Contingent Special Projects (Investigative Analyst) - Office of Inspector General

Howard County Government; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

Howard County Government is seeking an analyst to perform advanced analytical duties in support of the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The role requires independent judgment and the ability to evaluate complex matters across administrative, financial, personnel, procurement, and policy areas.

The position is contingent and paid hourly, with flexible hours based on funding availability. The analyst will conduct research, build reports, and develop dashboards using Excel, Power BI, GIS, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field plus two years’ analytical experience.
• Ability to evaluate complex administrative, financial, personnel, procurement, and policy matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to present findings.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and analysis of OIG cases.
• Lead, coordinate, and conduct special programs and projects for investigations.
• Perform data analysis and reporting; create visuals and dashboards for stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Power BI

GIS mapping

SQL

Job description

Position Summary/Class Description

The analyst performs advanced analytical duties in support of the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The analyst works under the supervision of the Inspector General. Work requires independent judgment, analytical skills, ability to evaluate complex administrative, financial, personnel, procurement, and policy matters under general supervision.

Starting Salary Hiring Range

$35.00 - $50.00/Hourly

This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.

Contingent Position Details

This is a contingent position, meaning that it is not a part of the Howard County Classified Service and does not accrue County service time for the purpose of calculating any service benefit. This position is paid hourly and may work a varying number of hours per week, based on the availability of funding and a continued need. A contingent employee is only eligible for fringe benefits required by State or Federal law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Investigative Research & Case Support

• Assists in the preparation and analysis of OIG cases.
• Leads, coordinates, and conducts special programs and projects in support of OIG cases and investigations.
• Conducts research, analysis, and reporting on a variety of investigative and programmatic matters.
• Accesses databases to retrieve, review, update, track, and revise investigative records.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Leads, coordinates, and conducts analytical studies.
• Performs statistical analysis of data.
• Conduct geo‑spatial analysis on datasets.
• Utilizes Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and other analytical software to analyze and summarize large datasets.
• Assembles data for inclusion in narrative and statistical reports.
• Research, writes, and presents comprehensive reports, memoranda, and analytical findings.

Database & Records Management

• Develops and maintains databases, logs, and tracking systems.
• Performs database queries and generates routine reports from multiple data sources.
• Ensures accuracy, integrity, and maintenance of investigative and operational data.

Business Intelligence & Data Visualization

• Creates visualizations and dashboards to communicate analytical findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop charts, graphs, and other visual reporting products to support decision‑making.
• Creates and updates spreadsheets used for tracking, analysis, and reporting activities.

Program & Project Coordination

• Leads and coordinates analytical, investigative, and special project activities.
• Supports strategic initiatives through data‑driven research, reporting, and project management.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to identify information needs and provide analytical support.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have regular supervisory responsibility.

Minimum Required Education/Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field, plus two years’ experience performing analytical duties. (Additional experience as described in the essential duties may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the required education. Additional education may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the required experience.)

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Investigative ability and intellectual curiosity.
• Capacity to collaborate across different groups and analyze multiple sources of information.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to translate business needs into appropriate reports, dashboards, and visualizations.
• Ability to explain complex, technical subject matter to a non‑technical audience.
• A self‑starter with flexibility to both works independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in data analysis techniques with an understanding of basic statistical concepts.
• Proficient in Microsoft Power BI, SSRS, and GIS mapping/analytical tools.
• Proficient in database design, database systems, SQL.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust quickly to changing requirements and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally across a diverse organization.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel) required.
• Familiarity with statistical software packages (e.g., R, STATA, SPSS) is a plus.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional fieldwork, meetings, or interviews. The position involves handling confidential and sensitive information and requires adherence to strict ethical and confidentiality standards. No unusual physical demands are required.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and complex written materials. Ability to write clear, concise, and well‑supported reports and correspondence. Ability to conduct group meetings and give oral presentations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with management, staff, external entities, and the public, including various demographics.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to analyze and interpret financial, budgetary, payroll, and procurement data; apply basic statistical or quantitative analysis as needed to identify trends, irregularities, or risks.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect, organize and analyze data, establish facts, draw valid and well‑supported conclusions, and exercise sound judgment in complex and sensitive situations. Ability to apply principles of logical or analytical thinking to investigative and administrative issues, including evaluating credibility, weighing evidence, identifying inconsistencies and assessing risk and impact. Skill in communicating and presenting data in a digestible format.

Additional Information

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H‑1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H‑1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at [e-mail]. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

Benefits Summary

The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold part‑time benefited positions. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

• FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Part‑time benefitted employees may enroll in the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex. This plan provides employees the opportunity to purchase benefits including Medical, Dental and/or Optional Life Insurances, or to fund Health Care and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. All required employee contributions for benefit elections are made on a pre‑tax basis.
• RETIREMENT PLANS: Part‑time benefitted employees must enroll in the Howard County Retirement Plan. Part‑time benefitted employees who hold recreation program support positions are not eligible to enroll in this benefit. This is a defined benefit plan that requires employees contributions, made on a pre‑tax basis.
• Currently, Part‑time benefitted employees contribute 3% of their salary pre‑tax to the plan. The County contributes an additional percentage to ensure that the plan is adequately funded.
• 457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre‑tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.
• SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.
• PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.
• ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, part‑time benefited employees accrue 4.34 hours per month. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is 5.34 hours per month. From years 11 through 20, the annual accrual is 6.34 hours per month. From year 21 on, annual accrual is 7 hours per month. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 160 hours may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
• DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue 4 hours per month. There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.
• PERSONAL LEAVE: Part‑time benefited employees receive 24 hours of personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 16 hours of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 8 hours; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.
• HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for 12 holidays. New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Juneteenth; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Ingigenous People's Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.
• OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: After a 6-month waiting period, part‑time benefited employees meeting eligibility requirements may receive long‑term disability income benefits not to exceed 2/3 of the employee's monthly salary or $1250, whichever is less. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.
• DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
• EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services provided by MHNet, Inc. The initial 3 sessions are conducted at no cost to the employee. A 24‑hour counseling hot‑line is available by calling 1‑800‑492‑4357.
• DIRECT DEPOSIT: Employees may elect to have payroll checks deposited directly into the bank account of their choice. Contact the Office of Human Resources to receive forms to take advantage of this convenient banking option.
• CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants. A Tower ATM machine is located in the lobby of the Police Headquarters building in the County Office Complex in Ellicott City. Membership applications are available by calling Tower Federal at 301‑497‑7000.
• BLOOD DONATION DRIVES: In conjunction with the Howard County Health Department and the American Red Cross, blood donation drives are conducted twice each year. County employees' support and participation ensures that blood replacement is available to County employees, their family members and the community.