CHIEF, OFFICE OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, TAXATION
Career Family: CHIEF
Chief, Office of Criminal Investigation, Taxation is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
You can qualify with a master's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead, and a professional license is required on top of that. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $92,711 to $136,605, and state payroll lists a single employee in the title, at Treasury.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of the Treasury's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 1 person working under this title. The median actual salary is $168,308. The agencies employing the most are:
- Treasury (1)
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.
Definition
Under the direction of a division director or other supervisory official within the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Taxation, is responsible for the planning, developing, organizing, coordinating, directing, and evaluating of investigative objectives and for overseeing the administration of investigative activities conducted in compliance with the New Jersey State Tax Code, the New Jersey Criminal Code or other state statutes; directs and oversees sworn law enforcement officers and other staff in the Office of Criminal Investigation; is authorized to exercise all powers/rights of police officers, constables, and special deputy sheriffs in criminal matters, and is empowered to act as officer for the detection, apprehension, arrest, and conviction of offenders against the law; does other related duties as required. NOTE : The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
Examples of work
May oversee and direct complex, comprehensive investigations where violations of criminal and civil statutes of N.J.S.A Title 54 and N.J.S.A. Title 2C are suspected, if required by circumstances. Determines organization goals and objectives, establishes policies and allocates resources. Recommends budgeting, employment, promotions, training, and other personnel/administrative actions concerning the Office of Criminal Investigation. Directs assignment of OCI personnel to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury's Emergency Response Unit as required. Directs OCI Units, teams, or specialized personnel to ensure that investigative methods and techniques comply with current directives and within applicable tax, criminal, and civil statutes. Directs investigation of allegations of negligence, misrepresentation, unethical conduct, or misconduct by personnel, organizations, vendors, service providers, or agencies. Advises appropriate department or division executive level management of the results of investigations which may have significant impact upon State tax enforcement policy. Directs the development and control of the confidential source/confidential informant program under their purview, ensuring that strict secrecy and confidentiality are maintained. Directs the development of working relationships and ensures cooperation with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of violations of criminal and civil statutes of N.J.S.A Title 54 and N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Plans and advises staff on policies, procedures, regulations, precedents, accounting principles, investigative and auditing techniques and other matters relating to the technical/administrative aspects of assigned work. Directs the preparation of criminal complaints, issuance of subpoenas, affidavits for search and seizure warrants, inventory of items seized and related documents involving arrest procedures pursuant to the authority granted by New Jersey Statutes. Manages the collection, cataloging and securing of evidence related to investigations of criminal and civil statutes of N.J.S.A . Title 54 and N.J.S.A . Title 2C violations according to OCI procedures. Monitors interviews or interrogations of alleged violators and witnesses of criminal and civil statutes of N.J.S.A. Title 54 and N.J.S.A. Title 2C, reviews written and/or video statements to ensure the constitutional rights of those questioned are upheld. Reviews investigative programs and initiatives to ensure compliance with appropriate directives and guidelines. Evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of investigative operations and objectives. Directs the collection of background data, conviction records and forfeiture orders to effect the proper and secure disposition of contraband, currency, vehicles and other assets and assists in the physical removal of such contraband pursuant to the New Jersey Attorney General guidelines and directives. Directs the participation in mandated training programs as required by New Jersey Attorney General guidelines and directives. Directs the preparation of clear and informative official correspondence and reports of investigational activities containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Oversees a case management and recordkeeping system for investigations. Directs the inspection and maintenance of Division issued equipment assigned to personnel within OCI. Establishes command intelligence collection requirements and directs the dissemination of criminal intelligence information as it relates to the Office of Criminal Investigation's overall mission and in accordance with 28 C.F.R. Part 23. Administers mandated personal background investigations to determine suitability for various requirements as prescribed by statute, department or division policy. Maintains liaison and working relationships with federal, state, local law enforcement officials, as well as state agencies on matters of mutual interest. Testifies and coordinates the presentation of investigations for prosecution, and testifies as a state witness before grand juries, courts of law, and other judicial bodies. Oversees affidavits for search warrants, consensual authorizations, and wiretap orders, and monitors their execution. Reviews seizures relative to certain investigations and inventory of items seized pursuant to the authority granted by NJ State Statutes relating to seizure and/or forfeiture laws. Functions as the principal security officer for the Office of Criminal Investigation and is responsible for securing the physical premises which house the offices and evidence facilities; develops security plans, policies and procedures; assigns authorized personnel as required. Monitors proposed legislation and advises executive management of potential impacts on existing operations. Manages the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. REQUIRMENTS:
License
Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of management principles and supervisory techniques. Knowledge of law enforcement operations/procedures on a local, state and federal level. Knowledge of principles of communication to achieve desired results. Knowledge of civil rights of individuals under investigation. Knowledge of operations and procedures of the divisions within the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. Knowledge of New Jersey tax and criminal statutes. Knowledge of the types of conduct that would constitute violation of civil or criminal laws. Knowledge of the functions of other government agencies; municipal, county, state and/or federal in order to secure evidence relevant to civil and/or criminal investigations being conducted by the New Jersey Treasury, Office of Criminal Investigation. Knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code and its application to criminal violations of N.J.S.A. Title 54. Ability to make decisions and determine what decisions should be referred to superiors. Ability to evaluate intelligence information. Ability to comprehend, analyze, and apply the provisions of New Jersey tax laws and the regulations, policies, standards, and procedures utilized in the Office of Criminal Investigations functions. Ability to maintain and handle informants. Ability to interview witnesses and suspects. Ability to identify and pursue potential investigative areas. Ability to assume and maintain custody of persons placed under arrest and use restraining devices in the performance of these duties. Ability to plan training courses, prepare material for use therein, and provide appropriate training. Ability to work under adverse conditions with irregular hours and scheduling which may require recall during off hours. Ability to assign, instruct, and supervise the work of subordinates engaged in the investigation of criminal and civil violations. Ability to work with other law enforcement agencies at federal, state, county, or municipal levels in civil and criminal matters. Ability to qualify with firearms on a semiannual basis. Ability to apply auditing, accounting and/or examination and verification methods and procedures for criminal investigations. Ability to give and solicit testimony involving criminal/civil investigations for use before a court of law or any other investigative body as required. Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Ability to prepare and direct preparation of technically sound/accurate financial and investigative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and 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 if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
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. Nine (9) years of professional experience conducting investigations, collecting evidence, and/or preparing investigative reports related to criminal and/or civil matters involving fraud, misrepresentation, or other acts of criminal and/or civil misconduct, or as a sworn law enforcement officer performing follow-up investigations (not preliminary investigations), three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity, one (1) year of which shall have included the supervision of subordinate supervisors. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity, one (1) year of which shall have included the supervision of subordinate supervisors. OR Possession of a Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or Criminal Justice; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity, one (1) year of which shall have included the supervision of subordinate supervisors. "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. Appointees will be required to complete all mandates of the Police Training Commission including the completion of the qualification course in the use of firearms during the first year of employment in this title. Failure to satisfactorily complete this course may be considered cause for separation. Candidates certified from the eligible list for this title may be required to undergo medical and psychological examinations administered by the appointing authority. Any psychological, medical or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties, will be cause for rejection and/or removal from the eligible list. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS : After successfully completing a police training commission course approved by the Police Training Commission, which includes successful attainment of a required level of proficiency in the use of firearms, exercises all powers and rights of law enforcement officers, constables, and sheriff officers in criminal matters, and functions as a law enforcement officer for the detection, apprehension, arrest, and prosecution of offenders against the law. The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.