PRINCIPAL TOWN INVESTIGATOR 5793

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class conducts investigations into moderately complex violations of town ordinances in response to complaints received from town departments and the general public, as directed by the Town Attorney's Office. The incumbent may compile data for specialized reports pursuant to investigative activities, assists the Town Attorney in report preparation and may function as principal liaison for the latter in settlement of cases. Supervision is exercised over Town Investigators and/or Senior Town Investigators subject to direction and control by the Town Attorney. Work is reviewed by conferences with attorneys in the Town Attorney's office. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Supervises the activities of all Town Investigators, Senior Town Investigators and support personnel under the direction of the Town Attorney;

Reviews the investigations of subordinate staff members to ensure that department policies are being adhered to;

Initiates and conducts the more difficult department investigations;

Assists the Town Attorney in the preparation of reports;

Testifies in court regarding investigations;

May act as a liaison for the Town Attorney in the settlement of cases and matters of law enforcement as needed;

Compiles data for specialized investigative reports for submission to the Town Attorney and appropriate department heads;

Coordinates efforts within the departments of a town (Building, Code Enforcement, etc.) to ensure appropriateness of action;

Interacts with other government agencies (federal, state, local) to achieve mutual goals regarding code enforcement.

May act as the principal training officer to related personnel.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures employed in complex investigative work; thorough knowledge of state and local statutes and ordinances; thorough knowledge of town roads, communities and incorporated villages; thorough knowledge of District Court and Supreme Court procedures and rules of evidence; ability to assemble, analyze and evaluate evidence; ability to interview and deal tactfully with witnesses and the general public; ability to prepare clear and accurate specialized reports; ability to supervise the work of personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to maintain effective relationships with department heads and professionals in other government agencies; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either,

a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field and two (2) years of experience as an investigator, one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,

b) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field and four (4) years of experience in investigative work, one (1) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,

c) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and five (5) years of experience as an investigator, one (1) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,

d) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of a), b), c).

PROMOTIONAL

One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Senior Town Investigator.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

At the time of appointment and throughout the period of employment, candidates must possess a valid New York State driver’s license.

All employees must successfully complete the required basic training program entitled Minimum Standards for Code Enforcement Personnel, established by the State of New York Fire Fighting and Code Enforcement Personnel Standards and Education Commission. The program must be completed in the appropriate time period as specified in the regulations. Upon completion, the required in-service training programs must be attended as scheduled.

R 04/01/11

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/25/15