Investigator Salem

Investigator 2 job at State of Oregon. Salem, OR.

Initial Posting Date: 12/19/2025

Final date to receive applications: 01/11/2026

Agency: Oregon Department of Education

Salary Range: $4,409 - $6,736 ($4,715 - $7,206 PERS)

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Investigator 2

We are seeking an investigator to join our Government and Legal Affairs team at the Oregon Department of Education. This is a permanent position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This position follows a hybrid work model. Onsite presence will be required when business or operational needs are best supported in person, such as collaboration, training, or work that requires access to onsite resources.

Employees approved to work remotely must have a reliable and secure internet connection and maintain a professional work environment that supports productivity. While working remotely, employees are expected to maintain the same level of performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability as they would in the office.

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well-rounded, and equitable education system. This position is located in the Complaint and Appeal Resolution Unit, which is part of the Government and Legal Affairs team, in the Office of the Director.

The Government and Legal Affairs Team works across the agency and with outside parties to carry out the education mission and goals of the State Board of Education and the priorities of the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The team includes three work units:
Civil Rights, Complaint and Appeals Resolution, and Reports and Investigations of Sexual Conduct. The Complaints and Appeals Resolution Unit administers the agency’s formal complaint resolution processes for discrimination in public education, restraint and seclusion, retaliation, religious entanglement, determinations of non‑standard status under ORS 343.328 (Abbreviated School Day Programs), and Division 22 standards.

The Investigator 2 position is responsible for conducting complex investigations involving alleged violations of laws, regulations, or policies. This role will require independently gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed investigative reports including recommendations based on individual allegations.

• Conducting investigations by collecting and analyzing records, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating evidence.
• Preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive investigative reports with findings and recommendations.
• Working with DOJ to assist in defending agency’s orders on appeal, if necessary.
• Working collaboratively with members of the unit and the Government and Legal Affairs Team on management of complex situations and to provide information and feedback relating to the Complaint and Appeals investigation process.

Two years of recent (within the last five years) investigative experience which included gathering facts, collecting evidence, examining records, and conducting interviews to verify or disprove claims of suspected law violations. College‑level courses in law enforcement, criminal justice, law, accounting, auditing, or a closely‑related field may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for up to one year of the required experience.

• Analytical Thinking:
  Ability to evaluate complex information, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions from evidence.
• Attention to Detail:
  Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in gathering, documenting, and analyzing information.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Clearly and effectively communicates, both in writing (reports) and verbally (interviews and/or testimony).
• Integrity & Confidentiality:
  Handles sensitive information responsibly and demonstrates strong ethical judgment.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Builds rapport, interviews effectively, and…