County Investigator

Washington County; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 103,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County seeks a County Investigator to conduct impartial investigations into employee complaints, policy violations, and tort claim notices. The role requires applying federal and state employment and civil rights laws, and county policies while maintaining confidentiality.

The investigator interviews parties, gathers evidence, drafts clear reports, testifies when required, and collaborates with HR and other departments to support compliance and risk management for the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years’ related experience, or
• Associate degree and 4+ years’ related experience, or
• Six+ years of professional experience in investigations

Responsibilities

• Conduct impartial investigations into employee complaints and related matters.
• Interview parties and witnesses, gather evidence, and manage files securely.
• Draft clear, concise investigation reports with findings and risk assessments.
• Tailor communications for legal reviews and executive briefings.
• Present findings to County Counsel and leadership as needed.
• Collaborate with HR and departments to address issues and ensure compliance.
• Testify in proceedings regarding investigations and findings.

Skills

Federal and Oregon law

Investigation best practices

Confidential interviews

Clear investigative reporting

Risk management awareness

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Associate degree in related field

Six years of experience

Job description

Note

This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees

Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Job Type

Regular

Pay Range

$102,548.88 - $130,849.08 Salary

Department

County Counsel

FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt

About The Opportunity

This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications beginning the week of Monday, October 21st. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed. The County Investigator serves as a trusted, highly skilled professional responsible for conducting thorough, impartial fact‑finding investigations on behalf of Washington County. This position requires in-depth knowledge of compliance practices, investigative methodology, and the application of federal and state employment and civil rights laws, as well as County policies. Operating in a sensitive, confidential, and advisory capacity, the County Investigator interviews parties and witnesses, gathers and analyzes evidence, and documents all relevant case information to support County decision‑making and litigation needs. As a subject matter expert in employment law, risk management and fair investigation standards, the County Investigator provides clear, well‑reasoned reports and presents findings to the Office of County Counsel to ensure legally sound outcomes.

Essential Duties

• Conduct impartial investigations into employee complaints, policy violations, tort claim notices, and other allegations, completing all work within established timelines.
• Perform all duties with utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
• Perform comprehensive fact‑finding activities including interviews, collection of evidence from various sources, management of investigation files in physical and electronic formats, and any other necessary investigative strategies.
• Draft clear, concise and comprehensive investigation reports with findings of fact and risk assessments.
• Draft and tailor communications for legal review, executive briefings, and leadership audiences.
• Present and discuss investigation findings, risks, and recommendations with County Counsel, managers, directors, and County leadership.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in risk management by identifying legal and policy violations and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local requirements.
• Collaborate with County leadership, Human Resources, and other departments to address emerging issues, develop action plans, and support compliance through civil rights and Access and Opportunity best practices.
• Testify in federal, state, local and administrative proceedings in-person or via declaration or affidavit on facts, methods, and documentation related to investigations and findings as required.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of federal and Oregon laws, and regulations related to tort claims, disability rights, affirmative action, workplace fairness, and EEOC guidelines.
• Knowledge of best practices for investigating discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints, including documentation and resolution methods.
• Conduct impartial, confidential investigations, interview employees and witnesses effectively and with neutrality, and prepare organized case materials suitable for legal review.
• Write clear, objective, and comprehensive investigative reports and accurately represent information and data, delivering timely, high‑quality reports and analysis; verbally deliver information effectively and confidently in when necessary.
• Adapt information for varied audiences, collaborate effectively with managers, supervisors, and leadership.
• Ability to research, evaluate, and analyze policy violations and employment issues using critical thinking.
• Work independently, manage multiple, sometimes conflicting, priorities.

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: County Investigator Job Classification.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Management, Human Resources, Public Administration, Social Science, Law, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or other related degree program from an accredited institution of higher education; AND two (2) years of professional level experience related to the position’s duties and responsibilities; OR
• An Associate Degree in Business Administration or Management, Human Resources, Public Administration, Social Science, Law, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or other related degree program; AND four (4) years of professional level experience related to the position’s duties and responsibilities; OR
• Six (6) years of professional‑level experience related to the to the position’s duties and responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

• DPSST Investigator Certification

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• Must possess a driver’s license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record.

About The Department/Division

Washington County Counsel's Office represents the County in civil litigation at local, state and federal levels, in administrative and enforcement proceedings, and provides advice and analysis to County departments. We deliver quality legal services and creative solutions at a reasonable cost, while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Our office represents the Board of Commissioners, the Sheriff's Office and all County departments and employees. We also represent the Washington County Housing Authority, Fair Board, Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District, Urban Road Maintenance District, Service District for Lighting, and Cooperative Library Services.

Selection Process

You can review our standard selection process here.

Our Commitment To You

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit‑based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work‑life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award‑winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Veterans' Preference

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation Under The Americans With Disabilities Act

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: [e-mail] at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status Of Your Application

You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

Notice:

Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.