Damage Prevention Investigator 3

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission is seeking an Investigator 3 to independently conduct damage prevention investigations under RCW 19.122. You will inspect records and operations to ensure compliance with safety laws, rules, regulations, and standards, and recommend corrective action when violations are found.

You will develop staff testimony and exhibits for adjudicated proceedings, prepare declarations, respond to mitigation requests, participate in settlements, and

Qualifications

• Proficiently apply investigative methods, principles, standards, and recordkeeping practices to research, analyze, gather, and document information and evidence to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Clearly document investigative findings and communicate results in a manner that supports informed decision-making and appropriate action.
• Independently read, comprehend, and accurately interpret written materials. Skilled in editing and preparing written communications to improve clarity, organization, grammar, usage, and overall style.
• Identify, collect, organize, and document data and information in a manner that supports effective assessment, analysis, and investigation.
• Proficiently use analytical and critical thinking to evaluate complex issues, assess risks and impacts, identify patterns and root causes, and make informed recommendations.
• Accurately apply research and data to develop practical, equitable, and sustainable solutions that promote compliance, improve processes, and support organizational goals.
• Proficiency in using standard computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel, to collect, analyze, and present information.
• Effectively use databases, case-tracking systems, and internet-based resources to research, retrieve, organize, and manage data and information effectively.
• Proficiently present information in public forums and communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively in formal settings. Demonstrated ability to provide testimony and respond confidently and accurately during cross-examination in legal or administrative proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Independently conducts damage prevention investigations of RCW 19.122.
• Inspects records and operations to ensure compliance with safety laws and standards.
• Recommends corrective action when violations are found.
• Provides technical assistance on safety laws to companies and management.
• Prepares written reports detailing investigations and findings.
• Develops staff testimony and exhibits for adjudicated proceedings.
• Responds to mitigation requests and participates in settlements.
• Presents testimony in adjudicated proceedings.
• Represents the agency in formal proceedings regarding investigations and contributes to program enhancements.

Skills

Investigative methods

Document findings

Written communications

Data collection

Analytical thinking

Research and data

Word & Excel

Public testimony

Job description

What you’ll do:

The Investigator 3 independently conducts damage prevention investigations of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 19.122. This position inspects the records and operations of persons and companies to ensure compliance with safety laws, rules, regulations, and standards. This position recommends appropriate corrective action when violations are found; provides technical assistance regarding safety laws, rules, regulations, and standards to companies and commission management; and prepares written reports or other documents containing the results of inspections and investigations. Maintains accurate records of investigations and findings related to all potential violations of RCW 19.122.

Develops staff testimony and exhibits for adjudicated proceedings; develops declarations; responds to company requests for mitigation; participates in settlement discussions; presents written or live testimony at adjudicated proceedings, both as part of the main case and in rebuttal; and assists the Attorney General staff in the analysis of testimony and exhibits and preparation of cross-examination of other parties.

In this role, the successful incumbent represents the agency in formal proceedings regarding the investigation activities. The Investigator 3 participates in, and makes recommendations on, program enhancements. This position provides technical assistance and information to the members of the public, industry representatives, and others interested in damage prevention. This position is critical to the achievement of the Damage Prevention Program’s goals and objectives and is an essential element of the Pipeline Safety’s annual federal certification process.

Additional duties include, but aren’t limited to the following:

• Participates in reviews and meetings with the Washington State Dig Law Safety Committee (WDLSC); provides guidance, consultation and technical assistance regarding RCW applicability as needed, Reviews recommendations submitted by the WDLSC and either supports or denies those recommendations based on the merits of the case and equity of the proposed penalty. This includes evaluating the history of violations, severity and scope of the incident, and overall risk to the community.

• Attends CCOPS meetings as a subject matter expert in damage prevention as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

The commission values diverse career paths and recognizes that competencies may be acquired through a combination of education, training, certifications, research, volunteer service, lived experience, military service, professional practice, or other demonstrated accomplishments.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Proficiently apply investigative methods, principles, standards, and recordkeeping practices to research, analyze, gather, and document information and evidence to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Clearly document investigative findings and communicate results in a manner that supports informed decision-making and appropriate action.

• Independently read, comprehend, and accurately interpret written materials. Skilled in editing and preparing written communications to improve clarity, organization, grammar, usage, and overall style.

• Identify, collect, organize, and document data and information in a manner that supports effective assessment, analysis, and investigation.

• Proficiently use analytical and critical thinking to evaluate complex issues, assess risks and impacts, identify patterns and root causes, and make informed recommendations.

• Accurately apply research and data to develop practical, equitable, and sustainable solutions that promote compliance, improve processes, and support organizational goals.

• Proficiency in using standard computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel, to collect, analyze, and present information.

• Effectively use databases, case-tracking systems, and internet-based resources to research, retrieve, organize, and manage data and information effectively.

• Proficiently present information in public forums and communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively in formal settings. Demonstrated ability to provide testimony and respond confidently and accurately during cross-examination in legal or administrative proceedings.