INVESTIGATOR 3

Investigator 3

Position # - SP11

Internal Appointment Only

Investigative Operations - Men's Prison Division

Full Time - Permanent

Salary Range: $7,369 – $9,904 Monthly (Teamsters)

Do you have an interest in criminal justice, a knack for investigating, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment? If you answered yes, the Washington State Department of Corrections may have the next a career opportunity for you! The Investigative Operations unit is searching for a dynamic and professional Investigator 3to join their team.

This opening is only open to current Department of Corrections employees.

As an Investigator 3, you would be an essential addition to the Investigative Operations unit and to the Department. This is the perfect opportunity to utilize your strong attention to detail and relationship skills as you communicate with diverse stakeholders, build, and maintain professional relationships.

The Department of Corrections, in collaboration with its criminal justice partners, will contribute to staff and community safety and hold incarcerated individuals accountable through administration of criminal sanctions and effective reentry programs.

As a member of the Special Investigative Services, within the Intelligence and Investigations Network, under the direction of the Appointing Authority; this position works collaboratively with stakeholders and contributes to the agency’s mission, to improve facility and public safety, by conducting impartial, confidential, high priority investigations throughout the department. These investigations often involve allegations that are sensitive, complex and at times controversial within a correctional setting with the potential of having political impacts, and/or media interest related to the Department of Corrections. This position may require travel across the state and may be callled to duty whenever an emergency arises and there is a need for investigative support. This position will supervise unit staff as assigned. This position will function as a limited authority Washington peace officer, as defined in RCW 10.93.020, and is empowered by the Department of Corrections to detect or apprehend violators of the law in some or all of the limited subject areas for which the Department of Corrections is responsible for.

If you have read this far and are interested in the next opportunity to improve public safety, we encourage you to apply! A completed application packet will include:

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
• Three professional references

Duties

Duty:
Conducts highly complex investigations to substantiate allegations of fraud, criminal misconduct, administrative violations, and other activities that negatively impact safe and secure prisons and community safety.

Tasks include:

• Compiles documentation / case files relevant to intelligence on activity conducted by staff, incarcerated individuals, visitors, and associates. Incarcerated individual investigations will be the primary focus, although staff investigations may be assigned by the Appointing Authority. This type of assignment should be limited as much as possible. Conducts and manages interviews of suspects and witnesses and prepares and / or reviews statements of fact.
• Provides assistance and acts as liaison to Law Enforcement, Prosecutors, and Attorney General’s Office in gathering of evidence or information required for individual cases. Assists in service of subpoenas and other legal papers on incarcerated individuals and/or employees. Operates and supervises the use of electronic monitoring, photographic and recording. equipment.
• Coordinates matters of mutual interest with other law enforcement agencies within the State and other states when necessary.
• Gathers facts and develops evidence with the objective of completing casework from the original claim, or allegation, to preparation for presentation in court or for administrative hearings. This includes researching records and case files; gathering and preserving documentary evidence; obtaining statements of fact, depositions, or confessions; obtaining and serving subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of records; conducting field surveillance; writing investigative reports, establishing proof of facts and evidence; reviewing case work with law enforcement agencies, private attorneys, Assistant Attorneys General, or Prosecuting Attorneys; and testifying in court or other proceedings as necessary.
• Submit reports and provide communication as directed by the Statewide IIU Program requirements.
• Coordinate with statewide Canine Manager, IIU Chief Investigators and Canine Teams for support.
• Conduct and manage interviews of suspects and witnesses and prepare and/or review statements of fact.
• Functions as intergovernmental liaison with Federal, State and Local agencies, boards, commissions and committees; Attorney General’s Office in gathering of evidence or information required for individual cases.
• Monitor Incarcerated Individuals communications to include but not limited to the incarcerated individuals phone system, electronic mail and other communication sources. Document pertinent findings in appropriate databases.

Duty:

Oversee the Safe Harbor process, investigate claims of statewide protection, Unit representative for Classification Committees.

Tasks include:

• Attempt to validate or invalidate claims of protection from those involved with Security Threat Groups or have claims of needing protection from Security Threat Groups or claim to have statewide protection concerns.
• Alternate Chairperson for the Safe Harbor Committee.

• Primary SIS Unit representative for the LWOP HCSC, Headquarters Community Screening, and Protective Custody Screening Committees.
• Alternate SIS Unit representative for the Maximum Custody and FASSAP Committees.

Duty:

Conduct extractions and analysis of cellphones using Cellebrite or similar software.

Tasks include:

• Conducts extractions of cellphones found within the prisons or at the request of outside law enforcement agencies.
• Conducts analysis of data at the completion of extraction to the end user's satisfaction.

Duty:
Other duties as assigned.

Tasks include:

• Respond to statewide emergencies as part of the IIN ICS Model.
• Assure timely response to Public Disclosure requests and work closely with the Public Information Officer.
• Collect and disseminate intelligence information on Security Threat Groups and membership validation process.
• Intelligence sharing with other corrections and law enforcement agencies

Salary

• $7,369 - $9,904/month

Qualifications

What we need (required qualifications):

• Two (2) years of full-time experience conducting investigations for a criminal justice agency;
• High level of knowledge and experience with Security Threat Groups
• High level of experience with methods, principles, standards, and techniques of criminal and civil investigations
• High level of experience with interviewing techniques; rules of evidence; chain of custody; laws of arrest; search and seizure; Miranda and Garrity Warnings;
• Working knowledge of the incarcerated individual classification process.
• Professional experience with techniques in investigative report writing;
• Working knowledge of applicable Washington state statues, Federal and State regulations pertaining to the area of investigations.
• Working knowledge of specialized terminology related to investigations

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Cellebrite Certified Mobile Forensics Fundamentals/Cellebrite Certified Operator/Cellebrite Certitifed Physical Analyst Certifications.
• Associate of Arts degree with a major emphasis in law or criminal justice from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or foreign equivalent, OR equivalent experience.
• Experience as an Investigator within State Service.
• Two years of experience investigating Security Threat Groups and/or narcotic investigations.

Other Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Corrections is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in the position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date ofhire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 11 paid holidays a year (12 in 2022 for Juneteenth)
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

For questions about the recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email DOC HR-SEC-DEP-OPS dochrsecdepops@DOC1.WA.GOV or call at 360-485-3154. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Benefits

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025