Investigator III

The salary range below represents this position's earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be:

Investigator-I, Grade 20: $67,672 - $98,877;

Investigator-II, Grade 23: $76,742 - $103,102;

Investigator-III, Grade 25: $83,556 - $129,796

WHO WE ARE

The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) advocates for a fair and honest marketplace in Montgomery County. Since 1971, we've helped residents by investigating and resolving consumer complaints, licensing and registering businesses, and promoting consumer awareness through education and outreach. Our work is grounded in Chapter 11 of the County Code, which prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices. Recognized nationally for our commitment to consumer rights, we strive to protect and empower every resident in Montgomery County.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

OCP is dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive environment in Montgomery County by promoting trust and fairness in the marketplace. We protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices, assist in resolving disputes, and provide education to empower residents and businesses to make informed decisions.

OCP is looking for an Investigator who will be responsible for investigating and resolving complaints filed by consumers against merchants they have interacted with. The Investigator will also provide public guidance on consumer protection issues and evaluate whether the department can assist consumers who reach out with potential concerns.

In addition, the Investigator will advise the public on consumer protection matters and determine if the department can offer support to consumers who contact the office regarding their issues.

Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills and be able to gather, evaluate, and synthesize complex information effectively. They will also have the ability to review documents and contracts that govern each consumer transaction and assess whether violations of law exist. They will also be able to accurately document case actions, including factual assessments, interviews, strategies, and case actions, writing clearly and concisely.

This position may be underfilled as an Investigator-I, Grade 20, or Investigator-II, Grade 23. Once the employee is at full performance and meets the minimum requirements of the Proficiency Advancement process, they are eligible for the non-competitive promotion through the series to the Investigator-III, Grade 25.

Please note that a writing assessment will be conducted as part of the in-person interview process.

As an Investigator with the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), you will lead complex investigations, enforce consumer protection laws, and resolve high-impact disputes that shape a fair and transparent marketplace for Montgomery County residents. Your work will combine research, negotiation, and enforcement to ensure compliance and protect consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct complex investigations involving extensive fact-finding, interviews, and analysis of disputed or ambiguous information. Exercise independent judgment to determine the scope, applicable laws, and appropriate resolutions.

• Research and interpret County, State, and Federal laws and regulations, including Chapter 11 of the Montgomery County Code, to identify potential violations and recommend enforcement actions.

• Analyze business records, contracts, warranties, and agreements to assess whether unfair or deceptive practices have occurred.

• Mediate and negotiate settlements between consumers and businesses—often in high-stakes or emotionally sensitive cases—to achieve fair, voluntary resolutions.

• Prepare comprehensive case documentation, including investigative reports, enforcement recommendations, and settlement agreements.

• Collaborate with legal counsel to prepare cases for administrative hearings or court proceedings and provide authoritative testimony when required.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in assigned program areas such as scam prevention, retail sales, home improvement, and other consumer-related fields.

• Educate the public through outreach events, presentations, and advisory sessions to promote awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities.

• Mentor junior investigators and contribute to process improvements, volunteer coordination, and special projects to enhance unit effectiveness.

This position is ideal for a seasoned investigator who thrives in complex environments, exercises sound judgment, and enjoys blending enforcement with education to achieve equitable outcomes.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Investigator III - Four (4) years of professional experience in an investigatory capacity related to consumer protection, including the enforcement of laws, regulations, or codes addressing unfair or deceptive business practices.

• Investigator II - Three (3) years of professional experience in an investigatory capacity related to consumer protection, including the enforcement of laws, regulations, or codes addressing unfair or deceptive business practices.

• Investigator I - Two (2) years of professional experience in an investigatory capacity related to consumer protection, including the enforcement of laws, regulations, or codes addressing unfair or deceptive business practices.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver's license from the applicant's state of residence when required for job-related duties.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:

• Experience conducting investigations involving complex legal or factual issues.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, or executive orders.
• Skill in mediating or negotiating resolutions between conflicting parties.
• Proficiency in documenting investigative findings clearly and accurately.
• Experience educating the public on legal rights, processes, or consumer issues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.

Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at . Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.

MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.

All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.

This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.

Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.