Investigator 2 at State of Oregon

Initial Posting Date

12/19/2025

Application Deadline

01/11/2026

Agency

Oregon Department of Education

Salary Range

$4,409 - $6,736 ($4,715 - $7,206 PERS)

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Investigator 2

Job Description

Position Title (Classification): Investigator (Investigator 2)

Salary: $4,409 - $6,736 ($4,715 - $7,206 PERS)

We are seeking an investigator to join our Government and Legal Affairs team at the Oregon Department of Education. This is a permanent position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

This position follows a hybrid work model. Onsite presence will be required when business or operational needs are best supported in person, such as collaboration, training, or work that requires access to onsite resources. Employees approved to work remotely must have a reliable and secure internet connection and maintain a professional work environment that supports productivity. While working remotely, employees are expected to maintain the same level of performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability as they would in the office.

About Us

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.

This position is located in the Complaint and Appeal Resolution Unit, which is part of the Government and Legal Affairs team, in the Office of the Director.

The Government and Legal Affairs Team works across the agency and with outside parties to carry out the education mission and goals of the State Board of Education and the priorities of the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The team includes three work units: Civil Rights, Complaint and Appeals Resolution, and Reports and Investigations of Sexual Conduct.

The Complaints and Appeals Resolution Unit administers the agency's formal complaint resolution processes for discrimination in public education, restraint and seclusion, retaliation, religious entanglement, determinations of nonstandard status under ORS 343.328 (Abbreviated School Day Programs), and Division 22 standards.

Click this link to learn more about the unit

What you will do!

The Investigator 2 position is responsible for conducting complex investigations involving alleged violations of laws, regulations, or policies. This role will require independently gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed investigative reports including recommendations based on individual allegations.

Typical Duties Include

• Conducting investigations by collecting and analyzing records, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating evidence.
• Preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive investigative reports with findings and recommendations.
• Working with DOJ to assist in defending agency’s orders on appeal, if necessary.
• Working collaboratively with members of the unit and the Government and Legal Affairs Team on management of complex situations and to provide information and feedback relating to the Complaint and Appeals investigation process.
  
  

Click this link to view the full position description

Minimum Qualifications (Need To Have)

Two years of recent (within the last five years) investigative experience which included gathering facts, collecting evidence, examining records, and conducting interviews to verify or disprove claims of suspected law violations.

College-level courses in law enforcement, criminal justice, law, accounting, auditing, or a closely-related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to one year of the required experience.

Desired Attributes (Nice To Have)

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate complex information, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions from evidence.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in gathering, documenting, and analyzing information.
• Communication Skills: Clearly and effectively communicates, both in writing (reports) and verbally (interviews and/or testimony).
• Integrity & Confidentiality: Handles sensitive information responsibly and demonstrates strong ethical judgment.
• Interpersonal Skills: Builds rapport, interviews effectively, and works collaboratively with diverse audiences and/or partners .
• Decision-Making: Applies sound judgment to determine appropriate investigative actions and recommendations.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities, legal requirements, or case complexities.
• Resilience & Professionalism: Maintains composure and objectivity when dealing with conflict, high-stress situations, or sensitive issues.
• Professional Investigator Licensure: Professional investigator licensure is preferred but not required.
  
  

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of the attributes listed.

Why us?

At ODE, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative atmosphere. Autonomy is supported while also being offered opportunities to work in dedicated teams or partnerships across the agency. Our office supports a healthy work/life balance and shows genuine care for team members, students, partners, and school leaders. Our team members share and educate with passion for equitable practices and sustainable development for leaders across Oregon. We maintain a constant learning and growing mentality to strive for optimum innovation and consistently applied equity practices.

Our Amazing Benefits Include

• Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost
• Paid days off –
• 11 paid holidays per year
• 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year
• 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month
• Progressive vacation leave accrual with increases every 5 years
• In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
• If you currently work at an Oregon school district or education service district, we may be able to transfer in your sick leave balance!
  

If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today!

To Apply

Your cover letter and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.

• Upload a resume and cover letter.
• In your cover letter, please include your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more than 3 pages). Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/Cover Letter field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application.
• In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the “What we are looking for” section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.
• Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.
• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/Cover Letter.
• Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account.
  
  

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions on the application process.

Additional Information

• Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.
• Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.
• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submission. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
• Communication: Please monitor your Workday account, as communication will be sent to your Workday account. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.
• Future Vacancies: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
• External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting.
• Background Check: This position requires successfully passing a criminal record check, which may require a fingerprint-based records check and/or credit history check, as a condition of employment.
• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.
• Veterans: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.
• Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Department of Education is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process
  
  

Helpful Links And Contact Information

• Learn more about ODE
• Understanding the State Application Process
• Resources for Job Seekers
• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon.
• For additional information, you may contact us by e-mail at [email protected].
  
  

The Department of Education is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. The Department strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

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