (WCA) program, the Deputy Labor Commissioner II proactively investigates and adjudicates claims to verify and determine compliance with labor laws.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and adjudicate wage claims to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Write decisions or orders based on evidence presented at hearings to enforce labor laws.
• Handle cases in a timely manner under relevant laws and Division policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.
• To gain employment list eligibility, applicants must take and pass the relevant exam. Exam bulletin available here.
• If using education to meet minimum qualifications, upload a copy of your degree or transcripts with your application.

Pay

$7,100.00 - $9,494.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). More details available here.

Schedule

Permanent, full-time position.

Working Conditions

This position is located in the Salinas office:

950 E. Blanco Rd, Suite 240
Salinas, CA 93901

Telework: In office.

Department Information

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, and medical care and other benefits for injured workers.

The mission of the California Labor Commissioner's Office is to ensure a just day's pay in every workplace in the State and to promote economic justice through robust enforcement of labor laws. By combating wage theft, protecting workers from retaliation, and educating the public, we put earned wages into workers' pockets and help level the playing field for law-abiding employers. This office is also known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE).

This position is in the Wage Claims Adjudication Unit. Learn more about this program.