Investigator (INV1) - Greater Seattle Area

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington Department of Licensing is seeking an Investigator to perform field inspections focusing on cosmetology industry businesses and to gather evidence for regulatory actions. You will plan travel, conduct onsite inspections, and communicate regulatory requirements to licensees.

The role emphasizes objective inspections, data collection, and reporting to support enforcement and consumer protection across the state.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of professional investigative experience.
• Ability to collect, organize data, and document investigative cases.
• Strong verbal and written communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Travel statewide for inspections and investigations, with emphasis on Western Washington.
• Conduct objective inspections and regulatory reviews; plan travel and fieldwork.
• Educate licensees on laws, rules, and regulatory requirements to promote compliance.
• Document findings, gather evidence, and prepare reports to support actions.
• Maintain accurate regulatory records and coordinate with agency staff.
• Collaborate with management and external partners to support program goals.

Skills

Investigative experience

Data collection

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

Our Central Investigations and Audits Unit (CIAU) is recruiting for a field investigator tasked with safety and sanitation inspections to join our team!

The Department of Licensing’s (DOL) Business & Professions Division (BPD) has 34 business and professional licensing programs and manages 132 license types. The agency and division’s purpose is "Helping every Washington resident live, work, drive, and thrive." Centralized Investigations and Audits Unit promotes public safety and customer protection through regulation and education. The goal is to provide public safety and welfare in all areas we license and to protect and preserve the investments and properties of the citizens of the state.

Do you have a passion for serving our community and gathering evidence? If so, read on!

As an Investigator, you will be an integral part of this successful team. Using your focus and abilities, you will be conducting objective inspections into cosmetology industry businesses and take equitable and appropriate administrative action. Using your customer service expertise and your ability to effectively communicate and share best business practices through education of state laws to help prevent further issues. Furthermore, you will safeguard sensitive information and evidence collected during the inspection process. Your efforts will combine accountability, education, and detail inspection collection to help consumer confidence and business effectiveness across the state.

Some of what you will do:

• Travel throughout Washington, with a focus on Western Washington locations, to inspect licensed cosmetology schools, apprentice salons, shops, and businesses for compliance with licensing, safety, and sanitation requirements.
• Conduct onsite inspections and regulatory reviews while independently planning travel and managing fieldwork.
• Educate licensees and business owners on laws, rules, and regulatory requirements to promote voluntary compliance.
• Document inspection findings, gather evidence, and prepare reports to support enforcement actions and complaint resolution.
• Maintain accurate records and regulatory documentation to ensure accountability and consistent application of licensing requirements.
• Partner with agency staff, management, and external partners to coordinate regulatory activities and support program goals.

What you will bring to the role:

• Two (2) years of professional investigative experience to include: identifying, collecting, organizing data and investigative case writing.
  • Two (2) years of effectively identifying, collecting, organizing, and documenting data.
  • Two (2) years of experience communicating effectively both verbally, and written when presenting to Stakeholders, Board and Commissions, or the public in a clear, concise, and accurate manner.
  • Writing and documenting data in ways that make the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis, investigation, and discipline.

• The ability to:

  • Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity and inclusion through behaviors and decisions.
  • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
  • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
  • The ability to take action to learn and grow.
  • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Experience may be obtained concurrently.

Two (2) years of relevant education may substitute for one (1) year for experience.

What may help set you apart:

• Experience with cosmetology, hair design, barber, manicurists, esthetics and master esthetics schools, and apprentice salon/shops.
• Training which includes dealing with difficult people; experience and training focused on dealing with difficult work situations and de-escalation skills.
• Familiar with the basic functions of Microsoft Word, Outlook Email, and Excel spreadsheets.
• Experience with licensing issuance or regulatory license environment.

Additional Conditions of employment:

• While most investigations will be in the greater Seattle area, you must have the ability to travel throughout the state for investigations including overnight stays.
• A valid driver's license.
• Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment screening, including criminal record history, will be conducted. Information from the pre-employment check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Kyle Odell.

Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!

How to Apply:

• Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement.
• Attach or include three (3) professional references.
• A Resume and Cover Letter are preferred, but not required.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.
We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.

Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice

To take advantage of your veteran / military spouse preference please attach documentation of eligibility to your application.

The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.

The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.

We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.