Investigator (INV3)

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values: 

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

Our Transportation Services (TS) team within our Business and Professions Division (BPD) is currently recruiting for two (2) Investigators with the ability to assess, and conduct investigations into industry complaints, while providing education for our customers. 

Our Business & Professions Division (BPD) has 39 business and professional licensing programs and overall manages 42 programs. The Transportation Services team falls under the Central Investigations & Audits Unit (CIAU) and seeks to provide regulatory oversight and promote public safety and welfare under 18 different license types, including but not limited to Vehicle Dealers, Vehicle Manufacturers, Manufactured Homes/Travel Trailers, Off Road Dealers, Miscellaneous Dealers, Vessel Dealers, Vehicle Transporters, Registered Tow Truck Operators, Hulk Haulers, Limousines, For Hire (Taxis) and various others.

 Do you have a knack for independent report writing and strong attention to detail? If so, read on!

As an Investigator with the TS Team, you will be responsible for objectively analyzing consumer complaints, conducting complex investigations regarding alleged violations of statutory law, and documenting subsequent outcomes. Your focus will be to ensure an appropriate response to industry and consumer concerns or complaints. As the expert analyst of each complex investigation conducted, you will ensure that “who, what, when, where, why and how” are consistently and appropriately determined within each program’s scope of authority and jurisdictional boundaries. You’ll maintain professionalism in all matters as a public-facing representative of DOL and connect with the community by providing education to industry partners, as you independently navigate your workload and attempt to assist DOL customers along the way. With a strong commitment to great service, you’ll advance public safety and consumer protection through licensing, regulation and education.

Some of what you will do:

• Independently plan and conduct complex and sensitive investigations by accurately gathering, analyzing, and interpreting written and oral statements and legal documents. 
• Conduct on-site and remote inspections and certifications of licensees to ensure compliance with statutory place of business requirements for multiple business types.
• Complete complex examinations and audits of business records as they relate to governing regulations and laws in an independent setting.
• Communicate timely, courteously, and effectively to complainants, respondents, witnesses, other programs, partners, and other government agencies.
• Attend and testify truthfully in administrative hearings as needed
• Act as a functional member of the investigations team to assist with assignments necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the agency, division and program.

What you will bring:

• Five (5) years of relevant experience as an investigator with a criminal justice agency, private organization, or any other directly related field
• Three (3) years of field experience.

OR

• Two (2) years of experience as an Investigator 2.

 Experience must include:

• Two (2) years of using analytical skills and a full range of investigative techniques.
• Understanding and interpreting laws, rules, and policy in the course of investigatory duties or enforcement.
• Interpreting and applying RCWs and WACs in the course of investigatory duties or enforcement.
• Using computer software to create, modify, and format Word documents and spreadsheets, find data and work with basic formulas and functions.
• Composing and corresponding to emails in a professional manner.
• Providing customer service and industry awareness to customers and partners by interpreting laws, regulations and standards.

Two (2) years of relevant education may substitute for one (1) year of experience.   

Experience can be obtained concurrently.

What may help set you apart:

• Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and/or other jurisdictions of Vehicle Dealers, Vehicle Manufacturers, Manufactured Homes/Travel Trailers, Off Road Dealers, Miscellaneous Dealers, Vessel Dealers, Vehicle Transporters, Registered Tow Truck Operators, Hulk Haulers, Limousines, or For Hire (Taxis).
• Familiarity with civil court rules, agency policy, and state law governing the release of public records.
• One (1) year of experience effectively testifying in legal proceedings.
• Experience in mentoring and assisting other staff regarding work subjects.

Additional conditions of employment:

• Must have the ability to travel in Washington state up to 40% of the time, including overnight stays at times.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Salary : $67,716 - $88,800