Policy Advisor (OPA2)

Policy Advisor (OPA2)

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is proud to be an equal opportunity; affirmative action employer committed to workforce diversity. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S community members, and others to apply.

BOLI, The Prevailing Wage Rate (PWR) Unit is seeking a Policy Advisor to support and strengthen Oregon's PWR enforcement program, which plays a critical role in protecting thousands of workers and employers across the state. This permanent hybrid position (with occasional onsite work required) is an essential contributor to BOLI's mission to enforce labor laws, protect workers' rights, prevent discrimination, and advance workforce development. The selected candidate may work from the Portland, Salem, or Eugene office.

Note: Bilingual Preferred, while bilingual skills are not required, we encourage bilingual applicants to apply. We serve diverse communities and value the ability to communicate with people in their preferred language.

Here's What You Will Do:

• Evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the PWR Unit's enforcement and compliance activities.
• Develop policy recommendations, long-range plans, and operational strategies for leadership.
• Conduct research, audits, data analyses, and process evaluations to identify system needs.
• Lead development of training, resources, program guidance, and internal tools for PWR staff.
• Participate in legislative analysis and concept development related to PWR enforcement.

This Is What You Need To Qualify:

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for knowledge and skills; and two years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.

OR

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to five years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification Note: the specific type of experience or education requirements will be listed by the recruiting agency based on the position under recruitment

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess A Combination Of Some Or All The Following Skills: (Desire Attributes)

• Advanced analytical abilities, including proficiency in program evaluation, data analysis, and performance measurement techniques.
• Demonstrated experience developing policies, procedures, workflows, and operational improvement plan within a regulatory or compliance driven environment.
• Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to produce clear reports, policy guidance, training materials, and process documentation for varied audiences.
• Proven experience coordinating cross functional initiatives, leading workgroups, facilitating meetings, and implementing program tools or systems.
• Working knowledge of labor laws, compliance program operations, administrative rule enforcement, or public sector regulatory frameworks.

Why Join Us

Our mission...

Led by Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson, the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) work to ensure that Oregon jobs are good jobs, where workers get paid what they are owed and have a discrimination-free work environment. BOLI protects workers' rights through enforcement of state labor laws, ensures adherence to civil rights law in public spaces and housing, promotes the development of a highly skilled workforce through registered apprenticeship programs, and provides training and confidential assistance to Oregon employers so they have the tools they need to comply with workplace rules.

Working Conditions

This position operates under a flexible work schedule. Daily contact via phone, email, mail, and/or in-person with employees, employers, witnesses and others who may be hostile, angry or otherwise emotionally volatile. Must be able to maintain objectivity, negotiate and resolve adversarial and emotional disputes with tact and diplomacy. Position requires occasional evening and/or weekend work and occasional travel to perform field work that may involve overnight. Drivers' license valid in the state of Oregon and acceptable driving record is required. A valid Oregon driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required for occasional work-related travel.

What's In It For You

• Permanent, full-time employment, Union Represented SEIU
• Work/life balance and flexibility; with hybrid, and onsite schedules
• Vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays a year, and personal days off
• Bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay
• Competitive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental
• Pension and retirement programs
• Employee Resources
• Advancement opportunities within BOLI and other State agencies
• Opportunity to expand your technical and professional skills
• Work with others who are passionate about public service
• Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

How To Apply

Please Note: Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM PDT/PST on Monday, July 8, 2026.

• Click "Apply" above to complete your online application by the posted closing date and time.
• Your application materials must clearly show how your work experience and/or education meet the minimum qualifications and the desired skills listed.
• All applicants (internal and external) must submit a resume and a cover letter demonstrating how you meet all minimum qualification and attributes listed above. Failure to submit the required resume and cover letter may remove your application from consideration. Workday does not substitute for the application requirements.
• Your cover letter must show how your experience and training align with the minimum qualifications and required skills listed in the post. Information in the cover letter will not be accepted as a substitute for job experience that is not listed in your resume. "Generic cover letters may receive lower scores"
• The information in your resume and cover letter will be used to determine which candidates move forward in the process.
• Please do not include pictures in your application materials. Applications that do not meet this requirement will be deemed ineligible for consideration as they do not meet the requirements of the posting.
• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. These may include the public records request authorization and the gender identity questionnaire, and they must be completed before the recruitment closes. Current State of Oregon employees will receive these tasks in their Workday inbox.
• After submitting your application, you will also complete a brief checkbox-style questionnaire. Current state employees will see this in their Workday inbox.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement, as it may not be accessible after the posting closes.
• Warning Workday will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity. Use the "Save for Later" function to avoid losing your progress. Your unfinished application will appear in your Workday inbox. Additional Information
• Pay Equity: In accordance with Oregon's Pay Equity Law (2017), a pay equity analysis will determine the step placement for the successful candidate based on documented experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.
• PERS Eligibility: This position qualifies PERS. New PERS members receive a 6.95% salary increase after a six-month waiting period and contribute 6% to PERS. Current PERS members receive a salary that includes the 6.95% employee contribution.
• Background Check: Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a criminal background check. Adverse results may lead to disqualification.
• Work Authorization - BOLI does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants are required to complete US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9 within three days of hire confirming authorization to work in the U.S. BOLI uses E-Verify to confirm the hires are authorized to work in the United States. For more information, please visit Learn more.
• The successful candidate will advance BOLI's guiding principles of integrity, respect, empowerment, and trust. Support and fulfill our mission to make Oregon the best place to live.
• Use of outside resources: The use of external tools, including Artificial Intelligence software, during any part of the application, assessment, or interview process is prohibited. Unauthorized use will result in disqualification.
• This recruitment is established qualified applicants and will be used to fill additional vacancies as they arise.
• Effective January 1, 2026, applicants may not include age-related information (such as graduation dates) in application materials. State employees may need to remove graduation dates from their Workday profile for the application to process correctly. (SB 907 (2025) Compliance)

Employment Preference:

Veterans' preference: Veterans'