INVESTIGATOR 3 REAL ESTATE COMMISSION
Career Family: INVESTIGATOR
New Jersey treats Investigator 3 Real Estate 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 bachelor's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree, and a professional license is required on top of that. The FY 2027 range lands between $63,663 and $92,953, and state payroll currently lists about 13 people in the title, most of them at Banking and Insurance.
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 3 Real Estate Commission appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Banking & Insurance.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Banking & Insurance | 13 |
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 35th 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 13 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $67,170. The agencies employing the most are:
- Banking and Insurance (13)
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 direction of a higher level investigator or supervisory official in the Real Estate Commission, Department of Banking and Insurance, performs routine office/field investigations regarding the conduct of licensed/unlicensed persons, firms, and developers with respect to alleged violations of NJ Real Estate Licensing law; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Investigates routine office/field cases related to complaints filed by persons alleging violations of real estate licensing laws, rules, and regulations. Interviews in person or by telephone licensed/unlicensed persons who have relevant knowledge or information regarding facts surrounding assigned investigative cases. Examines documentation, including financial records, of real estate brokers to determine compliance with the Real Estate License Act and Commission rules. Gathers necessary factual information to make an appropriate determination as to whether or not alleged violations have been substantiated. Reviews printed advertising material to determine compliance with provisions of the Real Estate License Act and Commission regulations. Cites the proper rule/regulation which may have been violated. Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative investigative reports that contain relevant findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Testifies at Commission hearings or other hearings or courts of law. Provides callers with information regarding real estate licensing laws, rules, and regulations and advises callers as to how to file a complaint. Conducts investigation of potential alleged violations of the NJ Land Sales Full Disclosure Act. Maintains records and files. 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
Applicants must have successfully completed a New Jersey State-approved Real Estate Licensing and Salesperson Course. Appointees 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 necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of interviewing techniques. Knowledge of the nature of admissible evidence. Ability to read and effectively analyze written statutes/regulations. Ability to conduct interviews and elicit pertinent facts/information. Ability to organize assigned investigational work and develop effective work methods. Ability to deal effectively with others and with the general public. Ability to recognize improper activity during an investigation. Ability to logically explain reasons underlying a recommended action. Ability to conduct investigations in the field. Ability to comprehend and interpret basic laws/regulations. Ability to collect, analyze, appraise, and interpret technical and other factual data. Ability to act as a witness in court proceedings and to give testimony under oath. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability 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 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 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. CODES: 20/P20 - RKR/hw 7/2/98
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. 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. Five (5) years of professional experience as a licensed real estate broker and/or licensed real estate salesperson, and/or investigative or law enforcement experience in conducting investigations relating to fraud or economic crime. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions. Candidates accepting employment as investigators in the Real Estate Commission are required to adhere to employment restriction that they cannot actively be engage in any real estate activity while in employ of the Real Estate Commission.