Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!
Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

The Department of Labor and Industries and DOSH are looking for a visionary, executive-level leader to direct one of the most impactful public safety programs in the state. As the Statewide Compliance Manager, you will shape the strategy, policy, and execution of Washington’s occupational safety and health enforcement system.

The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) administers Washington’s workplace safety and health laws under agreement with federal OSHA. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for the statewide compliance program, ensuring enforcement is consistent, effective, and grounded in strong science, policy, and law.

We’re seeking a highly experienced leader with deep expertise in compliance, enforcement, and public policy within complex environments. The ideal candidate brings strong systems thinking, sound judgment in high-impact situations, and the ability to communicate effectively across technical, executive, and public audiences. Success in this role requires a collaborative leadership style, the ability to navigate difficult and high-stakes conversations, and a demonstrated commitment to developing people and driving performance. You approach the work with curiosity, a willingness to keep learning, and a genuine commitment to building an inclusive, respectful workplace where people can do their best work.

This role directs the statewide compliance program and influences enforcement affecting over 200,000 employers and 3.6 million workers. It sets enforcement priorities, interprets regulations, and guides high-profile compliance decisions, including potential criminal referrals and major policy implementation.

What You’ll Do

• Provide authoritative leadership for Washington’s Safety & Health Compliance Program
• Advise executive leadership on complex compliance, enforcement, and policy issues
• Lead rulemaking and legislative development efforts
• Develop and maintain statewide compliance policies and enforcement frameworks
• Ensure decisions are grounded in sound science, public policy, and legal defensibility
• Drive data-informed strategies to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses
• Oversee regional enforcement operations, ensuring fairness and consistency
• Develop, manage, and oversee the statewide Compliance Program budget, and influence broader agency and federal funding
• Lead and develop a large, geographically dispersed workforce
• Build partnerships with labor, industry, and government partners
• And other impactful work that supports our mission

Required Qualifications*

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Political or Social Science, Public Safety, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a large, complex occupational safety and health, public safety, or regulatory enforcement organization
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to lead statewide or large-scale programs and deliver results in legally and politically sensitive environments

*Equivalent combinations of education and experience totaling 12+ years may be considered.

Additionally, successful candidates must demonstrate experience in:

• Leading large-scale, multi-region compliance or enforcement programs with consistent, legally defensible outcomes
• Advising executive leadership on complex compliance, enforcement, and public policy matters
• Driving rulemaking and legislative initiatives, from analysis through statewide implementation
• Developing and overseeing statewide policies and enforcement frameworks to ensure consistency and alignment
• Using data, strategy, and sound judgment to improve outcomes and address complex or sensitive issues
• Managing regional operations, large budgets, and resource allocation in alignment with strategic priorities
• Leading and developing a large, geographically dispersed workforce, including performance and coaching
• Building strong partnerships and communicating effectively across diverse partnerships and complex organizations

Required Competencies

• The ability to take action to learn and grow
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
• The ability to provide holistic leadership
• The ability to use adaptive communication
• The ability to engage in systems thinking
• The ability to use sound judgment and decision-making
• The ability to build collaborative relationships

Candidates who stand out will bring:

• Advanced or executive leadership experience in an OSHA State Plan, federal agency, or similar regulatory environment
• A proven record of leading statewide or national safety and health strategy
• Experience advising cabinet-level leaders, governors’ offices, or legislative bodies
• Leadership of high-impact rulemaking or legislative initiatives, especially in complex or emerging areas
• Experience transforming programs through data analytics, modernization, or technology implementation
• Strong partnerships with labor organizations, industry leaders, federal OSHA, and public agencies
• Demonstrated success improving safety outcomes at scale
• Experience managing large, complex budgets and resource portfolios
• A track record of developing senior leaders and high-performing teams
• Recognition as a subject matter expert (publications, presentations, national workgroups, etc.)

Preferred Education:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field

Join us in advancing workplace safety across Washington. Your leadership will directly impact the health and well-being of millions of workers and help shape a system that employers and employees rely on every day.

Things You Need To Know

State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.

At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.6 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

Application process

We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
3. A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Background Check Notice:

Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.

Other information

• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's 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.
• The Department of Labor & Industries 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.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

Did You Know?

Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.

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. For further information, contact L&I’s Jobs@lni.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency’s mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest source of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. People with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more Information

If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact the recruiter, Steve Camerer atcste235@lni.wa.gov

See all of our current L&I DOSH position openings here: Current L&I DOSH open positions