INVESTIGATOR III

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Department of Education is seeking an Investigator III to conduct thorough, unbiased investigations across internal compliance issues, employee misconduct, fraud, and other irregular activities.

The role involves gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information from varied sources to uncover facts and support strategic decision-making, while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to legal standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant investigative experience.
• Specialized certifications may be required.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and execute comprehensive investigations into allegations, suspicious activities, or emerging issues.
• Plan, organize, and execute investigations using a structured methodology, interviewing subjects, reviewing documents, and gathering evidence.
• Analyze findings to identify patterns and risks, and prepare concise reports with recommended corrective actions.
• Coordinate with witnesses, school districts, and external agencies; testify at hearings or before the State Board of Education when required.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Interviewing

Written communication

Observation

Regulatory compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certifications (e.g., CFE, CFI)

Job description

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Position Number: 22150725
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 10/5/2026
ADE
Join the Arkansas Department of Education where each student is recognized as an individual. Through a cultivation of world-class educators, partnering with communities, and an influx of social supports, Arkansas Department of Education provides multi-level supports that help ensure students will receive a personalized education and develop a life-long love of learning.

Position Information

Job Series: Inspectors and Investigators – Investigators

Class Code: IIV04P

Pay Grade: SGS06

Salary Range: $52,137 – $77,163

Job Summary

The Investigator III is a versatile professional responsible for conducting thorough, unbiased investigations across a range of subjects—including internal compliance issues, employee misconduct, fraud, or other irregular activities. This role involves gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information from varied sources in an attempt to uncover facts, recommend corrective measures, and support strategic decision-making. Whether working within the public or private sector, the Investigator III ensures that investigations are conducted with integrity, maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to pre-determined legal and organizational standards.

Primary Responsibilities

Initiate and execute comprehensive investigations into allegations, suspicious activities, or emerging issues. Plan, organize, and execute investigations using a structured methodology, employing various techniques such as interviews, surveillance, and document reviews. Gather relevant documents, physical evidence, and electronic records while ensuring the integrity of data. Analyze findings to establish factual patterns and identify potential risks or deviations from established standards. Prepare clear, concise, and detailed investigation reports summarizing methodologies, findings, and suggested corrective actions. Maintain meticulous records of investigative processes, evidence logs, and follow-up outcomes for accountability and potential legal review. Work closely with internal personnel, external agencies, or law enforcement when required to advance investigations. Communicate effectively with a variety of assorted personnel by presenting findings in meetings, hearings, or court proceedings if necessary. Ensure all investigation activities are conducted within the boundaries of relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies. Maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality throughout the investigative process. Stay updated on emerging investigative tools, techniques, and regulatory changes. Propose enhancements to investigative protocols and best practices to improve overall efficiency and accuracy.

This position will conduct investigations concerning the licensing and discipline of professional educators; develop and maintain a comprehensive record of all actions regarding each complaint; maintain open contact with both complainants and educators regarding ethics complaints; contact other state agencies and courts, as needed, to obtain information regarding ethics complaints; coordinate with witnesses and school districts to schedule interviews either in-person, via telephone, or via Zoom; prepare a final report based on facts collected and without bias in a timely manner (final reports must be sent to managing attorney for approval before sending to educator); testify at evidentiary hearings or before the Arkansas State Board of Education when called; answer incoming phone calls and provide informational customer service without giving advice to the individual calling; work with legal counsel and representatives for Educators to ensure due process; present cases at Ethics Subcommittee meetings.

Knowledge and Skills

Exceptional ability to analyze complex information, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions from multifaceted data.Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively conduct interviews, document findings, and present clear, compelling reports.Strong observational skills with the capacity to detect inconsistencies and nuances that may be critical to the investigation.Familiarity with modern investigative tools, data management software, and digital evidence collection techniques.Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, and handling sensitive information responsibly.Proven aptitude to think critically and solve problems efficiently, particularly when under pressure or facing complex investigative scenarios.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED.

Minimum of 6 Years of relevant investigative experience is required. This may include practical experience in law enforcement, corporate compliance, internal audit, or a similar investigative role.

Specialized certifications (e.g., Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Forensic Investigator) may be required.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.