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Investigator I (#MBAA01)
$37,265.00 Yearly Min / $46,581.00 Yearly Mid / $55,897.00 Yearly Max


Investigator II (#MBAA02)
$42,195.00 Yearly Min / $52,744.00 Yearly Mid / $63,293.00 Yearly Max


Investigator III (#MBAA03)
$47,778.00 Yearly Min / $59,723.00 Yearly Mid / $71,668.00 Yearly Max


Investigative Supervisor (#MBAA04)
$54,100.00 Yearly Min / $67,625.00 Yearly Mid / $81,150.00 Yearly Max




Description of Occupational Work

Investigators conduct investigations of alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules and regulations such as abuse, neglect, mistreatment, financial exploitation, fraud, licensing violations or misconduct.  Investigators provide findings that routinely result in administrative, civil or criminal action.

Employees conduct investigations by gathering, controlling and evaluating evidence; interviewing witnesses, complainants, victims or other parties; conducting on-site inspections; determining relevant information and recommending action, which may include taking enforcement action, based on findings.  Work includes testifying and presenting investigative findings and evidence to boards, commissions, administrative bodies or courts.  Employees also independently issue corrective orders, citations, fines, enforcement notices or consent agreements; or approve/deny permits or licenses.  A significant aspect of work includes interpreting, explaining and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.  Work requires skill in communicating with a variety of individuals to obtain and relay sensitive and confidential information over the phone, electronically and in person.

Note: This career ladder series incorporates levels I and II.  Based on the level of work applicable to the employing agency and functional area, positions can be allocated up to level II.  The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series and includes performing routine work under close supervision, with opportunity for growth. This does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels.  To implement the career ladder, current employees are assigned to the level for which they meet job requirements and promotional standards. The promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that identify, measure, and verify successful performance at each level.  The advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's or department's operational needs and distribution of work.

The Investigator III and Investigative Supervisor levels, although not part of the career ladder, provide competitive opportunity for movement of employees.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Conducts investigations of alleged or probable violations or compliance issues by identifying, obtaining, verifying, and analyzing relevant information or evidence.

  • Collects, controls, and evaluates evidence such as physical, financial, background, and other records, documents and items. 

  • Formulates questions and conducts interviews to obtain information and ascertain facts from witnesses, complainants, victims or other parties. 

  • Interprets, explains and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.

  • Makes judgments after evaluating all available facts and recommends appropriate action to authorities, commissions, or technical supervisors, and may take enforcement action as necessary. 

  • Uses commercial and proprietary automated information systems, computer software, and the internet to research, document, verify and report on investigative/intelligence data and related information.

  • Documents details of all calls, emails, inquiries, interviews, and other interactions during the investigation and may be assigned to respond to hotlines.

  • Prepares and submits investigative reports that clearly and accurately document findings, supporting facts, and action taken.

  • Testifies and presents evidence before boards, commissions, administrative bodies, or courts.

  • Delivers excellent customer service to internal and external customers and the public in person, electronically, or by written communication.

  • Communicates and interacts effectively with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.

  • May conduct surveillance, undercover investigations, and on-site inspections on assigned cases; and may make arrests or obtain search warrants pertaining to an investigation.  

  • May make recommendations to subpoena information.

Levels of Work

Investigator I  
This is entry level investigation work of alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules and regulations. Employees perform the full range of Essential Functions, completing routine and standardized assignments close supervision.   
  • Receives close supervision from a technical or administrative supervisor; the supervisor provides specific instructions on all assignments, and frequent and detailed review of progress, accuracy, and quality of work.  Supervisory advice or assistance is readily available.    
  • Conducts routine investigations that are limited in scope; assists with more complex investigations and special assignments or projects.   
  • Works directly with the public, vendors, businesses or others to resolve compliance, fraud or licensing issues.
  • Determines appropriate actions to resolve less severe violations or complaints; seeks guidance from higher-level staff on high-profile or severe violations that result in civil, criminal or administrative action.
  • Communicates effectively with state, federal, or other agencies, witnesses, complainants, victims, and the public to ensure all relevant information and documentation is complete and accurate; and obtain, clarify and explain information.  
Investigator II 
This is experienced level investigation work of alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules and regulations.  In addition to work performed by an Investigator I, employees independently perform the full range of Essential Functions under general supervision for both routine and complex investigations.  Examples of factors contributing to complexity include conducting investigations that are long-term, involve substantial dollar amounts or severe cases of alleged violations of law that result in criminal, civil or administrative charges.
  • Receives general supervision from a technical or administrative supervisor; the supervisor provides general direction on all assignments, and regular review of progress, accuracy, and quality of work.  Supervisory advice or assistance is provided as needed.  
  • Conducts and recommends action for investigations that are broader in scope such as those involving multiple state or federal agencies or law enforcement; crossing jurisdictional lines; criminal activity or public safety concerns; interpreting multiple laws, rules, and regulations with various possible solutions, recommendations and actions.
  • Determines priority of investigations based on the severity of the alleged offense, the potential for additional risk, or the potential for public concern.
  • Plans investigations by determining the scope and objectives based on the initial information provided, identifies suspects, witnesses, relevant documents/evidence and prioritizes investigative activities to move case to completion. 
  • May provide on-the-job training, guidance, and direction to staff. 
  • May serve as the team lead when the Investigative Lead or Supervisor is unavailable.  
  • Communicates effectively with state, federal, or other agencies, witnesses, complainants, victims, and the public to coordinate the completion of investigations, provide guidance, education, and information.  
Investigator III
This is lead level investigation work of alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules and regulations.  In addition to work performed by an Investigator II, employees lead a unit of Investigators OR oversee a statewide investigative program on behalf of an agency.  Work is performed with minimal supervision. 
  • Receives minimal supervision from a technical or administrative supervisor; the supervisor defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists the employee with unusual situations.
  • Leads and conducts complex investigations that broadly impact agency or statewide operations, involve serious criminal activity or public safety risks, require a more in-depth investigation or involve sensitive cases. 
  • Serves as a technical expert in assigned investigative areas and a witness on assigned cases.
  • Leads staff by assigning, monitoring and reviewing work and providing on-the-job training, guidance and direction.
  • Makes decisions on how to proceed with investigations, determine violations and document findings.
  • Ensures the quality of work and effective case management and identifies improvements.
  • Ensures coordination of investigations with other internal and external agencies and courts/units to meet agency goals and objectives.
  • Communicates effectively with staff; state, federal, or other agencies; boards, commissions, administrative bodies, or courts to analyze and explain cases and ensure quality control.
Investigative Supervisor
This level supervises investigation work of alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules and regulations.    In addition to work performed by an Investigator III, employees independently supervise Investigators, research and resolve escalated issues, and ensure proper training and development of staff.  Employees are also responsible for ensuring prompt and accessible investigative services.  This level is a working supervisor. 
  • Receives general direction and guidance from an administrative supervisor or higher in terms of broad goals and objectives; employee establishes the methods for achieving goals and objectives and supervises daily operations. 
  • Supervision is exercised over two or more merit full-time Investigator positions per the Merit Rules. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, recommending hire/fire and discipline. 
  • Oversees and approves investigative reports and recommendations, makes decisions on complex or unusual challenges, and may refer complaints for further civil, criminal, or administrative action.  
  • Ensures compliance of investigations with all laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
  • Evaluates investigative operations and performance; makes recommendations such as new or revised processes and procedures that facilitate effectiveness and compliance.
  • Analyzes investigative reports and data prepared by staff, identifies trends, and resolves risk management issues. 
  • Supervises special assignments and projects; determines timelines and goals.
  • Conducts regular staff meetings to ensure deadlines and performance measures are met and monitors workflow to adjust priorities. 
  • Oversees and coordinates participation in community outreach and events. 
  • Communicates effectively with staff; state, federal, or other agencies; boards, commissions, administrative bodies, or courts to resolve complex, high-profile, or unusual investigations and ensure cases are completed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The listed knowledge, skills, and abilities give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSAs listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the needs of every position in the class.  

Note: Employees are not required to be proficient in the KSAs listed in this section at entry, but within six months to one year of performing work as described in each level of work. 

  • Knowledge of investigative methods, techniques, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of legal rights, procedures, and evidence handling and preservation rules.
  • Knowledge of civil, criminal or administrative proceedings.
  • Knowledge of interviewing methods and techniques.
  • Skill in gathering, controlling and evaluating evidence, case documents and records and determining relevant information.
  • Skill in preparing clear and concise reports and documentation of findings.
  • Skill in using computer software and automated information systems to enter, update, retrieve, and report on data.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of internal and external documents and information. 
In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Investigator II requires:
  • Skill in planning, coordinating and conducting complex investigations.
  • Skill in applying interview and evidence-gathering methods and techniques to collect, evaluate and analyze data to make reasoned recommendations.
  • Skill in interpreting, explaining and determining compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
  • Skill in managing and prioritizing cases amid changing priorities. 
  • Skill in providing accurate testimony and presenting evidence based on investigative work, knowledge, and experience.
  • Ability to communicate with individuals tactfully and thoroughly in stressful or sensitive situations.
In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Investigator III requires:
  • Knowledge of developments in new investigative/intelligence systems and best practices in assigned investigative field. 
  • Skill in leading complex investigative operations and programs.
  • Skill in leading staff by providing on-the job training, guidance and direction.
  • Skill in preparing and interpreting a variety of reports.
In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Investigative Supervisor requires:
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
  • Knowledge of policy and procedure development.
  • Skill in recommending investigative action on complex, high-profile and severe violations.
  • Skill in ensuring compliance of investigations with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
  • Ability to set unit priorities, performance standards and monitor outcomes.
  • Ability to assess professional development needs of staff and provide opportunities to maximize their skills.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Investigator I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Coursework, training, and/or work experience in conducting investigations which may include conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence, and documenting findings. 
  2. Six months' experience in data collection such as collecting, compiling and maintaining data from multiple sources such as files, records, databases, customers, staff or others.

    OR

  1. Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Corrections, Law Enforcement, Legal Studies, Criminology, or a related field. 
Office of Animal Welfare only:

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Investigator I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. Coursework, training, and/or work experience in conducting investigations which may include conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence, and documenting findings. 
  2. Six months' experience in data collection such as collecting, compiling and maintaining data from multiple sources such as files, records, databases, customers, staff or others.
OR

  1. Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher in Biology, Environment, Conservation, Veterinary Technician or related field.   


CLASS:
MBAA01
EST:
7/1/1991
REV:
10/22/2023
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
26640

CLASS:
MBAA02
EST:
7/1/1991
REV:
10/22/2023
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
26641

CLASS:
MBAA03
EST:
7/1/1991
REV:
10/22/2023
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
26642

CLASS:
MBAA04
EST:
7/1/1996
REV:
10/22/2023
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
26643