Field Investigator

An employee in this position performs investigations of complaints filed against licensed and unlicensed persons and/or entities, including violations of the North Carolina Building Codes, North Carolina General Statutes and other laws and regulations relating to licensing of general contractors. Work includes contacting individuals, local courthouse officials, permit offices, and inspection departments, conducting interviews, gathering documents, producing a written report for oral presentation, and testifying in hearings and court proceedings. The position requires strategic planning and organizing a work schedule for efficient and effective travel, maximizing work productivity. The work also includes extensive public contact with homeowners, contractors, unlicensed individuals, local permit and code officials, attorneys, and the Complaint Administrator for the Board. Self-motivation and independent initiative, judgment, and analytical ability are requirements to perform the duties. Excellent communication skills are necessary as tact and courtesy must be exercised in dealing with conflict and sensitive situations involving possible violations of statutory and Board requirements. An employee has the potential to be subjected to environmental & hazardous conditions typical of construction sites and the inspections occupation. All work is performed in accordance with North Carolina state laws and regulations as well as expectations established by the Board's Executive Director/Secretary-Treasurer and or the Director of Complaints & Investigations. All work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Complaints & Investigations and is evaluated periodically through discussion, reports, meetings, hearings, testimony, written and oral presentations as well as an annual performance review.

Essential Duties and Tasks

Conducts investigations into allegations against licensed and unlicensed general contractors including but not limited to making site visits, gathering information and documents, other data, discussions with local government officials, court personnel, code officials, permit clerks and information provided by Board staff or the public. Field Investigators shall from time to time as needed, initiate the subpoena process to procure information deemed necessary and or important to an investigation.

The Field Investigator shall when warranted initiate complaints in the field; at which time all complaints shall be referred to the Board office of Complaints & Investigations for filing in accordance with Board policy and North Carolina law. The Field Investigator shall provide assistance to homeowners, general contractors, building inspectors, code officials, permit offices and other interested parties regarding building codes, North Carolina state laws and regulations regarding construction and licensure for general contracting.

Field Investigators shall document violations of the North Carolina Building Codes including but not limited to the unlicensed practice of general contracting, misconduct or gross negligence of licensees through evidence gathered, Complainant interviews, Respondent interviews, witness statements, statements gathered by subpoena, photograph, video or financial records, liens, judgements and any record(s) in the Board's historical documents or database. The Field Investigator shall utilize research and findings through civil, criminal and bankruptcy courts in addition to the internet, tax data, register of deeds records, information gathered by other licensing agencies and other means of factual observation.

The Field Investigator shall be empowered to conduct interviews for purposes of gathering facts by phone and or the internet in addition to those methods previously described. The Field Investigator shall as a matter of Board policy interview all Complainants regarding issues listed in complaints and all Respondents regarding all complaints filed; he or she shall interview attorneys, local inspector's/code officials regarding any inspections performed on the subject project(s); interview engineers and other witnesses as deemed appropriate and or essential to provide a complete investigation.

Organizes all information and evidentiary materials gathered to determine compliance with statutory and administrative laws and regulations in addition to North Carolina building codes and the Board's rules and policies in order to prepare a complete narrative report and summary of each violation of applicable North Carolina General Statutes, building codes or the Board's rules and policies.

Determines and recommends witnesses to be subpoenaed for hearings and recommends cases scheduled to be presented to the Board's Complaint Review Committee in addition to when stayed and continued cases should return to the Review Committee. Works with Board Counsel as necessary to review cases during and after investigation is complete. Provides oral presentation to the Board's Review Committee and answers all questions related to each complaint.

The Field Investigator from time to time will testify as an expert witness before a Board hearing, Administrative Law proceeding, North Carolina District or Superior Court and depositions in civil matters. Give presentations and speaking engagements to or with county, town and city officials, home builder's associations and other stake holder groups and associations.

The Field Investigator serves as a critical buffer between the Complainant, the Respondent and the Board after disposition notices have been sent to each party. They may also assist with the job training of new personnel as well as training and education for local inspections and permitting personnel. The employee shall maintain a knowledge of laws, regulations and building code changes regularly.

Candidate Requirements 

A candidate shall possess a thorough knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes and North Carolina Administrative Code relating to the licensing of general contractors and the North Carolina

Building Codes, the North Carolina Administrative and Enforcement Code, and the Rules of Evidence for Administrative Hearings.

Knowledge of the Board's regulatory function, requirements, policies, rules, objectives and procedures. Extensive knowledge of investigative techniques and the rules of evidence. A working knowledge of computers and the effective use of word processing software in addition to proficiency in programs and software utilized by the Board. Superior skills in interviewing, lead follow-up, records research and preparing effective reports of findings. The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information, as well as deal with conflict in a diplomatic and impartial manner. Skills in collecting and analyzing information relating to complaints from a variety of sources.

Ability to work and exercise judgement in a sound, independent and professional manner while processing information regarding complaints, investigations and other issues of public concern. The ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, attorneys, contractors, unlicensed individuals or entities, homeowners and the public at large.

Superior communication skills in both the written and spoken word as to provide testimony at hearing and or court proceedings. The Field Investigator must possess the ability to establish work priorities, motivation and work in an independent and efficient manner, must also possess a valid driver's license and have the ability to operate a vehicle in a safe and legal manner.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform basic functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking, talking, listening, walking up or down stairs and other repetitive motions. Must be able to perform lifting exertions of up to 30 lbs. of force occasionally; and or up to 20 lbs. frequently or constantly to move objects. Must possess visual acuity to prepare and analyze data including figures, ability to effectively operate a computer, to read materials extensively.

In most investigations, Field Investigators are required to conduct a site visit to view evidence central to complaints. This can include entering and inspecting a crawl space foundation or an attic space, which can require navigating and moving about tight spaces for extended periods of time. On occasion, a site visit may also include ascending and/or descending ladders.

The position also requires extensive vehicle travel requiring the field investigator to operate a motor vehicle with no restrictions during normal business hours. Travel shall be done to facilitate and for conducting site visits, interviews, meetings, proceedings and visiting local building inspections offices in the region. It is expected that each inspections office be visited minimally twice annually.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is desirable. Building code knowledge and experience is highly desired or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Requirements

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License.

North Carolina Code Officials Standard Certification in Level II Building or higher.