Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleInvestigative Specialist 1- NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitM/C - Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $63266 to $78505 Annually
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Six years of experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews of witnesses and others, taking written statements and affidavits, collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence, and preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings.
Types of Investigative experience that could be considered qualifying: experience in such positions as police detective, insurance investigator, licensed and registered private investigator, federal investigator, state investigator, municipal investigator, child protective services investigator, in an investigative position involving trial preparations and detailed reports, or investigations within a branch of the Armed Services are examples which meet the Minimum Qualifications.
Examples of non-qualifying experience include but are not limited to: experience in routine police patrol work, security guard or related security position, tax collector, collector of delinquent accounts, credit checker, legal assistant/attorney, hotel or store detective, loss prevention officer, parole officer, correction officer, guard, inspector, or experience in adoption and/or foster care placement.
An associate degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security can substitute for two years of specialized experience; and a bachelor's or higher degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security can substitute for four years of specialized experience.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate possesses sound judgement, strong oral and written communications skills, and has advanced experience working with Microsoft Excel for data analysis. Additionally, the ideal candidate is a self-starter, works well independently and as part of a team, and is an adept multitasker.
Duties Description Duties Description
The Office of Internal Investigation’s (OII) mission is to ensure that allegations of improper conduct are investigated thoroughly and impartially, protecting the interests of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and upholding the rights and obligations of DEC employees.
Job Duties
• Reviews assigned cases or complaints to determine the applicable section of law, rule, regulation, or Department policy that have been violated.
• Investigates reported violations of law, rule, regulation, or Department policy to include review of electronic and paper documents, conduct physical surveillance, and collection of other information and evidence. Meets with and interviews witnesses, complainants, and other appropriate individuals to obtain information related to the investigation.
• Supervise Investigator 1’s and determines investigative priorities and staff assignments. Develops plans and standards for subordinate staff for conducting investigations. Monitors and provides guidance to subordinate staff to ensure that investigations are complete, and allegations are fully addressed.
• Plans the scope and method of an investigation based on office policy, the accessibility of information and the importance of the case.
• Obtains statements from individuals in an appropriate format, to include a full description of the facts needed to support the investigation.
• Reviews documents to extract pertinent information and verifies the validity of information obtained through comparison with other sources or consultation with agency program staff.
• Obtains and safeguards evidence according to agency procedures and legal requirements.
• Conducts in-depth analysis of agency records and investigative data to derive pertinent findings related to violations of law, rule, regulation, or Department policy.
• Prepares factual, concise, and timely written reports of information gathered during an investigation and discusses investigative findings and recommendations with supervisors and other stakeholders.
• Provides technical assistance to other divisions and maintains rapport to ensure cooperation in the conduct of investigations.
• Testifies at administrative hearings regarding the details of investigations and related conclusions.
• Participates in joint operations with other Investigators to aid with time sensitive investigations.
Travel percentage: 25%
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.