Investigator 4

Investigator 4

Help protect the consumers of Washington state!

Salary: For this position, Step A is $73,284 per year and Step L is $96,144. The high end of the salary range, Step M, is $98,520, and is typically a longevity step. All employees progress to Step M six (6) years after being assigned to Step L in their permanent salary range.

This recruitment is open until June 04, 2026, at 11:59pm. The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) reserves the right to make a hiring decision and/or choose to close or extend this recruitment at any given time after seven (7) days from the date posted. Applications for this recruitment could be used to fill comparable positions that open within the next 60 days.

The UTC is seeking to fill the role of one (1) Investigator 4 within the Pipeline Safety Division. This position directly supports the agency's mission to protect consumers through independent policy, investigative research, and enforcement activities that ensure regulated companies provide services in accordance with UTC rules and regulations designed to ensure services are fairly priced, available, reliable, and safe.

Hybrid: Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within Washington state. This position is eligible to telework but will be required to report on-site to meet business needs.

Travel: Occasional travel during and outside normal work hours throughout the state for investigations, meetings, hearings, or other program-related activities. Method of travel may include driving or riding in motor vehicles or traveling on commercial aircraft. Out-of-state travel may occur for conferences and events of program significance.

To protect the people of Washington by ensuring that investor-owned utility and transportation services are safe, equitable, available, reliable, and fairly priced.

To strive to achieve equitable and fair outcomes as a regulator of utility and transportation services and prioritize inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

UTC fosters an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, while striving to hire and retain a workforce from the communities we serve. We place importance on a healthy balance between personal and professional lives; offering flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and mobile/telework opportunities. Through the state, our employees (and their families) are offered options for medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. We offer enrollment into the state retirement programs and a deferred compensation plan. Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Interested in joining the UTC team? Click the Apply button at the top to begin! To be considered for further screening, ensure you attach the following documents to your completed application:

1. Letter of Interest - describing how you meet the position qualifications and why you believe you are the ideal candidate.
2. Resume - detailing your applicable competencies, experience and education.
3. References - At minimum, three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses must be included with your application; one (1) contact MUST be your current or most recent supervisor.

The initial screening of candidates will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application materials, including answers provided to the 'Supplemental Questionnaire', along with the additional application materials submitted as part of the application process.

If you are viewing this recruitment on any website other than please note the recruitment title and apply through Washington state's official portal. Your application may be received incomplete when using a third-party website. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

Indicating 'see resume' will not substitute for completing the 'work experience' section or supplemental questionnaire of the application packet and may result in your submission being marked incomplete.

Duties

The Investigator 4 independently conducts damage prevention investigations. This position inspects the records and operations of persons and companies to ensure compliance with safety laws, rules, regulations, and standards; recommends appropriate corrective action when violations are found; provides technical assistance regarding safety laws, rules, regulations, and standards to companies and commission management; and prepares well-organized, clearly written reports or other documents containing the results of inspections and investigations.

The successful incumbent is responsible for the management of pipeline damage data that informs the entire body of investigative work for the state. This position is a subject matter expert (SME) for the Washington State Dig Law Safety Committee and the processing of those cases. In this role, the Investigator 4 position establishes, implements and administers statewide investigation program policies and procedures. This position is also the primary expert for all Dig Law investigation cases for agency leadership, legal counsel, and public and private entities.

The Investigator 4 also represents the agency during formal proceedings regarding investigation activities and makes recommendations on program enhancements and outreach efforts. This position is critical to the achievement of the Damage Prevention Program's goals and objectives and is an essential element of the Pipeline Safety's annual federal certification process.

Additional duties include, but aren't limited to the following:

• Serves as a lead to Investigator 3 positions through mentorship and expert guidance.
• Assists the Program Specialist 5 (PS5) and Operations Manager with the yearly Damage Prevention Workplan to identify areas of emphasis for public outreach and education. Supports PS5 in education and outreach goals.
• Collaborates with the PS5 and Management Analyst 4 (MA4) from data collected and makes recommendations to Pipeline Leadership to establish and meet program goals.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Investigative Skills: Demonstrated ability to apply investigative methods, principles, standards, and recordkeeping practices to research, analyze, gather, and document information and evidence in order to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Ability to clearly document investigative findings and communicate results in a manner that supports informed decision-making and appropriate action.
• Written Communication Skills: Ability to read, comprehend, and accurately interpret written materials. Skilled in editing and preparing written communications to improve clarity, organization, grammar, usage, and overall style.
• Analytical, Research, and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify, collect, organize, and document data and information in a manner that supports effective assessments, analyses, and investigations. Demonstrated ability to apply clear and logical reasoning to evaluate issues, assess options, draw accurate conclusions, and make informed decisions. Skilled in researching and analyzing factors contributing to noncompliance, identifying trends and risks, and recommending practical improvements and corrective actions to support compliance.
• Computer and Technical Skills: Proficient in the use of standard computer software, including Microsoft Word and Excel, to collect information, analyze data, and prepare reports and correspondence. Ability to use databases, case-tracking systems, and internet-based resources to research, retrieve, organize, and manage data and information effectively.
• Oral Communication, Presentation, and Testimony Skills: Ability to effectively present information in public forums and communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively in formal settings. Demonstrated ability to provide testimony and respond confidently and accurately during cross-examination during legal or administrative proceedings.
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies:
• The ability to take action to learn and grow: Takes responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses and uses their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.
• UTC Core Competencies:
• Accountability
• DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment
• Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth
• Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships
• Inclusive Excellence & Allyship
• Measuring Success and Improvement
• Customer Focus

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, criminal justice, law, or related field.
• Operational knowledge of project management databases, such as QuickBase.
• Knowledge of state laws, commission rules and regulations, and broad regulatory principles and practices related to consumer protection and the oversight of regulated services.