JOB OPENING: APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED
LEAD WORKSITE MONITOR in AUSTIN, TX
About Workers Defense Project:
Created in 2002, WDP is a statewide, membership-based organization devoted to workers’ rights and
advocacy, chiefly aiming to build power among Texas construction workers. Its mission – to empower
low-income workers to achieve fair employment through education, direct services, organizing, and
strategic partnerships – is accomplished through a network of dedicated staff, volunteers and members.
WDP is one of the few organizations in Texas focused on addressing workplace abuse faced by low-wage
workers. Among the most established worker centers in the South, and a leader in the national
movement of worker centers fighting for fair conditions for working people, WDP has won numerous
awards for its cutting-edge achievements within one of the country’s most difficult climates for
workers. The New York Times described WDP as “one of the most creative organizations for immigrant
workers in the country”.
Each year, WDP serves over 2,500 workers through offices in Austin and Dallas by way of various social
service and organizing programs. WDP concentrates its efforts on winning better work conditions in the
construction industry.
Achievements:
 Recovered over $1,150,000 in back wages for 1,100 low-wage workers through negotiation, legal
and direct action.
 Won 5,000 good construction jobs that pay living wages, include expanded safety protections, and
provide job training to help workers advance in the workplace by signing landmark agreements with
large-scale commercial developers.
 Passed Texas’ first misclassification protection law that imposes fines on employers caught
misclassifying employees on state contracts – protecting not just construction workers, but any
worker employed by a state contractor.
 Won one of the nation’s most progressive economic development policies. To be eligible for tax
incentives from the City of Austin, companies must now agree to ensure higher standards on
construction projects including: living and prevailing wages, OSHA basic safety training, workers’
compensation coverage, protection from misclassification for all workers on the project, and local
hiring incentives from underserved worker populations;
 Passed a statewide wage theft law that allows police departments across Texas to arrest employers
who don’t pay their workers
In unity there is strength
5604 Manor Rd Austin, TX 78723 T: (512) 391-2305 F: (512) 391-2306
534 West 10th St Dallas, TX 75208 T: (972) 479-5080 F: (972) 534-2800
info@workersdefense.org www.workersdefense.org
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 Won a federal OSHA investigation into Texas’ deadly construction industry. Under this initiative,
OSHA conducted nearly 900 inspections throughout the state, resulting in close to 1,500 citations and
fines totaling almost $2 million. Overall the investigation resulted in a 60% increase in construction
safety inspections throughout the state, saving countless lives.
 Won paid rest breaks for Austin’s 60,000 construction workers by holding a “thirst strike” with WDP
construction worker members and leaders outside of City Hall during the summer.
 Won changes in city contracts to require basic OSHA 10 hour safety trainings for all construction
workers on city-funded sites.
 Trained over 15,000 low-wage workers about their employment rights and how to best defend
them.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Lead Worksite Monitor is an essential component of WDP’s efforts to challenge deadly and unlawful
conditions in the construction industry through the Better Builder Program. The Lead Worksite Monitor
will monitor construction sites for compliance with Better Builder standards and Davis Bacon and
Related Acts standards. The Lead Worksite Monitor will communicate regularly with both workers and
contractors to ensure that all stakeholders understand and abide by relevant wage and hour law, labor
law, occupational health and safety law, as well as the requirements of the Better Builder Program.
When irregularities are identified on a worksite, the Lead Worksite Monitor will work closely with
workers, contractors, and other stakeholders to investigate and correct the identified issues. The Lead
Worksite Monitor will collaborate with the Research and Policy Program and Better Builder Program to
ensure that WDP’s monitoring program supports WDP’s campaign work and advances the broader
mission of WDP. The Lead Worksite Monitor will conduct outreach with diverse allies and promote the
leadership development and engagement of WDP members in the organization’s strategic campaigns.
The Lead Worksite Monitor is a full-time, salaried, FLSA-exempt position.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Outreach to industry leaders, local policymakers, and other community stakeholders to
encourage increased participation in and support of the Better Builder Program;
Work with legal counsel to negotiate and implement codes of conduct between WDP and
commercial real estate developers;
Collaborate with certified developers to ensure adherence to Better Builder standards;
Raise awareness about issues impacting the Texas construction workforce by coordinating with
local, statewide, and national media, community, faith and labor organizations, industry
representatives, and local and statewide policymakers;
Coordinate with WDP leadership and organizing staff to design and manage strategic campaigns
to improve working conditions within the commercial construction industry;
Plan and execute press conferences and other public actions as part of strategic campaigns;
Collaborate with WDP organizing staff to educate construction workers about the Better Builder
program and involve construction workers in WDP campaigns and political advocacy; and
Coordinate with and supervise other program staff.
In unity there is strength
5604 Manor Rd Austin, TX 78723 T: (512) 391-2305 F: (512) 391-2306
534 West 10th St Dallas, TX 75208 T: (972) 479-5080 F: (972) 534-2800
info@workersdefense.org www.workersdefense.org
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
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Commitment to social justice, furthering workers’ rights;
Mission-driven and passionate about WDP’s organizing model;
OSHA-30 certified, or willingness to receive OSHA-30 certification;
Written and spoken fluency in English and Spanish;
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, internet;
Ability to work independently and juggle multiple responsibilities;
Excellent time management, organization, administrative skills;
Close attention to detail;
Must own an insured vehicle and be willing to occasionally travel statewide;
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations (immigrant construction workers,
contractors, representatives of government agencies, community stakeholders, etc.);
Ability to publicly and professionally represent WDP;
Dependable and efficient employee, willing to put in extra time and effort to meet urgent
deadlines;
Ability to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends;
One to two years of community organizing experience (Preferred).
COMPENSATION:
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Competitive Salary;
Full employer-covered health insurance;
Paid vacation and sick leave;
Maternity/paternity leave;
403b Retirement Plan for qualified employees.
How to apply: Send resume, cover letter, and two references to Stephanie Gharakhanian, at
stephanie@workersdefense.org. Position will remain open until filled.
WDP is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, immigrants, female, and
LBGTQ individuals to apply.
In unity there is strength
5604 Manor Rd Austin, TX 78723 T: (512) 391-2305 F: (512) 391-2306
534 West 10th St Dallas, TX 75208 T: (972) 479-5080 F: (972) 534-2800
info@workersdefense.org www.workersdefense.org