Job Class: Investigator Senior

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 76315

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 05/14/2024

• Closing Date : 06/03/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Operations Services / Human Resources Office

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes

• Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 217 - Confidential/Unrepresented

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The DNR is currently seeking an Investigator Senior to work in the Human Resources Office in St. Paul, MN. This position exists to investigate allegations of serious employee misconduct/failure to fulfill duties and critical incidents in the DNR, or to assist in conducting division or regional investigations as assigned by the Human Resources Director or the Compliance, Policy, and Investigations Unit Supervisor. The incumbent participates as a member of the Compliance, Policy, and Investigations Unit in providing ethics and conflicts of interest consultations and responding to Minnesota Government Data Practices Act requests involving Human Resources or personnel data.

Responsibilities include:

1. Investigate the most difficult internal and citizen allegations of serious employee misconduct, collect evidence, evaluate actions, prepare detailed reports of investigations and resulting analysis for presentation.

2. Provide consultation to managers, supervisors, and staff regarding conflict of interest or ethics related situations involving Minn. Stat. § 43A.38.

3. Participate in collective bargaining and related activities.

4. Maintain investigation and ethics files and data in accordance with policies and procedures. Gather, record, and maintain historical investigation, ethics, and data request logs, information, and statistics. Prepare and disseminate annual data and other information as requested.

5. Assist in responding to Minnesota Government Data Practices Act requests related to Human Resources data or private personnel data under Minn. Stat. § 13.43.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time or full-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience as lead investigator in conducting complex investigations that include multiple witnesses, allegations of multiple policy violations/multiple issues, and large volumes of evidence.

• Demonstrated critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills sufficient to articulate and document issues, gather additional information, synthesize large amounts of information, and write investigative reports.

• Interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to conduct effective investigative interviews, communicate effectively with diverse individuals, and to effectively testify at arbitration, unemployment hearings, and internal meetings regarding the investigation process, procedure, and findings.

• Organizational skills sufficient to maintain and prioritize caseloads while managing several complicated investigations simultaneously and in a confidential manner.

• Ability to maintain professionalism in high stress situations.

• Knowledge of accepted best practices for conducting ethical, legal, and effective investigations. Demonstrated knowledge of investigative methodology and understanding of due process and just cause sufficient to collect, assemble, and present findings effectively and in a responsible manner and to successfully conclude each case.

• Ability to analyze behavior and information for potential illegal or inappropriate activity or policy violations.

• Ability to work independently and with little direction while also working effectively as a team with other Human Resources professionals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in human resources, Industrial Relations, or related field or JD.

• Experience working with interpreting and applying bargaining unit contract language to investigations.

• An understanding of criminal and civil law and the ability to logically apply that law to the case under investigation.

• Knowledge of personnel laws, rules, administrative procedures, and labor contracts (e.g., Minn. Stat. Chapter 43A, Minnesota Management and Budget Employee Relations Administrative Procedures and the state of Minnesota collective bargaining agreements).

• Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and regulations on the dissemination of investigation information and other personnel data.

• Working knowledge of the Peace Officers Disciplinary Procedures Act (Minn. Stat. § 626.89).

• Experience with interpreting and applying language of Minn. Stat. §43A.38 Code of Ethics for Employees in the Executive Branch.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

1. Conflict of Interest Review

2. Criminal History Check

3. Education Verification

4. Employment Reference / Records Check

5. License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.