Confidential Investigator

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

City of New York seeks an entry-level Investigator to uncover fraud, corruption, and misconduct across city agencies and vendors. The role includes confidential investigations into operations, programs, and personnel, with mandatory training through the IOTA program after hire.

Residency rules apply and background checks are required to join Squad 6 and support critical city functions. No prior experience is required; strong analytical skills, integrity, and independence are essential as you

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Excel to manage large data sets.
• Strong internet search skills for investigations.
• Excellent organization and multi-tasking abilities.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Internet search strategies

Organizational skills

Ability under stress

Communication with law enforcement

Testimony of findings

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent experience

Job description

The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country; its mission is to combat municipal corruption. DOI serves the people of New York City by acting as an independent and nonpartisan watchdog for New York City government, City agencies, and City employees, vendors with City contracts, individuals and entities that receive City funds. The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is seeking an entry-level Investigator who is passionate about making a difference by uncovering fraud, corruption, and misconduct. This pivotal role involves conducting confidential investigations into the operations, methods, programs, accounts, personnel, and overall efficiency of City agencies, employees, vendors, and recipients of City funds. No prior investigative experience is necessary, making this an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to begin a career in law enforcement. Upon hire, the selected candidate will be assigned to Squad 6 and automatically enrolled in the next available Investigative Officer Training Academy (IOTA) course. Attendance and successful completion of the mandatory training program are required. Squad 6 is responsible for overseeing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Department of Sanitation (DSNY), Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), and Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB). Together, these agencies manage a combined annual budget exceeding $4.5 billion and a workforce of more than 28,000 employees. Their responsibilities are essential to the safety, resilience, and integrity of New York City, encompassing emergency response, public safety, sanitation, transportation regulation, disaster preparedness, and ethics enforcement. We seek individuals who are naturally inquisitive, resourceful, detail-oriented, and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. IOTA is a comprehensive 10-week training program designed to meet New York State Basic Peace Officer training standards. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including defensive tactics, crisis intervention, foot and vehicle surveillance, interviewing techniques, report writing, and applicable New York State and New York City laws and regulations. Candidates participate in hands‑on practical scenarios, moderate physical challenges, and examinations to assess their progress. Successful completion of IOTA provides candidates with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to begin their investigative assignments. Additional training and background checks are required for candidates seeking New York State Peace Officer certification. Current New York State-certified Peace Officers are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates seeking certification must meet all applicable requirements, including passing the DOI Physical Agility Test, which involves running, stair climbing, ascending obstacles, and dragging weights of up to 165 pounds. Additional requirements include advanced tactics training and a pistol qualification course. Join DOI in its mission to uphold integrity and accountability throughout New York City. If selected, the candidate will be fingerprinted and undergo a background investigation. Due to the position consisting of law enforcement and/or investigative functions, the candidate's consumer credit history will be reviewed during the background investigation as permitted by NYC Administrative Code 8-107(24)(b)(2)(A).

Appointments are subject to Office of Management & Budget approval for budgeted headcount.

CONFIDENTIAL INVESTIGATOR - 31143

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in an industrial or governmental agency in the field of investigation, auditing, law enforcement, security, inspections, or in a major operational area of the agency in which the appointment is to be made; or
• 2.A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; or
• 3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above.

Preferred Skills

• 1. Proficiency in the use of Excel to manage large amounts of data
• 2. Proficiency in Internet search strategies and techniques
• 3. Exceptional organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple assignments required
• 4. Ability to think and perform in a highly stressful and fast paced environment required
• 5. Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement agencies to build institutional relationships
• 6. Ability to communicate investigative and analytic results to other team members and to testify in court regarding exhibits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.