Job Posting: Assistant Chief

Department of Industrial Relations

JC-536162
-
Assistant Chief
ASST CHIEF OF LABOR STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT

$10,138.00 - $11,511.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 12/1/2026

Job Description and Duties

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.

The vision of the Retaliation Complaint Investigation Unit (RCI) is to establish a presence in the minds of those who fight for justice and those who retaliate, the Labor Commissioner's Retaliation Complaint Investigation Unit promptly investigates complaints of retaliation to achieve remedies for the victims and to penalize those who retaliate. Through enforcement and education, the Unit protects and empowers workers to encourage their fight for justice, while deterring employers from engaging in unlawful adverse actions.

Under the general direction of the Labor Commissioner and Deputy Chief, the Assistant Chief administers, plans, directs and executes the statewide activities of a Program and any applicable subprograms in alignment with the trauma-informed approach. The incumbent is responsible for assisting the Labor Commissioner and Deputy Chief in evaluating industry trends and demographic workforce shifts and the impact this has on public access to LCO resources, operational flows and general access to enforcement resources. The Assistant Chief will represent the Division at meetings with executive level representatives of industry stakeholders, community leaders and enforcement partners. The Assistant Chief develops, implements and oversees strategic plans for review by the Labor Commissioner and Deputy Chief, to increase compliance, worker education, operational efficiencies and cross program collaborations. The strategic plan will incorporate an internal skill strengthening and team building plan that facilitates collaborative enforcement efforts and contributes to building a productive work environment that promotes LCO vision, mission and organizational wellbeing. The Assistant Chief will develop and administer policies and procedures as directed to by the Labor Commissioner and Deputy Chief. The Assistant Chief will develop reports, monitor activity and engage with the legislature pursuant to legislative mandates and inquiries.

The Assistant Chief will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the Mission and the Vision of the Labor Commissioner's Office. This position is part of the executive leadership team of the Labor Commissioner and is expected to demonstrate a commitment to the Mission and her Vision of the LCO, excellent communication skills, problem-solving skills, an empathetic approach to stakeholders, and a strategic vision for the work of the Program.

The incumbent must have a sympathetic understanding of labor problems; sound judgment; reliability; impartiality; tact; firmness; patience; neat personal appearance; and a willingness to travel and be able to work irregular hours. The incumbent must possess good decision making skills, strong leadership ability, initiative, and resourcefulness to complete tasks. Confidentiality and discretion are required due to the nature of the documents and information being handled.

All applicants who took the exam prior to 9/16/2026 must take the exam again by the final file date to re-establish list eligibility.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3

To be considered for this Assistant Chief of Labor Standards Enforcement job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin: 

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=5557

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Travel irregular work hours required.

This position is located Statewide:

• Bakersfield: 7718 Meany Ave Bakersfield, CA 93308.
• San Bernardino: 464 W. Fourth Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401.
• El Centro: 1550 W. Main St., El Centro, CA 92243.
• San Diego: 7575 Metropolitan Dr., San Diego, CA 92108.
• Fresno: 770 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710.
• San Jose: 224 Airport Parkway, San Jose, CA 95110.
• Lodi: 3021 Reynolds Ranch Parkway, Lodi, California 95240.
• San Francisco: 455 Golden Gate Ave.,San Francisco, CA 94102-7002.
• Long Beach: 1500 Hughes Way Long Beach, CA 90810.
• Santa Ana: 2 MacArthur Place Santa Ana, CA 92707.
• Los Angeles: 320 W. Fourth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
• Oxnard: 1901 North Rice Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030.
• Oakland: 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612.
• Santa Maria: 110 S. Lincoln St., Santa Maria, CA 93458.
• Redding: 250 Homestead Drive, 2nd Floor, Redding, CA 96002.
• Santa Rosa: 50 "D" Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
• Sacramento: 2031 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825.
• Van Nuys: 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401.
• Salinas: 950 E. Blanco Rd., Salinas, CA 93901.
• Riverside: 3737 Main St., Riverside, CA 92501.

This position available can be filled in one location based on the selected candidate’s choice.

Work Conditions: Field work is required within the State when visiting field offices, and attending or conducting trainings. Travel may be via land or air and may require overnight stay. The incumbent will be using a state vehicle, laptop computer, printer, cellular phone, and other equipment necessary to stay in touch with field offices and their staff. The assigned state vehicle will be parked at a departmental-designated location.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-536162
Position #(s):
400-000-9538-XXX
Working Title:
Assistant Chief
Classification:
ASST CHIEF OF LABOR STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT
$10,138.00 - $11,511.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

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.

Electronic Submission of Applications preferred. Application Packages maybe submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov/ Applications must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on or before the above final filing date.

Please only submit ONE application. Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 and application package to the mailing address provided in the “Application Instructions” section below and ensure the following:

Clearly indicate the Job Code #, Position Number and the Title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.

  • Clearly indicate the basis of your eligibility (cert, transfer, reinstatement, etc.) in the “Explanations” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.
  • Remove and do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678. This page is for examination use only.
  • Do not include your full Social Security Number on your documents and/or do not provide any LEAP information.
Department Website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how the candidate’s education, training, experience and skills qualify them for the position. The Statement serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing and must be typed, double spaced, not more than two pages in length, no less than 12 point font and address the following questions. Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered.

1. Describe your personal mission and how it fits in with the mission of LCO.

2. Describe an example of a time when you were responsible for developing and implementing a strategic plan involving multiple geographies to achieve a specific goal.

3. Describe your experience and approach to coaching, leading or mentoring team members.

4. Describe your experience collaborating with external partners and stakeholders.

Resumes DO NOT take the place of the Statement of Qualifications.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 12/1/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Industrial Relations
Cert Mailing Address Sacramento
Attn: Human Resources/Certs Unit
1416 9th Street, 13th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Industrial Relations
Cert Drop Off Address Sacramento
Human Resources/Certs Unit
1416 9th Street, 13th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see Special requirements section of the posting for instructions on the Statement of Qualifications.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

A sympathetic understanding of labor problems; sound judgment; reliability; impartiality; tact; firmness; patience; neat personal appearance; and willingness to travel and work irregular hours.
  • Knowledge of programs, policies, and procedures of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement and the Department of Industrial Relations.
  • Knowledge of the principles of personnel management, training, and supervision.
  • Knowledge of a manager’s/supervisor’s responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion.
  • Knowledge of a manager’s/supervisor’s responsibility to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
  • Knowledge of State and related Federal labor laws and orders of the Industrial Welfare Commission.
  • Knowledge of purposes and trends of employee and employer organizations.
  • Knowledge of terminology used in various occupations.
  • Knowledge of labor and employment conditions and trends in California.
  • Knowledge of occupations and their requirements and employment procedures.
  • Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of principles and theories of administrative law and judicial review of administrative actions.
  • Knowledge of legal terms and forms commonly used in civil procedures.
  • Knowledge of methods and techniques for effective leadership.
  • Knowledge of training methods and audit principles.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration.
  • Knowledge of manager’s/supervisor’s responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
  • Knowledge of budget preparation and control.
  • Knowledge of administrative survey techniques and their application.
  • Knowledge of fundamentals of report preparation on data processing equipment.
  • Effective leadership capabilities.
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
  • Conflict prevention and resolution skills.
  • Organizational change management skills.
  • Leading and working with teams.
  • Critical thinking, analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Organizational, time management, and case management skills.
  • Mathematical, research, and investigative skills.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
  • Comprehensive health benefits package with medical, dental, and vision options.
  • Sick leave, vacation leave, or annual leave options available.
  • Retirement plan through CalPERS. Other retirement options include 401(k) and/or 457(b) participation through State of California Savings Plus program.
  • Public transportation subsidy and pre-tax parking program options.
  • The personal satisfaction of knowing that you impact the daily lives of wage earners in California.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Certification Unit
(800) 564-0771
cert@dir.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Diversity and Inclusion Office
(916) 559-6999
DIO@dir.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Information

Preference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.

Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification.

If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.

Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at (800) 564-0771.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: DIR Applicant Survey

DIR Mission and Core Values

Our mission is to protect and improve the welfare and working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR is also committed to ensuring that all employers comply with labor laws in California to support a fair and thriving business environment.

Integrity - We fulfill the promise of our mission through fair, honest and ethical behavior.

Service - We are committed to responsibly serving the public and value their trust.

Respect - We treat others with dignity, courtesy and consideration.

Quality - We take pride in providing the public with accurate and timely services.

Transparency - We conduct ourselves with openness and accountability in all aspects of our work.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job