CHIEF OF INVESTIGATIONS NJ MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION
Career Family: CHIEF
Chief of Investigations NJ Motor Vehicle Commission 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. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $106,547 to $157,363.
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.
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 general direction, assists the Division Director, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), with planning, organizing, implementing, and directing, a specialized investigative program involving alleged non-compliances with State and NJMVC statutes, regulatory requirements, NJMVC policies, procedures of a sensitive, confidential, and complex nature and performs other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Assists the Division Director in planning, organizing, implementing, and directing the activities involved in providing the NJMVC with investigative services. Establishes program priorities in accordance with organizational goals, objectives and strategic plans. Provides periodic reports to the Director regarding program progress and whether additional resources are required to meet goals, objectives, and strategic plans. Establishes and implements uniform policies, procedures and operating guidelines for investigative personnel, including standards and protocols. Develop performance standards for the program and for assigned staff. Prepares the annual budget request for the investigative program, including projections for personnel, computers, and other office needs and equipment. Directs the investigation of highly sensitive, confidential and complex cases relating to MVC fraudulent illegal activity and recommends administrative and/or legal action and provides consultative advice to the Division Director and Senior Executives. Assists in developing training programs for new investigative staff and recommend training for continued staff development to keep abreast of new trends and techniques. Directs investigative teams in the review, analysis and interpretation of various statistical reports to detect possible patterns of fraudulent NJMVC activity and prepares a final report for senior executive review containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Directs and recommends personnel actions including but not limited to hiring, promotion, demotion as well as recommending disciplinary action for assigned staff. Directs coordination with the Attorney General's Office, local and state prosecutor offices, regarding the prosecution of offenders and administrative search warrants, subpoenas, and other documents required by law during the course of an investigation. 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. 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 knowledge of 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. Knowledge of management principles and practices. 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 coordinate 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 learn 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. Ten (10) years of professional office and/or professional experience conducting investigations, collecting evidence and preparing investigative reports related to civil, criminal, or regulatory or administrative matters involving fraud, misrepresentation, or other acts of criminal or civil misconduct, three (3) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and six (6) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years which must have been in a supervisory capacity. 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 five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. "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.
Study guides for this exam
- Management Test Battery (MTB) National Learning Corporation · $52.95
- Manager/Administrator Test National Learning Corporation · $49.95 · general prep, not specific to this title
The Civil Service Commission does not publish official study guides or release past tests. These are independent equivalency guides.