INVESTIGATOR 2 NJ MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION
Career Family: INVESTIGATOR
New Jersey treats Investigator 2 NJ Motor Vehicle Commission as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
The spec names a master's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree. The FY 2027 range lands between $83,582 and $122,832, and state payroll currently lists about 30 people in the title, most of them at Motor Vehicle Commission.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Investigator 2 NJ Motor Vehicle Commission appears on the State payroll at one department, Motor Vehicle Commission.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Commission | 30 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Investigator series
- Investigator 1 — $62,499 – $91,249
- Investigator 2 — $71,562 – $104,839
- Investigator 3 — $83,582 – $122,832
- Investigator 4 Law and Publc Safety — $83,582 – $122,832
Its top salary lands around the 69th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 30 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $118,678. The agencies employing the most are:
- Motor Vehicle Commission (30)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the general direction of a Supervising Investigator or other supervisory official in the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), conducts in-depth moderately complex regulatory and administrative investigations in compliance with State and NJMVC statutes, regulatory requirements, NJMVC policies, procedures and performs other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Investigates highly sensitive, confidential and moderately complex cases involving alleged fraud, negligence, incompetence, misrepresentation, misconduct, including but not limited to, misuse or alterations of the NJMVC Comprehensive Database and/or NJMVC abstracts in violation of State Statutes, Administrative Code regulations and procedures. Assists law enforcement and other appropriate governmental agencies by performing various searches of all NJMVC databases, i.e. identity fraud, Driver Testing computer entries and tests results and driver license, registration and title records; when necessary, prepares certified information. Conducts investigations involving salvage inspections to ensure that vehicles comply with current safety standard for roadworthiness. Verifies confidential vehicle identification numbers (VINS) and ensures that salvage inspection report confirms the vehicles authenticity and that federal and state requirements have been met. Conducts overt investigations of Business License Compliance relating to, but not limited to, new and used vehicle dealership licenses, odometer fraud at new and used vehicle dealerships, driving schools, private inspection facilities (PIF), central inspection facilities (CIF) and auto body repair facilities to ensure that standards, codes, laws and NJMVC rules, regulations and/or court orders pertaining to NJMVC policy and procedure is adhered to; advises higher level supervisor of investigative finding that indicate the need for a covert investigation/surveillance activity. Conduct overt investigations in the detection of monetary discrepancies pertaining to NJMVC Motor Vehicle Agency and Regional Service Center business practices as they relate to industry standards, including review of records. Recommends need for covert investigation at agency locations and other improvements to ensure fiscal integrity, document security and services to the public. Conducts moderately complex investigations with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) relating to NJMVC Driver Testing computer entries and test results, which involves review of archived records to determine patterns of possible fraudulent activity; recommends need for surveillance activity of internal operations. Responds to requests for assistance from agency personnel related to discrepancies between the actual customer in the agency and the image of that customer in the NJMVC Image Repository. Use various databases in an attempt to determine if a customer is the victim of identity theft and/or identify the individual that assumed the customer's demographic information. Initiates specific investigations relating to driver license suspensions and restorations entered in the NJMVC database to determine the validity of an applicant's identification, and determines cases of identity theft and/or need for surveillance activity of internal operations. Assists in identifying training programs designed to educate and inform all NJMVC units, divisions and agencies of investigative and security resources available to each area. Reviews, analyzes, and interprets various statistical reports to detect possible patterns of fraudulent NJMVC activity. Prepares monthly operational reports for accuracy, completeness, timeliness and thoroughness, and ensures all reports are maintained in the unit's Access-based Case Management System. Testifies as an investigative expert for the State before formal hearings, Grand Juries, Courts of Law, administrative hearing or other judicial bodies for the prosecution of the alleged offenders or other proceedings. Assists local and state prosecutor offices to coordinate smaller scale joint investigative efforts to prosecute offenders accused of criminal, civil, administrative, or institutional abuse/neglect. Assists Attorney General's Office regarding the prosecution of offenders and administrative search warrants, subpoenas, and other documents required by law during the course of an investigation. Uses various types of electronic communications equipment, film-based photographic equipment, magnetic and digital recording devices, and various database software for investigative activities. Ensures compliance with established NJMVC policies and procedures, and follows up with corrective updates regarding procedural changes. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is required to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Ability to interpret and apply all NJMVC procedures, statutes, policies and New Jersey Administrative and Criminal Codes. Ability to acquire knowledge of all NJMVC unit functions and responsibilities. Ability to acquire knowledge of all NJMVC Comprehensive Computer Databases and all associated NJMVC databases and other fraud preventative web based applications. Ability to acquire knowledge of various investigative practices to detect and prove instances of odometer fraud. Ability to analyze and interpret all computer physical documents pertaining to NJMVC driver license, registration, title records, NJMVC driver testing records. Ability to review and analyze NJMVC statistical records to detect or conclude fraudulent patterns. Knowledge of civil and regulatory investigative terminology and methods and procedures for conducting investigations and execute affidavits. Knowledge of types of surveillance devices, and of photographic film-based and digital video equipment. Knowledge of law enforcement procedures governing document alteration, forgery, identity theft, employee embezzlement and fraud. Knowledge of procedures for preparing affidavits or signed statements obtained during the course of an investigation and techniques of investigative reporting. Ability to conduct background fingerprint checks. Ability to detect fraudulent and/or counterfeit documents i.e. driver license, registration, titles and other federal and state identification documents. Knowledge of procedures for preparing final case disposition of completed investigations. Knowledge of the types of conduct that would legally constitute negligence, abuse/neglect, or willful misconduct. Ability to read, interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations in accordance with established NJMVC operating procedures. Ability to consult with the Attorney General's Office concerning the coordination of investigative functions and other legal issues. Ability to implement training programs covering policies and procedures for investigative and regulatory duties and techniques. Ability to provide expert testimony for the State before formal hearings, Grand Juries, Courts of Law, administrative hearings or other judicial bodies. Ability to utilize various types of recording and information systems installed in NJMVC facilities. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The definition for this title and the examples of work and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are for illustrative purposes only. Any one position may not include all of the tasks and KSAs listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties and KSAs which may be required. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional office and/or professional field experience conducting investigations, collecting evidence and preparing investigative reports to a civil, criminal, and administrative or regulatory matters involving fraud, misrepresentation, or other acts of criminal or civil misconduct. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or a related field; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.