Investigator 3 - Legal Services

Salary: $69,744.00 - $93,804.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04344
Department: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Division: Legal Services
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
GENERAL SERVICE

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Investigator 3 - Legal Services
$69,744 - $93,804 annually
Closes: June 14,2026
The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks an Investigator 3 for the Office of Professional Practices. This full-time permanent position will investigate educator misconduct and "good moral character and personal fitness" as defined in WAC 181-86-013.This full-time position is based in Olympia, Washington. This position offers a balance of in-office collaboration and telework. While telework may be available more than 75% of workdays, this position is not fully remote. We encourage interested candidates to visit the OSPI website to gain insight into our agency.
About OSPI and our initiatives

OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K-12 education in Washington state. Working with the state's 295 public school districts and 7 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education.
At OSPI, we recognize that our employees are the key to the success of the agency. We are committed to our work but value the balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth and values them for their expertise. OSPI is a great place to work and has several initiatives to help create a great working environment, including:

• We support a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules and mobile and telework options. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
• We have a tuition assistance policy and support employees seeking tuition waiver through participating higher education organizations.
• We have an Infant at Work Program that is based on long-term values of newborns and infant-parent bonding. Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
• We value and are actively involved in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within OSPI by way of cross-divisional, collaborative committee. The focus of the committee includes employee engagement and education; reinforcing OSPI values; and maximizing the value of diversity and identifying strategies for inclusion.

Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision: All students prepared for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement.


Mission: Transform K-12 education to a system that is centered on closing opportunity gaps and is characterized by high expectations for all students and educators. We achieve this by developing equity-based policies and supports that empower educators, families, and communities.
Values: Ensuring Equity, Collaboration and Service, Achieving Excellence through Continuous Improvement, Focus on the Whole Child
Equity

Each student, family, and community possess strengths and cultural knowledge that benefits their peers, educators, and schools. Ensuring educational equity:

• Goes beyond equality; it requires education leaders to examine the ways current policies and practices result in disparate outcomes for our students of color, students living in poverty, students receiving special education and English Learner services, students who identify as LGBTQ+, and highly mobile student populations.
• Requires education leaders to develop an understanding of historical contexts; engage students, families, and community representatives as partners in decision-making; and actively dismantle systemic barriers, replacing them with policies and practices that ensure all students have access to the instruction and support they need to succeed in our schools.

Position Overview:

Investigators within the Office of Professional Practices are responsible for conducting complex, comprehensive, and objective investigations into allegations of misconduct by Washington certificated educators. In Washington state, licensed educators are bound by a Code of Conduct, found within WAC chapter 181-87, and by the requirements of RCW 28A.410.090 and WAC View phone number on click.appcast.io. Investigators in the Office of Professional Practices play a key role in ensuring students within the Washington K-12 education system have access to a safe learning environment.
As an Investigator 3 within the Office of Professional Practices, you will plan and conduct fact-finding in complex complaints and cases involving alleged violations of the applicable statutes, rules, and professional standards applicable to the Washington K-12 education system. You will also provide technical assistance to the Assistant Director, Deputy Chief Legal Officer, and to schools, parents and other entities. You will be expected to gain expert knowledge on the standards of conduct within the Washington K-12 education system and utilize investigative techniques, best practices, and technology to ensure that OSPI investigations are handled in an appropriate and timely manner.
Key Responsibilities of this position:

• Independently; plans, organizes, and manages complex and sensitive investigative work; establishing goals and internal timelines
• Identifies legal issues, reviews data, conducts interviews and on-site visits, and develops reports
• Uses a full range of investigative skills and techniques, including but not limited to researching writing, interviewing, gathering, and preserving sufficient evidence to determine the facts of a case involving educator complaints and alleged violations of law
• Consults with and provides recommendations to Assistant Director on appropriate actions related to investigations, including advising on scope of investigation, questions of evidence, and application of law and appropriate resolutions
• Communicates timely, courteously, and effectively to complainants, respondents, witnesses, other programs, K-12 school institutions and other government agencies while documenting activities and contacts
• Creates and maintains organized case files/reports with facts and identified evidence to complete an accurate, concise, and comprehensive investigation report to produce and implement effective corrective action
• Collaborate with other OSPI departments on issues related to educator misconduct and other legal issues, including assisting with investigations, research, or other assignments for the Office of Legal Affairs division, as needed
• Assists with the complaint intake process
• Develops and disseminates accurate and professional technical assistance, guidance, and resources related to educator misconduct and the role of the OPP
• Attend and testify in administrative hearings in a professional, polite, and direct manner

Required Qualifications:

• Two (2) years' experience as an Investigator II or five (5) years' experience as an investigator with a state or federal administrative agency, criminal justice agency, or in a similar role with private business
• Knowledge/experiences with state or federal regulations/statutes
• Excellent communication skills including both verbal and written communications
• Computer proficiency in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, search engines, and online databases
• Experience producing high-quality written reports and documents
• Ability to maintain effective communication with OSPI colleagues working remotely, as well as effective external communication
• Ability to travel statewide, if necessary
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must reside in the state of Washington
• Must be in the office a minimum of 2 days per month

What May Help Distinguish you:

• Experience in conducting fact-finding interviews
• Experience in investigating or adjudication of professional misconduct matters,
• Training in interview techniques and analysis
• Experience within schools or school districts
• Experience testifying in legal proceedings
• Bachelor's degree, in Business Administration, Public Administration, Criminal Justice or a related degree

Compensation
The annual compensation for the position is $69.744 -$93,804per year and depends upon experience, educational background and qualifications. Washington State offers a generous benefit package including health, dental and life insurance, retirement and an optional deferred compensation program. Please visit for information regarding health benefits and the for retirement plan information. This is a general service position. This position is not represented by a bargaining unit.
Application Process

Those interested in this position must apply through . Applications must include the following documents in MS Word and PDF format only :

• A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement;
• A current résumé;
• A list of three or more professional references and;
• Responses to the supplemental questions listed below.

Please address any questions to:
Sal Salazar, Human Resources
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
600 Washington Street Southeast
Olympia, Washington 98504

View phone number on click.appcast.io: View email address on click.appcast.io


Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io, or e-mail
New Jobs Alert Service

OSPI offers a subscription service, which regularly notifies subscribers of new OSPI employment opportunities on careers.wa.gov. Subscribers are notified via text or email alert. If you are interested in this service, then please subscribe at
OSPI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers who will contribute to our diversity. OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, 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. If you would like, please include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resource consultant listed in "Application Process."
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


Please select the answer that best describes your education and experience.

• I have two (2) years' experience as an Investigator II
• I have five (5) years' experience as an investigator with a state or federal administrative agency, criminal justice agency, or in a similar role with private business
• None of the above

02


Do you have knowledge/experience with state or federal regulations/statutes?

• Yes
• No

03


Please describe your proficiency in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, search engines, and online databases

• I can perform basic tasks like opening, saving, and printing documents, but I require step-by-step guidance to navigate Microsoft programs, use standard search engines, or locate basic records in an online database
• I can independently draft and format standard documents in Word, organize basic data in Excel, manage emails and calendars in Outlook, and use targeted keywords and filters to find credible information on search engines and online databases.
• I can utilize advanced features-such as mail merges and macros in Word, complex formulas and pivot tables in Excel, advanced email rules in Outlook, and Boolean search strings or specific database parameters-to automate tasks and analyze information.
• I can design complex, highly integrated solutions across all platforms, troubleshoot software issues, manipulate and interpret massive datasets in databases, and expertly extract actionable insights from any search environment.
• None of the above

04


Do you have experience conducting fact-finding interviews?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have experience in investigating or adjudication of professional misconduct matters?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have experience within schools or school districts?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have experience testifying in legal proceedings?

• Yes
• No

08


Did you attach the required documents (cover letter, resume, list of references)?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you currently have a relative working in our agency?
10


How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov
• OSPI Jobs Page
• Linkedin
• Facebook
• OSPI Employee Referral
• Military Outreach Event
• Career Fair
• Other

11


Are you currently an employee at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question