Investigator (INV3)

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!

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.

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.

Salary : $69,744 - $93,804