Investigator

State Role Title: Compliance/Safety Officer III

Hiring Range: $45.00 per hour

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Racing Commission

Location: Virginia Racing Commission

Agency Website: www.vrc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC)

The Virginia Racing Commission safeguards the integrity and transparency of the Commonwealth’s horse racing and wagering industries. You will be conducting investigations in order to safeguard public trust and protect the credibility of the racing and gaming sectors. As an Investigator, you will be responsible for upholding the Commission’s regulatory mission. You will be involved with complex investigations and collaborate with legal and enforcement partners to maintain the highest standards of compliance. This position is an exciting opportunity to influence how Virginia’s racing industry operates, ensuring it remains trustworthy, well-regulated, and primed for future growth.

Organizational Objective

Operating under the Virginia Racing Commission, Investigators play a critical role in upholding the integrity of the racing and wagering industry. Their thorough inquiries reveal unqualified or dishonest participants, protecting the public and the sport’s reputation.

Purpose of the Position

The Investigator is responsible for conducting background checks, site visits, interviews, and all aspects of investigative fieldwork. Findings directly inform licensing decisions and potential enforcement actions, ensuring that only qualified and trustworthy entities operate in Virginia’s racing environment. This job requires travel!

Compensation

$45.00 per hour

Core Responsibilities

1. Conduct Investigations

o Undertake background checks, verify financial records, and perform field surveillance as needed.

o Determine the credibility of findings through cross-referencing data and corroborating evidence.

2. Reporting & Documentation

o Compile results into clear, accurate investigative reports for the Investigations Manager’s review.

o Maintain organized case files that meet legal standards for evidence collection.

3. Collaboration with Investigations Manager

o Discuss ongoing cases, share investigative leads, and request support or resources.

o Escalate high-risk or time-sensitive investigations as appropriate.

4. Field Work & Surveillance

o Visit racetracks, off-track betting sites, or other regulated premises to observe operations.

o Use surveillance tools and tactics to confirm compliance or detect violations.

5. Professional Development & Training

o Attend workshops, seminars, or courses to stay informed on new investigative techniques and relevant legal changes.

o Continuously improve personal skill sets, helping ensure the Investigations Unit employs best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Familiarity with investigative procedures, from evidence collection to interview techniques.

• Keen observation and detail-oriented approach, with the ability to interpret complex financial or legal information.

• Strong interpersonal abilities to conduct interviews, build rapport, and effectively communicate investigative findings.

• Proficiency in technology relevant to investigations (databases, surveillance equipment, etc.).

• Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential data.

Additional Considerations

n/a

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Hours of Work

• 29 hours per week (Monday–Friday), may require weekends during the live racing meet.

Number of Positions

• Two (2) vacancies are available under this announcement.

Application Process

• Apply through the Commonwealth’s Recruitment Management System (RMS).

• You may be asked to demonstrate your abilities via skills-based exercises or presentations.

• This posting will remain open until filled.

Conditions of Employment

• Travel may be required for meetings, events or other job duties.

• Employment may be contingent upon passing background checks (e.g., criminal history, reference verification).

• All staff must adhere to confidentiality standards and follow strict protocols for handling sensitive information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status.

Contact Information

Name: Israel Saavedra

Phone: (804) 966-7420

Email: israel.saavedra@vrc.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.