INVESTIGATOR 3 - SCCC

About the Department

INVESTIGATOR 3
Full-time - Permanent
Salary Range: $7,669.00-$10,307.00 Monthly
Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC)
Aberdeen, WA

The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individuals for the position of Investigator 3 at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen, Washington.

If you are excited to make a difference in the lives of others and join a team that works towards a meaningful purpose, apply to be a Investigator 3 at SCCC with the Department of Corrections (DOC).
 
Stafford Creek Corrections Center is a 1,936-bed multi-custody facility located five miles west of Aberdeen, on the southern Washington Coast. There are seven living units for medium and minimum long-term custody Incarcerated Individuals and a restrictive housing unit for maximum-custody Incarcerated Individuals. SCCC was Washington State's first tobacco-free facility for both staff and Incarcerated Individuals.
  
 Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the Washington State Department of Corrections professional staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which all Incarcerated Individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.
 

AGENCY PROFILE:
 For additional information about our agency, please visit doc.wa.gov.  

Join our team to be part of an organization that is dedicated to offering opportunities for career advancement and personal growth! DOC offers:

• Flexible schedules 
• Comprehensive compensation packages  
• Benefits package
• Training and development opportunities to continue building your career with us.

 Apply today to join our team and start making a real difference in your community! 
 
Application Process

 Begin your application process online at www.careers.wa.gov:

• Click the green 'Apply' button on the job posting and sign in or create an account.
• Fill  in all sections of the application completely, including at least three professional references. A professional reference is identified as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
• Attach a cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications for this position.
• Attach a detailed chronological resume.
• Submit a copy of your unofficial college transcript (if using college credits or degree to qualify for position)
• Click "Accept & Submit" to submit your application.

Incomplete application packages will disqualify an applicant from the application process.  

We are looking for evidence in your application materials that you have the experience, skills, and abilities indicated in this job posting. Qualified applicants whose responses most closely match the requirements of this position may be invited to interview. Carefully review your application before submitting. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application materials submitted.

Position Duties

The Department of Corrections Stafford Creek Corrections Center Intelligence and Investigations Unit (IIU) in collaboration with its criminal justice partners; will contribute to staff and community safety and hold Incarcerated Individuals accountable through administration of criminal sanctions and effective re-entry programs.

The Investigator 3 position works under the direction of the IIU Chief Investigator and the Superintendent and works collaboratively with stakeholders and contributes to the agency's mission, to improve facility and public safety by conducting impartial, confidential, high priority investigations throughout the department. These investigations often involve allegations that are sensitive, complex, and at times controversial within a correctional setting with the potential of having political impacts, and/or media interest related to the Department of Corrections. This position may be asked to conduct special investigative activities pertinent to the institution and public safety. This position may require travel across the state and may be called to duty whenever an emergency arises and there is a need for investigative support.

This position gathers facts and develops evidence with the objective of completing casework from the original claim, or allegation to preparation for presentation in court or for administrative hearings in a timely manner. This includes researching records and case files; conducting a thorough investigation; preserving documentary evidence; obtaining statements of fact, depositions, or confessions; obtaining and serving subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of records; conducting field surveillance; writing investigative reports, establishing proof of facts and evidence; reviewing case work with law enforcement agencies, private attorneys, Assistant Attorney General, or Prosecuting Attorneys; and testifying in court or other proceedings as necessary.

This position will assist with the overall management of the IIU and may act as the Chief Investigator in their absence. During normal operations, the Investigator 3 will supervise and mentor the IIU's Investigator 2's, and assist the Chief Investigator in establishing priorities, goals and strategies to meet the units' commitments. When authorized by the appointing authority this position may be armed, once properly trained, and may be issued a take home weapon.

This position, along with other investigators, will have the responsibility of being IIU Duty Officer for one-week rotations. The Duty Officer will be responsible to respond to the facility or conduct other work as needed, 24 hours a day, through the 7-day period.

Duty: The Investigator 3 will independently initiate, conduct, and complete comprehensive investigations to include, but not limited to, alleged WAC violations/illegal acts under RCW, criminal, tort claims, fraud, and background investigations, any other claim under State jurisdiction that pose a threat to public, staff, and residents of the Department of Corrections safety, and refer the reports to appropriate authorities at the direction of the Chief Investigator. When investigations are complex in nature, or become complex after initiation, the Investigator 3 will take lead in ensuring the investigation is taken to appropriate, accurate and complete closure.

Tasks include:

Creates, compiles, and writes documentation/case files relevant to intelligence on activity conducted by Incarcerated Individuals, visitors, and associates (Both physically maintained in IIU Office and electronic maintained in SharePoint in a timely manner.)

Write thorough investigative reports in a timely manner, establishing proof of fact and evidence sufficient to be used in Superior Court or for DOC Administrative Hearings. The Investigator 3, will also review investigation documents for accuracy and completeness prior to being forwarded to the Chief Investigator/Superintendent.

Gather, document, and retain evidence according to applicable laws, Department policies, and established procedures in support of investigative activity which typically result in prosecutorial pursuit in Federal or Superior Courts or Administrative Discipline.

Conduct interviews of suspects, victims, and witnesses, prepares and/or reviews statements of fact and / or confessions in accordance with applicable laws, DOC policies and procedures for use in Superior Court or in Administrative Hearings. (Including but not limited to: JPAY investigations, VTrack investigations, Contraband Investigations, PREA investigations)

Investigate complaints of employee misconduct as directed by the Chief Investigator and Superintendent. This activity will be minimized as much as possible as the primary focus should be on Incarcerated Individuals activities as they relate to staff, facility and public safety.

Review and present appropriate cases to private attorneys, Assistant Attorney General, Prosecuting Attorney, and Federal/State/Local Law enforcement.

Testify in court or other proceedings as necessary.

May participate, supervise, lead, direct or support tactical, covert and/or investigative operations involving prison (s), community corrections or law enforcement/criminal justice agencies at the direction and approval of the Chief Investigator, Superintendent, and Headquarters Chief of Investigative Operations per established guidelines.

Maintain and use specialized covert electronic,  audio and visual equipment per Federal and State laws, and Department policies, and with approval from the Chief Investigator, Superintendent, and Headquarters Chief of Investigative Operations when required.

Participates in the collection, documentation and dissemination of intelligence information on Security Threat Groups, at the direction of the Chief Investigator and/or Statewide STG Program Manager.

Researches records and casefiles; gathering and preserving documentary evidence

Submit reports and provide communication as directed by the Statewide IIU Program requirements. Trained and certified in drug / narcotic testing (MMC, NARTECH, NIK, Target ID, ETC.).

Obtain, log, and test substances that have been submitted or collected as evidence.

Gather, log, maintain/preserves evidence properly per policy as directed and under direct supervision by the Chief Investigator or higher-level Investigator.

Assist law enforcement, Prosecutor’s and Attorney General Office in the gathering of evidence or information required for civil or criminal cases.

Attends meetings/briefings and Trainings.

• Quarterly IIU Meetings
• Mandatory Trainings
• Yearly Trainings
  1. LMS Online Training
  2. Instructor Led Classroom Training
  3. Defensive Tactics
  4. Weapons Training
• Others as directed by Chief Investigator

Write detailed and concise reports (i.e.Infraction Reports, Incident Reports, IMRS’s, Segregation Management reports.)

Conduct and complete Administrative Segregation investigations or request extensions within policy time frames and document appropriately.

 Liaison with local LE, courts, attorneys, etc

Provides and/or assists in training regarding security and investigative issues.

Duty: Interviews and Investigations: Operate and monitor the Incarcerated Individual telephone program (VTracks), Securus, JPay, OMNI, Incarcerated Individual mail, and other DOC information sources

Tasks include:

Comply with all training requirements per policy.

Review archived calls and perform live monitoring of Incarcerated Individual conversations to gather intelligence on known or suspected criminal activity of Incarcerated Individuals, visitors and/or associates using VTracks System. (Monitor, analyze, and investigate any suspicious phone calls).

Accurately record these conversations for use as evidence in administrative and/or criminal court proceedings while complying with applicable Federal/State laws and Department policy.

Monitor, analyze, and investigate suspicious JPAY messages that could jeopardize the safety and security of facility operations.

Gather, compile, and analyze data related to the safety and security of the institution arising from the monitoring of JPAY, VTracks System, and the US Mail.

Monitor incoming and outgoing Incarcerated Individual US Mail per policy. Maintain confidentiality and only disclose that information allowed in policy.

Review and monitor the facility surveillance systems as well as standalone, covert surveillance systems for issues concerning the safety and security of facility operations.

Duty: Gather, develop, evaluate, document, and disseminate intelligence information pertaining to Incarcerated Individuals and Security Threat Groups that pose a threat to public, staff, and Incarcerated Individuals safety.

Tasks include:

Screen incoming Incarcerated Individual chain for STG members, their status, and placement.

Accurately and promptly enter data into the Security Threat Group Tracking System on groups including but not limited to, militia organizations, violent anarchist, hate groups, street groups, security threat groups and any other individual or groups that pose a threat to public safety and overall security of the Department.

Appropriately distribute Security Threat Group (STG) related information to those areas, departments and offices requiring information for operation, planning, and administrative purposes.

Provide training to staff regarding STG and security issues. Provide training if requested related to narcotics and ways that narcotics are introduced into prisons.

Provide the Chief Investigator, Superintendent, and senior administrative staff with accurate, comprehensive timely Intelligence information.

Document and file intelligence information according to policy, including but not limited to Confidential Information Reports.

Demonstrate professionalism and credibility with Incarcerated Individual population.

Assure confidentiality with the cultivation/collection of intelligence information according to laws and Department policies.

Duty: Other duties as assigned.

Tasks Include:

Receives and responds to inquiries by telephone, in writing, e-mail, and in person  by outside agencies and other state entities.

Respond to statewide emergencies and provide investigative/intelligence support at the request of HQ SIS with approval from the Chief Investigator and Superintendent.

Assist in service of subpoenas and other legal papers on Incarcerated Individuals and/or employees.

Meet with senior staff to provide information on ongoing issues and to discuss facility or community safety concerns or suspicions.

Act as office lead for other investigator(s) as assigned when Chief Investigator is absent or unavailable.

Maintain good working relationships with all staff, Federal/State Law Enforcement agencies.

Assure units timely response to public disclosure requests and work closely with the Public Information Officer.

Duty: Miscellaneous Duties to be done by all Investigators

Tasks include:

Create and maintain IIU Hotmail list and disseminate list appropriately. Filing of paperwork, case files, and reports.
Maintain and ordering of office supplies.
Answer office telephone calls, respond to requests, screen calls for Investigators.
Respond to Incarcerated Individual Kites/Kiosk messages pertaining to IPIN, general, or miscellaneous requests.
Scan documents as needed/requested.
Type correspondence on behalf of Chief Investigator with Chief signature.
Organize and maintain cleanliness of office.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Two years’ experience as an Investigator 2 within WA DOC Internal Investigations Unit (IIU). OR

Three years of experience in conducting investigations which include: witness interviews; gathering, preserving, and analyzing facts, information, and evidence; and developing written reports.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• High level of knowledge and experience with Security Threat Groups
• High level of experience with methods, principles, standards, and techniques of criminal and civil investigations
• High level of experience with interviewing techniques, rules of evidence, chain of custody, laws of arrest, search and seizure, Miranda and Garrity warnings
• Skilled at investigative report writing
• Working knowledge of applicable Washington state statutes, Federal and State regulations pertaining to the area investigations
• Working knowledge of the incarcerated individual classification process
• Ability to write and speak clearly, concisely, accurately, and informatively

Other Qualifications

 Vision:  Working together for safer communities.
Mission:  Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment:  To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
  
 DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
  
IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position. 
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.  If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
  **Please note:  Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply. 
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration. 
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position. 
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.  When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

 Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time.  Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite.  Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.

 What We Offer: 
 As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

 PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

 For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call us at 360-537-2206. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov