Transportation Investigator - Kanawha County

Nature of Work

The Transportation Investigator position works under the Human Resources Division Director, and/or Investigator Manager, performing advanced-level investigations by obtaining evidence of reported fraud, or violations of the rules and regulations of a state agency or of state or federal laws or involving claims for damages by or against a state agency. Involves complex direct public contact work, as well as contact with insurance company representatives, lawyers, and law enforcement personnel. The employee uses independent judgment in the interpretation and adaption of policies and guidelines. Employee is subject to on-call status during non-business hours. Duties are varied and involve different and often unrelated processes and methods. Performs related work as required.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyzes and evaluates information gathered through investigative techniques to determine source reliability, content validity, and potential truthfulness; develops investigative leads and links; distinguishes patterns, trends and associations; develops potential evidence.
• Explains the statutes, rules and regulations to the parties in violation.
• Conducts investigations regarding claims made against the State and testifies in the judicial and quasi-judicial forums.
• Conducts investigations regarding claims of fraud, employment complaints, damage to state property, and/or on call 24/7 for emergency callouts involving serious accidents, road closures, highway safety/damage, construction zone incidents, hazardous spills, and other incidents deemed necessary.
• Keeps records and makes oral and/or written reports of all investigations.
• Locates witnesses and obtains facts and evidence needed by attorneys in litigation of cases.
• Conducts legal research and locates the section of applicable federal and/or state law, rule or policy relevant to the complaint under investigation.
• Interviews subjects of investigation, complainants, and witnesses using prescribed procedures.
• Reviews reports drafted by subordinates.
• Plans and organizes how investigations will be conducted.
• Performs internal audits/investigations to determine misuse of time, funds, and/or equipment.
• May investigate claims against the state; prepare reports and evidence for legal proceedings.
• Established rules and regulations, and procedures will be used to solve a variety of routine problems and answer a variety of standard questions.
• May require the availability of a personal vehicle.
• Travel may be required; therefore, a valid driver’s license is required.

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of established and effective methods of investigation.
• Knowledge of criminal justice system and legal terminology.
• Knowledge of accident reconstruction, investigation and police work experience.
• Knowledge of broad principles and application of law, evidence, pleadings, and judicial procedures in West Virginia.
• Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures.
• Knowledge of legal citations.
• Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments.
• Ability to gather and interpret statutory and regulatory provisions and present findings in a logical and persuasive written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, other WVDOT/DOH divisions, the public, and the federal government.
• Ability to communicate effectively and express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically both orally and in writing.
• The work is generally administrative requiring knowledge pertinent to related education and experience,
• Ability to ascertain facts by personal contact, observation and examination of records.
• Ability to interview those involved in investigations.
• Ability to determine the most effective way to conduct an investigation.
• Ability to demonstrate discretion.
• Ability to mentor, develop, and train subordinate administrative staff.
• Accident reconstruction, investigation, and police work experience may be required.

Minimum Requirements