CONFIDENTIAL INVESTIGATIVE SPECIALIST 3

Code: 90729 State Unclassified Range: X98 (FY 2027) Work week NL: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

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 direction of the Commission Chair, Commissioners, Executive Director, or other supervisory officer of the State Commission of Investigation, acts as staff and personal representative in conducting highly confidential and sensitive background and security clearance investigations. Coordinate the development, implementation, management and control of confidential programs and logistical operations critical to the Commission's investigative operations with a considerable degree of independence and a minimal degree of supervision. Supervises the daily functions of Confidential Investigative Specialist 1 and Confidential Investigative Specialist 2.

Examples of work

• Conducts highly sensitive and confidential criminal history background investigations in response to requests and inquiries from the New Jersey Division of State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice or other agencies as requested or statutorily-mandated. Researches, reviews and evaluates internal intelligence, investigative and other documents and records. Conducts interviews and conferences with representatives of government agencies and organizations to obtain and verify relevant information.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
• Conducts research of highly confidential and/or sensitive legal, investigative and intelligence documents, records and archives as required in support of Commission issues and matters.
• Performs vital statistic searches through the Bureau of Vital Statistics for birth, death and marriage records related to highly sensitive and confidential investigations and research.
• Prepares accurate and detailed confidential reports of investigations which effectively communicate findings, conclusions and recommendations. Weighs facts impartially and accurately and communicate them clearly, concisely and objectively. Disseminates factual findings in accordance with Commission policies and guidelines.
• Manages the collection, accountability and organization of confidential investigative, intelligence and legal documents, exhibits and materials designated for off-site storage or destruction. Maintains proper custody and control of documents and materials in accordance with Commission and New Jersey Department of State record retention and destruction policies and guidelines.
• Serves as Electronic Recording Evidence Custodian including the collection, cataloging, duplicating, accounting, maintaining and securing of electronic records obtained for or through Commission's investigative operations. Maintains security of the electronic recording evidence vault and the proper chain-of-custody and control of electronic records in accordance with Commission, state and federal rules of evidence to include the disposition of electronic records.
• Manages the security and accountability of documents, records and other material obtained by subpoena or formal requests in the course of Commission investigations. As Evidence Custodian, maintains security of the evidence vault and the proper chain-of-custody and control of documents, records, exhibits and other materials, including the proper disposition (return, destruction or transfer) as required. Conducts annual and periodic audits and integrity inspections as required.
• Coordinates the management, control and administration of the Commission's fictitious driver license, confidential vehicle registration and other confidential document programs administered by the New Jersey Division of State Police and other law enforcement agencies. Responsibilities include processing applications, issuance of documents and credentials, assignment, monitoring, auditing, and surrender consistent with policies, procedures and regulations set forth by the New Jersey Division of State Police or other law enforcement agencies.
• Coordinates the management, control and administration of Commission police radio communication equipment with the New Jersey Division of State Police including procurement, assignment, maintenance, inspection, and auditing consistent with policies, procedures and regulations set forth by the New Jersey Division of State Police.
• Coordinates the management, administration and control of Commission-owned vehicle fleet including procurement, assignment, documents, inspection, maintenance, repair, E-Z Pass, accident reporting and surrender consistent with Commission and State policies, procedures and regulations. Serves as Commission liaison with the Department of Treasury and the Motor Vehicle Commission in all matters relating to the procurement and operation of Commission-owned vehicles.
• Coordinates the Commission's participation in the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program (BVP) administered through the US Department of Justice and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice including applications for federal grants, state and federal reports and certifications, and the procurement, issuance and surrender of bulletproof vests consistent with federal and state policies, procedures and regulations.
• Coordinates the management, administration and control of security and burglar alarm systems for Commission facilities including evaluating security system requirements and operational needs, assigning security access codes and liaison with security system vendors and the New Jersey Division of State Police. Responds to and investigates alarm activations and other security breaches on a twenty-four (24) hours basis.
• Coordinates the development of specifications and requirements for covert and surveillance vehicles including retro-fitting vehicles for investigative purposes.
• Analyzes, organizes and prioritizes assignments to establish appropriate action. Develops work schedules and procedures to meet and attain objectives. Improves operating efficiency to achieve deadlines with results suitable to defined objectives. Advises supervisors on progress of work assignments and projects as appropriate.
• Assists in developing and arranging security for public hearings conducted by the Commission with the New Jersey Division of State Police and State House management operations.
• Provides logistical support for public hearing conducted by the Commission including the transportation of evidence, exhibits and witnesses.
• Maintains or develops effective liaison and working relationships with federal, state and other agencies on matters of mutual interest to obtain, develops and manages sources of relevant information to assist the Commission in achieving its goals and objectives.
• Assists in the preparation of plans and specifications for equipment, supplies and other requirements to justify budget requests.
• Maintains knowledge and familiarity with policies, regulations, precedents and other matters related to the technical and administrative aspects of assignments and responsibilities.
• Utilizes various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems, audio and visual equipment, communication devices and other equipment utilized by the Commission.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's Degree.

Experience

Ten (10) years experience in conducting and organizing administrative, criminal, intelligence or background investigations in a federal, state or other investigative or regulatory agency which shall have included the review and analysis of modern business, financial and accounting records, five (5) years of which shall have been at a level equivalent to Confidential Investigative Specialist 2.

License

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 required to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the statutory mandates of the Commission and the ability to conduct background and security clearance investigations consistent with this mandate as well as specific authorizing resolutions.
• Extensive knowledge of investigative techniques, methods, procedures and terminology related to financial, regulatory, background, and other types of investigations.
• Extensive knowledge of procedures governing rules of evidence.
• Extensive knowledge of regulations and procedures governing state contracts.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of law enforcement related equipment and services.
• Extensive knowledge of vehicle fleet operations and maintenance.
• Extensive knowledge of police radio communication equipment and systems including operation, maintenance and communication protocols.
• Extensive knowledge of methods and techniques for work organization and effective verbal or graphic presentation of information to diverse audiences.
• Extensive knowledge of corporation structures, financial statements and transactions, and financial fraud and the ability to apply this knowledge in conducting investigations.
• Extensive knowledge of modern business and investigative systems, methods and procedures including the continuous revision and alteration of methods and plans as may be required.
• Extensive knowledge of the relationship among federal, state and local government agencies.
• Extensive knowledge of documents, publications and reference material housed by the State Library and governmental archives.
• Extensive knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Commission.
• Extensive knowledge of policies and procedures of State and local law enforcement agencies and the Bureau of Risk Management to ensure proper notification, documentation, processing and disposition of motor vehicle accident reports.
• Knowledge of personal computers and software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, data base, graphic presentation, public records information and electronic mail.
• Ability to organize, plan, analyze, evaluate, and execute all phases of investigative activity including schedules and procedures and strategies, where necessary and when warranted using resourcefulness, versatility, ingenuity and originality.
• Ability to utilize mechanical aptitude in the operation, installation and repair of law enforcement devices and equipment.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze and apply the policies and procedures of the Commission to work schedules and personnel problems encountered.
• Ability to analyze information developed during the course of a background and security clearance investigation for possible criminal activity and violations.
• Ability to research and collect information relevant to background and security clearance investigations.
• Ability to prepare and provide detailed and accurate reports and complex correspondence containing findings, conclusions and recommendations in a timely fashion.
• Ability to maintain records, files and other information consistent with Commission, state and federal policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ability to identify, evaluate and take receipt of electronic recording evidence and/or potential evidence.
• Ability to determine through review, examination and analyses, information relevant to background and security clearance investigations.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member, including periods of intense concentration and high stress.
• Ability to assign, instruct and provide guidance and assistance to other staff as required.
• Ability to utilize the New Jersey Criminal Justice Information System and other public records information systems.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems, audio and video equipment, communication evices and other equipment utilized by the Commission.
• Ability to develop instructional information and programs and conduct training programs in areas of specific knowledge.
• 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 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

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.

A Master's Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or other related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the indicated experience.

Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience as indicated on a year-for-year basis.

Applicants accepting employment as Confidential Investigative Specialist 3 with the State Commission of Investigation are required to adhere to certain current employment restrictions and a secrecy agreement.