Investigator (INV3)

Salary: $69,744.00 - $93,804.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-03978
Department: Dept. of Licensing
Division: Business and Professions
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/7/2026 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 Prorate and Fuel Tax Services section within the Business and Professions Division (BPD) is currently recruiting for three (3) Investigators to join the Fuel Tax Discovery Unit. In this role, investigators assess and conduct investigations into industry complaints, while also providing education and support to our customers.
Our Business & Professions Division (BPD) oversees licensing and regulatory activities for 34 professions, 3 registries, and 133 license types (businesses and individuals) and administers the Prorate and Fuel Tax Services section, as well as providing oversight of Combative Sports events, managing Uniform Commercial Code filings and Performing Rights Society registrations, and maintaining the Firearms database for law enforcement.

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

Duties
As an Investigator, you will independently conduct complex reviews of fuel-related operations through investigative analysis, evaluation, and excise tax examination to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with Washington fuel tax laws. You will gather and analyze information from interviews, financial data, fuel records, and supporting documentation; conduct field reviews of fuel use, storage, transportation, and sales locations; and examine returns, refund claims, invoices, and related records to identify discrepancies and determine tax liability.

In this role, you will evaluate accounts for unregistered/unlicensed activity, unusual reporting patterns, and potential noncompliance; prepare clear, concise reports; and communicate professionally with businesses, complainants, respondents, and partner agencies. Additionally, you will educate customers to support voluntary compliance, collaborate with team members on coordinated reviews, strengthen and expand your investigative and research expertise, and participate in administrative hearings when needed.

Some of what you will do:

• Independently plan and conduct complex and sensitive investigations by accurately gathering, analyzing, and interpreting written and oral statements, legal documents, and related evidence.
• Conduct on-site and remote inspections and certifications of licensees to ensure compliance with statutory place of business requirements for multiple business types.
• Perform detailed examinations and audits of business records to evaluate compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Communicate timely, courteously, and effectively with complainants, respondents, witnesses, program staff, business partners, and other government agencies.
• Prepare for and provide truthful testimony during administrative hearings as needed.
• Provide technical assistance to licensees under the direction of management.

Qualifications
What you will bring:

• Four (4) years of relevant experience as an Investigator, Auditor, or Tax Examiner with a criminal justice agency, private organization, or any other directly related field including three (3) years of field experience.

OR

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

Experience can be obtained concurrently.

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

• Two (2) years of the following:
  
  • Using advanced analytical skills and a full range of investigative techniques.
  • Interpreting laws, rules, regulations or policy 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 correspondence 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.

What may help set you apart:

• Experience independently prioritizing and managing multiple assignments while adapting to shifting priorities and maintaining consistent, timely performance.
• Experience influencing others daily through enthusiasm, modeling professional behavior, peer motivation around team and organizational values.
• Experience working with federal, state, and other jurisdictional fuel tax and registration law.
• Knowledge of the guidelines and requirements of both the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and International Registration Plan (IRP).
• Familiarity with industry and customer records, including the ability to review and interpret documentation.
• Knowledge of the fuel or interstate trucking industries.

Additional conditions of employment:

• Must have the ability to travel in Washington state up to 10% of the time, including overnight stays at times.
• This position requires a minimum in-office presence every Wednesday and Thursday at our Olympia, WA location, with the possibility of additional in-office days to meet training requirements.
• 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:
  
  • Cover Letter

Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions and attachments, are completed in full.
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 Notice To 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or may email View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io.


The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.
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


Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

02


In this role, you will have the privilege to serve a diverse group of teammates, customers, and partners. How would you use your understanding of cultural differences to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed?
03


This position requires the ability to travel within and outside the state, including occasional overnight stays. Are you able to meet the travel requirements?

• Yes
• No

04


How many years of experience do you have as an Investigator, Auditor, or Tax Examiner with a criminal justice agency, private organization, or any other 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 do not have this type of experience.

05


Do you have three (3) years of field experience as an Investigator, Auditor, or Tax Examiner?

• Yes
• No

06


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.

07


Do you have two (2) years of experience as an Investigator 2?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have two (2) years of the following experience?Please select all that apply.

• Using advanced analytical skills and a full range of investigative techniques.
• Interpreting laws, rules, regulations or policy 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


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.

10


Do you have the following?Please select all that apply.

• Experience independently prioritizing and managing multiple work products through organization to ensure consistent on-time performance and flexibility as demands shift.
• Experience influencing others daily through enthusiasm, modeling professional behavior, peer motivation around team and organizational values.
• Experience working with federal, state, and other jurisdictional fuel tax and registration law.
• Knowledge of the guidelines and requirements of both the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and International Registration Plan (IRP).
• Familiarity with industry records and the ability to work with customer records.
• Knowledge of the fuel or interstate trucking industries.
• None of these apply.

11


Please describe your experience conducting investigations, preparing/writing investigative reports and testifying in court/administrative hearings as to your investigative conclusions? Please write "N/A" if not applicable.
12


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".
13


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

14


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.
15


I understand to be considered for this position I must complete my application fully, answer all supplemental questions, and attach a current Cover Letter.

• Yes
• No

Required Question