Investigator III

City of Chicago Office of Inspector General; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General is seeking a Mid-Senior level Investigator to conduct investigations into misconduct and criminal activity involving city employees. This role requires strong analytical and communication skills, along with a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree and four years of investigative experience.
• Valid Illinois driver's license is mandatory.
• Experience in criminal investigations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of alleged misconduct and criminal activity.
• Train and assist less experienced investigators.
• Prepare detailed reports of complex investigations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Visit www.igchicago.org to apply. Application closes at 11:59 PM CDT Monday, May 26, 2025.

Under the direction of a Chief Investigator, this position functions as an active investigator and resource to conduct investigations and special projects and to assist less experienced personnel in the investigation of unusual or complex cases and allegations of large-scale criminal activity, official misconduct, waste, or inefficiency by city employees.

DUTIES:

• Coordinates interviews of difficult or uncooperative complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts and evidence in the course of investigating alleged criminal activity, official misconduct, violations of personnel and administrative rules, and waste and inefficiency within city government and by those doing business, or seeking to do business, with the city
• Assists in developing training on investigative procedures
• Helps to train and assist entry level investigators on standard and specialized investigative techniques
• Develops proactive investigations of various complexities and works with less experienced investigators to develop evidence by following through on leads to obtain additional information regarding the allegation(s)
• Functions as a lead investigator on large scale investigations of systemic criminal activity, official misconduct, and significant waste and inefficiency requiring specialized investigative and surveillance skills
• Conducts site visits to gather physical evidence and examines complex work records and related documents
• Conducts highest-level analysis of physical, circumstantial, and statistical evidence
• Consults with Chief Investigator for clarification or guidance as necessary
• Communicates with other investigators regarding problems, new investigative methods, and new information sources
• Develops multiple confidential sources and other intelligence
• Prepares detailed reports of complex investigations and special projects conducted, including high-level analysis and findings, and makes disciplinary recommendations
• Develops high-level analysis into new investigations or audits
• Uses photographic and video equipment, and other sophisticated investigative equipment and techniques, in the conduct of surveillance and other covert work
• Testifies in court, at arbitrations, or before Personnel Board hearings on investigations conducted and findings
• Perform other duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree plus four years of work experience in the performance of fact finding analysis and investigative research and reporting work, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience provided that the minimum degree requirement is met. A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required, as well as the availability to work any duty watch.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience conducting criminal and/or fraudulent activity investigations
• Computer literacy with word processing programs and spreadsheets

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong work ethic and professionalism
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Collaborates with co-workers and thrives in a team-based environment
• Ability to effectively work cross functionally in a fast-paced work environment

ANNUAL SALARY: Range: $86,520 – $118,992 (annual increases). Starting$86,520(non-negotiable); Post successful six-month review $90,444.

BENEFITS: For information on City of Chicago employees’ benefits, please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html.

TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE: Travel outside Chicago is not required. Standard office hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm, flexibility permitted.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employees must be a resident of the City of Chicago and proof of residency is required at the commencement of employment.

KNOWLEDGE SKILL AND ESSAY REQUIREMENT: A passing score on a knowledge skill test(s) and/or essay may be required.

Your application must include a response to the following prompt:

• In less than 500 words, identify one or more specific type(s) of misconduct by a City actor that might be subject to investigation by OIG; describe the potential negative impacts of such misconduct, and how OIG might most effectively plan its investigative work in light of those negative impacts.

WE VALUE DIVERSITY

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an equal opportunity employer.

OIG is an inclusive organization that hires and develops all its staff of all levels regardless of race, religion, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, marital or parental status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, age, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

OIG strives to create the kind of workplace where a socially diverse mix of people can thrive professionally. We pride ourselves in meeting our legal charge to promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity in government. Through the hard work of our passionate and innovative team, OIG aims to serve every community with equity, respect, and dignity.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy to participate in the application process, please contact the OIG’s Manager of Human Resources Eloise Markham at [e-mail]. Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.

THE CITY OF CHICAGO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND MILITARY FRIENDLY EMPLOYER

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The City of Chicago does not participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). In addition, employment at the OIG is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.

NOTIFICATION REGARDING USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

The submission of written materials, e.g., writing sample, essay, cover letter, etc., generated in-part or fully by AI is strongly discouraged. Candidates who submit AI generated written materials may be disqualified from further consideration.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other, Information Technology, and Management

• Industries

  Government Administration

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at City of Chicago Office of Inspector General by 2x

Get notified about new Investigator jobs in Chicago, IL.

Background Investigator - Federal Security Clearance Investigations

Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) - $40,000 Recruitment Incentive

Special Investigations Unit Investigator

Greater Chicago Area $50,000.00-$65,000.00 2 days ago

Chicago, IL $57,677.01-$78,275.94 1 month ago

Global Security - Vulnerable Adult Investigator

Investigator, Americas - Global Trust & Investigations (Remote)

Chicago, IL $74,156.16-$107,114.45 1 month ago

10-meter South Pole Telescope Winter-Over

Chicago, IL $75,000.00-$80,000.00 2 weeks ago

Department of Medicine Junior Investigator

Internal Investigations Services Senior Specialist

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.