L&I Investigations Operations Manager-Internal only

L&I Investigations Operations Manager-Internal only

Salary

$72,420.00 - $132,924.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

WMS 26-14

Department

Dept. of Labor & Industries

Division

CSCPS - Investigations

Opening Date

08/19/2026

Closing Date

8/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!

Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

Please note: This position is open to internal L&I employees only.

Join L&Is Mission to Protect Washingtons Workforce!

Please note: The entire compensation range for this Washington Management Service Band is $72,420.00 - $132.924.00 annually. For this position the anticipated range is $81,984.00 - $119,628.00 annually. Starting compensation will be dependent on chosen applicants knowledge, skills, abilities and experience.

The Investigations Operations Manager supports and acts on behalf of the Investigations Program Manager regarding all human resources, budget, and operational needs. The Operations Manager also documents, develops, and facilitates changes and improvements to program work processes and collaborates with the Investigation Training Lead to develop training materials to support their consistent execution for six (6) field unit supervisors within the Investigations Program.

This position fosters and improves interagency relationships, especially with the Department of Revenue and the Employment Security Department to promote more efficient investigations. It serves as support to the Investigations Program Manager as a lead on contact and policy impacts and development in areas affecting investigations with the State Attorney General's Office, county prosecuting attorneys across the state as well as external stakeholders vested in the application of criminal justice tools and operations.

For this position, teleworking is permitted. The duty station of this position may be any of our field offices in Washington State. The frequency of in-office time may be discussed after the selected candidate is chosen. This includes periodically traveling to headquarters in Tumwater, WA. A duty station is the location where a position is assigned, permanent worksite. This position is not eligible to receive King County premium pay, as the duty station is not in King County.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Advise the Program Manager on strategies and actions in the area of human resource management consistent with L&I's Goal 5 (Ensure L&I is the employer of choice).
• Implement internal budget/fiscal policies and procedures
• In partnership with L&ls Administrative Services Division, ensure program space needs are met.
• Analyze and make recommendations to the Program Manager
• Maintain and facilitate necessary revisions to standard work processes for all areas of program operations. As the person designated by the Investigations Program Manager, the Investigations Operations Manager provides direct oversight for fraud discovery methods/systems, investigations access and support systems and statewide training. Compiles, tracks, and evaluates qualitative and quantitative production statistics. Identifies, develops and implements legislative changes impacting the investigations program.
• Work with the Program Manager, business analyst, and executive leadership to analyze program processes to ensure that they meet the needs and goals of its customers - the public and agency employees
• Provide leadership and oversight to Investigations communication functions to both internal staff and external customers. Work closely with the Program Manager, regulations analysts, and program specialists on development of regular communications to inform L&I staff about Investigations Program developments, including the programs partner staff in Customer Service, Compliance & Public Safety Division. Ensure the delivery of clear and concise external messages by assisting regulations analysts, program specialists, outreach staff, and customer service staff to develop Plain Talk communication products
• Provide operational leadership and staff development toward achievement of operational excellence including oversight of professional development programs and resource allocations for training for program staff.
• Represent and act on behalf of the Program Manager as assigned
• And much more!

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Five years of experience working in a law enforcement setting, including any military, federal state, local or tribal law enforcement program recognized by the CJTC in either a lead or supervisory role and Graduation from a nationally accredited Criminal Justice Training Academy or law enforcement training program (Parole Officer/ Community Corrections training acceptable) or its equivalent,

OR

• A minimum of 5 years of supervisory or management or other qualifying experience in law enforcement public administration, workers' compensation or other lines of insurance, state or federal tax compliance, auditing or accounting investigation or related fields.

In Addition:

• Extensive knowledge of personnel administration, legislative relations, and the preparation and administration of budget in state government
• Experience managing staff performance and providing a workplace that recognizes staff achievements, including management experience
• Advanced management principles - leadership, vision, effective communication, policy development, lean culture, continuous improvement, supervisor skills, ability to coach and mentor including decision-making models, staff development methods, facilitation, and change management
• Demonstrated ability to write effective, well-documented, and thorough reports, issue briefs, research studies, and memoranda and convey the results of complex and sensitive analyses to a lay audience

Note*Must be able to successfully pass an FBI background Investigation and subsequent background investigations every year, which includes being fingerprinted.

Note*Must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license.

L&I Core Competencies:

Managing For Results - Establishes and communicates mission-centered performance expectations, monitors outcomes, assesses progress, and takes action.

Leadership - Commits to the agency mission. Plans, takes charge, and inspires people through example. Uses standard work and visual management. Observes and responds to visual measures with problem solving coaching, needed tools and resources, and removal of barriers.

Communication - Conveys clear, concise, timely and persuasive messages that positively influence thoughts and actions of others.

Relationship Building - Builds and maintains effective working relationships characterized by openness, honesty, mutual respect, shared commitment, and clear responsibility.

People Management - Maximizes employee talents and success in order to achieve agency goals.

For a full list of Core Competencies, please request the Position Description Form (PDF).

DESIRED:

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience managing and administering a government program; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Strong understanding of state and federal labor law, with experience in negotiation and mediation related to compliance activities.
• Experience with or knowledge of the legislative process, including reviewing, advising on, and implementing legislation.
• Familiarity with state government operations, risk management, personnel management, policy development, budget administration, and rule development.
• Skill in managing and leading teams, developing and monitoring budgets, facilitating group meetings, and solving complex operational problems.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

This position has direct access to credit, criminal history, and financial information and requires successful completion of a background check. Applicants, employees, and volunteers in positions with this designation may not hold the role if they have a conviction for certain crimes against property, government, or people, as outlined in Employee Policy 3.02s Background Check Guidance.

Bring your leadership, legal and technical expertise, and passion for workers rights to L&I!

Apply today and help us protect Washingtons workforce.

Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens.

What Were Looking For

Were looking for a candidate who brings a balance of executive leadership, legal/technical judgment, and people skills. Specifically, youll need to be able to:

• Interpret and apply complex state and federal labor laws and regulations with sound, independent judgment.
• Lead and develop a large, geographically dispersed team, including setting performance expectations and coaching for improvement.
• Develop and manage complex program budgets independently.
• Navigate legislative processes, including reviewing, advising on, and implementing current and proposed legislation.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, in writing and verbally, with audiences ranging from field staff to executive leadership and the media.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in highly sensitive political, public policy, and employee matters.
• Analyze statistical and budget data to produce meaningful, actionable insights.
• Negotiate and mediate disputes to reach fair, defensible resolutions.

Supplemental Information

Application process

Do not attach or place any medical information in the application, resume, or cover letter. You will need to remove the confidential information before your application is considered.

Learn more about our hiring process on L&I's website.

If you need an accommodation for the application or hiring process, call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

L&I is an equal opportunity employer and doesn't discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

Background Check Notice

Prior to placement in a position at L&I, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. The results might not disqualify candidates. L&I understands some situations may require further explanation. In these situations, candidates will have the opportunity to talk with the L&I Assistant Director of the Office of Human Resources.

Other information

• If you are asked to travel, you must have a valid unrestricted drivers license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• L&I complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers and Date of Birth. For further information, contact L&I's Talent team.

For more Information

If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact April Sharp.

To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for GovDelivery and select L&I job alerts.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• L&I Talent Management Consultant
• L&I Employee
• Professional/Personal Network
• Monster
• College/University Website/Career Fair
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Verg
• Craigslist
• Indeed
• Twitter
• Job Fair (Military)
• Career Fair
• EHS Careers
• American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
• Radio Advertisement
• Newspaper/Magazine
• L&I Website
• Other

02

If you indicated "Other" please specify where you heard about this position.

03

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit?

• Yes
• No

04

PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS.

• I will NOT attach or place any medical information within the application, resume, or cover letter. If I do, I understand that it will be rejected and I may be provided an opportunity to apply again without including my confidential health information, while the posting is still open and applications are being accepted.
• I will not share my medical information with hiring managers or interview panels.

05

This recruitment opportunity is open to current L&I employees only. Are you a current L&I employee?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov