Special Investigator

The University of Texas System; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas System Administration, based in Austin, seeks a seasoned investigator to conduct thorough, confidential investigations into misconduct and policy violations across the UT System. You will support the Section Chief and ensure legal compliance while maintaining ethical standards and confidentiality.

You will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare comprehensive reports, testifying when necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, criminal justice, or related field; six years as a commissioned peace officer.
• Active TCOLE Peace Officer License or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Texas law enforcement standards compliance and eligibility to drive UT System vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Conducts administrative or criminal investigations, including misconduct and policy violations.
• Inspects institution police departments and provides compliance recommendations.
• Gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and prepares detailed investigation reports.
• Testifies in court and administrative hearings to explain findings.
• Maintains confidentiality and ethical conduct throughout investigations and inspections.
• Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to share information and ensure standards.
• Performs peace officer duties as required and participates in training and development.

Skills

Knowledge of laws and policies

Integrity & ethics

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Written and verbal communication

Judgment under stress

Relationship building

Equipment safety proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law or criminal justice

Active TCOLE Peace Officer License

TCOLE Intermediate Certificate

Job description

Required Application Materials

A resume and letter of interest is required to apply. Candidates under final consideration will also be required to submit professional references, college degree information, and employment history to an online third-party vendor.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Salary

Salary commensurate with experience

Hours per Week

40 hours weekly

Hiring Department

Police

Required Application Materials

A resume and letter of interest is required to apply. Candidates under final consideration will also be required to submit professional references, college degree information, and employment history to an online third-party vendor.

About Us

For more than 140 years, The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans — and people all over the world — through education, health care, and research. The System consists of nine academic institutions, four health institutions, and The University of Texas System Administration. The institutions of the UT System employ more than 160,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, support staff, and student workers.

The UT System Administration is primarily based in Austin, Texas. It supports the missions of the System’s thirteen institutions by providing financial, legal, planning, purchasing, government relations, communications, development, and other central services. Serving a growing state, the UT System Administration strives to provide a welcoming, supportive work environment that embraces different perspectives - not only because it enables the organization to be stronger, creative, and thoughtful, but because it is the right thing to do. To that end, UT System Administration embraces state laws on military and former foster children employment preferences.

Purpose of Position

Responsible for conducting thorough, impartial, and confidential investigations into allegations of misconduct, policy violations, complaints, and other law enforcement matters. Assists the Section Chief with conducting investigations and inspections at the system and institutional levels ensuring organizational integrity and legal compliance.

Essential Functions

• Conducts administrative or criminal investigations, including investigating allegations of misconduct, violations of policies, and complaints.
• Conducts inspections of institution police departments and provides recommendations to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Provides informed guidance on UTSP/ODOP policy development, policy compliance, ethical conduct, contemporary policing, and criminal justice practices that ensure common and appropriate operating procedures across institution police departments.
• Gathers and analyzes various types of evidence, interviews witnesses, interviews and interrogate subjects, and maintains records.
• Prepares comprehensive, detailed, and legally sound reports of investigations, providing actionable findings to executive leadership.
• Testifies as a witness in court and at administrative hearings to explain findings and provide opinions on cases.
• Maintains confidentiality and fairness in all investigative processes and conducts activities according to ethical and legal standards.
• Maintains open and mutually productive relationships and lines of communication with other law enforcement agencies and institution police departments, and coordinates with them to obtain, analyze, and share information on investigations.
• Maintains awareness of departmental policies, legal updates, and regulations, and ensures that full force and effect is given to UTS Policy 170, Oversight of Law Enforcement and Security for the University of Texas System.
• Provides training and serves as a technical resource for development on investigative and inspection best practices.
• Serves on committees or working groups related to investigations and inspections.
• Performs other duties assigned, including but not limited to, security support, executive protection, and background investigations.
• Performs all peace officer duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and University policies.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics with ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to supervise and lead personnel effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound judgment and decision-making under stress.
• Ability to build trust and maintain professional relationships with a diverse university community.
• Must be proficient in the operation and safety procedures for all equipment utilized by the University Police Department necessary to perform assigned duties.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, criminal justice, or related field and six (6) years of full-time, continuous service as a commissioned peace officer. Service may be with any state, local, or federal law enforcement agency meeting applicable professional standards AND
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as an investigator or similar role.
• Active TCOLE Peace Officer License, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of appointment.
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Intermediate Certificate.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license not subject to suspension and must be eligible to drive without limitation a motor vehicle owned or leased by The University of Texas System.

This position requires the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT System Administration and its infrastructure. This position is classified as security-sensitive, subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience in a law enforcement setting.
• TCOLE Advanced Certificate or higher.
• Internal affairs and/or criminal investigations training.

Working Conditions

• Driving of UT owned vehicle required
• Driving is required and an essential part of the position
• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)
• May work in extreme temperatures
• May work in all weather conditions
• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around biohazards
• May work around chemicals
• May work around electrical and/or mechanical hazards
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Climbing of stairs
• Climbing of ladders
• Lifting and moving objects
• Uses standard office equipment
• 10% Travel
• Requires occasional evening or weekend hours

Additional Information

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to a minimum of 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in TRS is mandatory.

A background check will be conducted on candidates under final consideration. The background check may include any or all of the following: criminal history check, prior employment verification, education verification, professional references check, and motor vehicle records check. Background checks are conducted by third-party vendors. Upon request form the third-party vendor, candidates under final consideration must provide the required information for the background checks to be completed.

EO/AA Statement

The University of Texas System Administration is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees in all terms and conditions of employment. U. T. System will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.

For information on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact the Office of Talent and Innovation at [e-mail] .