LEGAL INVESTIGATOR (PROVISIONAL)

City of Buffalo; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Buffalo is seeking an investigator to conduct fact-finding and evidentiary work within a city department. The role emphasizes independent judgment under supervision, with no supervisory duties.

You will gather data, interview witnesses, and prepare material for court filings. Responsibilities include examining reports, preserving evidence, and drafting affidavits, while coordinating with departments and appearing in hearings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree plus one year of full-time investigatory work.
• Associate's Degree plus three years of full-time investigatory work.
• High School Diploma plus five years of full-time investigatory work.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined above.

Responsibilities

• Examine accident reports and investigate accident claims.
• Interview witnesses and arrange for photographs, measurements, and other data.
• Plan and assist investigations by gathering, preserving, and reporting facts and evidence.
• Prepare affidavits, serve papers, and assist in preparing cases for trial.
• Examine property for tenancy, heirs, and interested parties.
• Attend hearings and prepare reports on work performed.
• Assist in court cases by testifying and presenting evidence.
• Check public records to complete investigations of assigned duties.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

Investigatory techniques

Evidence handling

Interviewing

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Associate's Degree

High School Diploma

Equivalent combination

Job description

An incumbent of a position in this class performs factual investigations in connection with the work of a city department or agency. This is routine investigatory work involving the obtaining of evidence and the ascertainment of facts. This work is performed under the supervision of a higher-ranking administrative employee and calls for the exercise of independent judgment based on the circumstances of the situation involved. No supervisory duties are performed.

• Examines accident reports and investigates accident claims;
• Interviews witnesses, arranges for photographs, measurements, physical examinations and other technical data;
• Plans and assists in investigations by gathering, assembling, preserving and reporting facts and evidence;
• Prepares affidavits, serves papers and assists in the preparation of cases to be tried;
• Examines property for tenancy, location of heirs and other interested parties;
• Attends hearings and prepares reports on work done;
• Assists in court cases by testifying and presenting evidence;
• Checks public records to complete investigations of assigned duties;
• Performs related duties as required.

Note: Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience requirements. Proof of education must be presented at time of appointment.

THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER

• Good knowledge of investigatory techniques and procedures; ability to gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence, to draw logical conclusions and make proper recommendations;
• Ability to recognize and preserve evidence and to present such evidence in physical, oral or written form;
• Ability to conduct interviews and obtain complete, pertinent information;
• Ability to get along well with others;
• Physical condition, commensurate with the demands of the position.

• A. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and one year of full-time investigatory work;
• B. Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university and three years of full-time investigatory work;
• C. Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and five years of full-time investigatory work;
• D. An equivalent combination as defined within the limits of A, B and C.