Investigator (INV3)

Salary: $69,744.00 - $91,464.00 Annually Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2025-01113 Department: Dept. of Licensing Division: Business and Professions Opening Date: 03/05/2026 Closing Date: 3/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description 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 Centralized Investigations and Audits Unit is recruiting for four (4) Investigators to conduct investigations mainly in the Transportation, Public Protection, and Cosmetology Professions 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 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. Our Public Protection unit is focused on the licensing and investigations around Private Investigators, Security Guards, Auctioneers, Combative Sports, Court Reporters, Body Art and Piercing and Tattooing, Cosmetology, Cosmetology Schools, and Sellers of Travel licensees. Do you have a knack for independent report writing and strong attention to detail? If so, read on! Duties As an Investigator, 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. Qualifications 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 and include three (3) years of field experience. OR • Two (2) years of experience as an Investigator 2. Experience must include: • Two (2) years of using advanced 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. • The ability to: • Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions. • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees. • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers. • Take action to learn and grow. • Take action to meet the needs of others. 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 related to the licenses that our Transportation, Public Protection, and Cosmetology teams investigate and oversee (listed in description above). • 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 pre-employment screening that includes a criminal record history check will be conducted. These findings may not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Kyle Odell. Supplemental Information Join us as we transform how the government delivers services! Together, we can build a legacy of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that will benefit generations to come. Be part of this vital mission and make a real impact from within your community. How to Apply: • Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement. • Attach the following: • Resume You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington. Veteran/Military Spouse Preference NoticeTo take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference notify the Talent Acquisition Team of your vet/military spouse status. Please include the title of this position in the subject line. The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344. The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days. We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit . More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 In this role, you will have the privilege to serve a diverse group of teammates, customers, and partners. How will you use your understanding of cultural differences to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed? 02 This position may require the ability to travel within the state, including overnight stays at times. Are you able to meet the travel requirements? • Yes • No 03 What is your highest level of education? • 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits) • Associate degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) or higher. • 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits) • Bachelor's degree OR 4 years of college (120 semester or 180 quarter credits) or higher. • None of these apply 04 How many years of experience do you have working in a criminal justice agency, private organization, or another directly related field? • I have less than 1 year of this type of experience. • I have 1 or more years of this type of experience. • I have 2 or more years of this type of experience. • I have 3 or more years of this type of experience. • I have 4 or more years of this type of experience. • I have 5 or more years of this type of experience. • I do not have this type of experience. 05 Do you have three (3) years of field experience as an investigator? • Yes • No 06 Do you have two (2) years of experience as an Investigator 2? • Yes • No 07 Do you have the ability to do the following?Please select all that apply. • Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions. • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees. • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers. • Take action to learn and grow. • Take action to meet the needs of others. • None of these apply. 08 Please select all of your applicable experience from the list below. • Two (2) years of using analytical skills and a full range of investigative techniques. • Understanding and interpreting laws, rules, and policies 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 technical advice to customers by interpreting laws, regulations and standards. • None of these apply. 09 Please describe your experience conducting investigations, preparing/writing investigative reports and testifying in court/administrative hearings as to your investigative conclusions? If you do not have this experience, type "N/A". 10 Please describe your professional experience analyzing, interpreting, or applying statutory laws and rules (RCWs & WACs) in the course of your work?If you do not have this experience, type "N/A". 11 Where did you learn of this vacancy? • Word of mouth • WorkSource • LinkedIn • DOL jobs pages • Hiring event/workshop • careers.wa.gov • Indeed.com • Handshake Website • Other 12 If you answered "other" to the preceding question, please indicate where you learned of the vacancy in the space below.If this does not apply to you type N/A. 13 I understand to be considered for this position I must complete my application fully, answer all supplemental questions, and attach a current Resume. • Yes • No Required Question Apply tot his job Apply To this Job