Expert Ethics Programs Investigator

Pacific Gas And Electric Company; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Gas And Electric Company in Oakland is seeking an Expert Ethics Programs Investigator to conduct investigations into alleged misconduct and communicate results to stakeholders. This role emphasizes objectivity, thorough analysis, and clear reporting.

You will work in a hybrid setup from your remote office and Oakland General Office, partnering with Ethics, Legal, and HR teams to address concerns and improve workplace culture while mentoring other investigators as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, journalism, psychology, public policy or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7 years of relevant Human Resources (e.g., employee relations) or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of HR employee investigations or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake and other interviews of people who raise concerns. Handles escalated and highly sensitive matters.
• Independently conducts a range of investigations regarding employee complaints and allegations concerning violations of the Company’s policies and Code of Conduct, most with significant complexity, with limited guidance.
• Develops and implements investigation plans to timely research the concern(s), uses HR, Ethics, Compliance and Legal knowledge to interpret and apply relevant policies and identify evidentiary material.
• Analyzes the issues and available material to make well-reasoned findings of facts and determine whether misconduct occurred; prepare written reports summarizing findings.
• Communicates and corresponds with parties to the investigation and stakeholders about the concern(s) raised and the investigation; explains policies and delivers findings/outcomes.
• Coaches, mentors and guides leaders and coworkers on policies, investigation practices and risk management strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience

Advanced Degree in Business, Law, Communications or related field

Tools

MS Office

Case management databases

Job description

Job Category: Human Resources

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Gen Counsel, Ethics, Risk & Compliance

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Oakland

Department Overview

The Ethics Programs team is comprised of the Employee Conduct Program, Ethics Programs Trainings & Communication, Ethics Programs Investigations, and the Monitor Program. Together, they create and implement strategies to foster a culture that reflects PG&E's values and behaviors, promote a transparent process and environment where appropriate conduct is expected, and partner with Functional Areas to address unethical behavior and close gaps in policies or procedures.

The Ethics Programs Investigations team leads the Company’s internal evaluation of reported violations of the Code of Conduct, policies, standards, and/or procedures that impact our people in the workplace. The team is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct as defined by the Company’s Code of Conduct, and may include allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, fraud, conflicts of interest and other violations. The team ensures that an objective review is taken of allegations. Investigators take pride in ensuring employees who raise concerns feel their concerns were treated seriously, investigated objectively, and concluded fairly.

Position Summary

For all Ethics Programs investigator roles, the investigator serves as a neutral fact finder conducting investigations in a thoughtful, thorough, and objective manner. At the conclusion of the investigation, investigators will complete a written report and communicate outcomes with critical stakeholders and in other forums when corrective action may be under review or as needed.

The Expert Ethics Programs Investigator is responsible for reviewing reported concerns, planning and conducting investigations, and communicating results of investigations into alleged misconduct. Expert Investigators also may serve as subject matter experts on a range of misconduct, policy and/or personnel related issues, mentor and train other investigators or coworkers, and participate in special projects as assigned. This is a critical role for the business as Expert Investigators often are on the frontlines of helping to address employee concerns, identify risk and communicating well-reasoned findings that support improving our workplace. How investigations are conducted and the management of the investigation process supports the Company in delivering on our Purpose, Virtues and Stands, while also directly supporting employees’ confidence in our Speak Up culture.

The position is hybrid working from your remote office and Oakland General Office. In addition, work related meetings may be held in our San Ramon office or other areas of territory as business needs require.

Job Responsibilities

Investigator duties and responsibilities may include:

• Conducts intake and other interviews of people who raise concerns. Handles escalated and highly sensitive matters.
• Independently conducts a range of investigations regarding employee complaints and allegations concerning violations of the Company’s policies and Code of Conduct, most with significant complexity, with limited guidance.
• Develops and implements investigation plans to timely research the concern(s), uses Human Resources, Ethics, Compliance and Legal knowledge and expertise to interpret and apply relevant Company policies and identify relevant evidentiary material.
• Analyzes the issues and available material related to the concern(s) to make well-reasoned findings of facts and determine whether misconduct violation(s) of Company policy or the Code of Conduct occurred. Prepare written reports summarizing investigation findings for review.
• Communicates and corresponds with parties to the investigation and other Company stakeholders about the concern(s) raised and the investigation. Explains Company policies, and delivers findings/outcomes, as appropriate.
• Coaches, counsels and guides business leaders, coworkers, peers and other stakeholders on policies, investigation practices and risk management strategies.
• Accurately and appropriately maintains all intake and investigation notes, files, and records in the electronic case management system.
• Interprets, applies, and provides guidance on internal policies, and local, state, and federal laws relevant to personnel and misconduct related matters, including equal employment opportunity, fraud and/or compliance, among others.
• Develops and updates internal policies, such as those related to equal employment opportunity, misconduct, and investigations.
• Coaches, mentors and/or leads other investigators. Reviews and provide feedback on investigation plans, reports, and other correspondence prepared by other investigators.
• Manages and leads project teams and/or special projects, such as process improvements, training development and implementation, and case management policies and protocols, among others.
• Identifies, analyzes, maintains, and communicates issues and investigation related metrics.
• Other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Law, Journalism, Psychology, Public Policy or related field or equivalent experience
• 7 years of relevant Human Resources (e.g., employee relations) or equivalent experience
• 5 years of Human Resource employee investigations or equivalent experience

Desired:

• Advanced Degree in Business, Law, Communications or related field or equivalent experience preferred
• HR Professional certification (e.g., SHRM-CSP)
• Experience working in employment law (e.g., paralegal, attorney and/or licensed private investigator)
• Working knowledge of HR policies; and local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations (e.g., DOL, EEOC, Title IX, FMLA/CFRA, ADA, etc.)
• Proficiency with MS Office and ability to learn case management database systems
• Strong analytical skills to interpret and dissect complex issues
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with other departments
• Strong interpersonal skills: with ability to listen well, demonstrate sensitivity to all parties
• Strong written communication skills employed to write clear, concise, and logical reports
• Strong oral communication skills to effectively explain information to stakeholders
• Ability to maintain high degree of ethical conduct
• Ability to effectively interact with a culturally diverse workforce

Compensation

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job. The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, and internal equity. This job is also eligible to participate in PG&E’s discretionary incentive compensation programs.

A reasonable salary range is:

• Bay Area Minimum: $122,000
• By Area Midpoint: $158,000
• Bay Area Maximum: $194,000