Professional Standards

3838 N. Central Ave.

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $57,445.64

Grade: 19

Closing Date: 04/20/2026

Under general supervision of the Investigations Manager, the Investigator 3 works with a high degree of independence in performing all facets of inquiries to include reviewing official documentations, criminal histories, driving records, credit reports and educational transcripts. Conducts in-depth interviews with applicants and personal references to assess credibility. Compiles investigation results into detailed reports for the Enforcement and Compliance Director. Background Check required and requires occasional travel to include overnight stay.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Maintains case files. Gathers, verifies and analyzes relevant documents; contact external agencies, government, and organizations to obtain and verify information. Prepares thorough and detailed final reports utilized to make investigative decisions, utilizes database and info systems to verify information and/or check for information related to an investigation or inquiry.

Interviews applicants, former employers, references, and other sources of information relevant to the investigation. Utilizes communications skills to elicit information from applicants. Reviews former employers and internal affairs files. Develops and pursues lines of inquiry. Maintains confidentiality of information and records related to subjects under investigation, and internal unit operations.

Confers with Investigator Manager, Profession Standards Lieutenant, AZPOST representatives and other entities relevant to the conduct of each investigation. Schedules and communicates with experts within the medical, psychological and polygraph fields to discuss results of findings.

Knowledge of:
• Principles, practices of investigation & research including interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge and experience in investigative work in a peace officer or in a government investigative role.
• Report writing and techniques.
• Written and verbal communication necessary to complete thorough investigations/reports, interviewing techniques designed to elicit truth, detect deception.
• Electronic data systems to access information.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
• Relevant federal, state, and local laws and rules, policies and other requirements specific to hiring practices and background investigation requirements.

Skills in:
• Applying established methods of investigation to achieve desired results.
• Effective time management and organizational skills necessary to complete timely and accurate investigations/reports.
• Effectively evaluate the credibility of suspect/witness interrogations and prepare sound findings.
• Exercising good judgement in safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Exercising diplomacy in dealing with people in sensitive situations.
• Google Platform.

Ability to:
• Work independently without close supervision.
• Objectively evaluate applicant suitability and analyze sensitive, confidential findings.
• Operate state vehicles.
• Work within time constraints and multiple inquiries simultaneously.
• Read, comprehend, and interpret data.
• Organize, prioritize, multi-task/assignments.
• Exercise diplomacy with sensitive matters, diverse cultures, and heightened situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency representatives, employees and complainants.
• Communicate effectively both written and oral communication.
• Travel for investigations (instate/out state).
• Attend all required training.

Experience, education and training in law enforcement/criminal justice environment and course work.

A valid Driver's License and 2-years in an investigative or detective unit minimum are required for this role.

As this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Mandatory participation in the Arizona Retirement System (ASRS) is required.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact ADOT Human Resources Recruitment via email at srecruitment@azdot.gov or phone call at (602) 712-8188 option 2.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 712-8188 option 3. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. ADOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.