Assistant Chief Investigator Secured Facilities

ASSISTANT CHIEF INVESTIGATOR SECURED FACILITIES
DEPARTMENT:
Mercer County Correction Center

SALARY:
$83,374 - $110,896

LOCATION:
Lambertville, NJ

JOB SPECIFICATION:

POSITION(S) AVAILABLE:
1

Overview
The Mercer County Correction Center is seeking a highly skilled, experienced, and integrity-driven professional to serve as Assistant Chief Secured Facilities. This leadership role is responsible for assisting in the administration, coordination, and oversight of secured facility operations and ensuring the effective implementation of policies, procedures, and regulatory standards within a 24-hour correctional environment.

The Assistant Chief supports the Chief of Internal Affairs and works collaboratively with facility leadership to maintain compliance, supervise investigative and inspection functions, and ensure operational accountability across the Mercer County Correction Center.

Responsibilities

• Assist in overseeing daily secured facility operations and ensuring compliance with all MCCC policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Support the Chief of Internal Affairs with administrative, investigative, and operational oversight functions.
• Supervise and assist with compliance and inspection activities, including on-site inspections, camera reviews, report reviews, and uniform compliance.
• Evaluate facility resources such as vehicles, communication systems, IT equipment, and office supplies to ensure proper use and accountability.
• Oversee Police Licensing duties, including required investigations, administrative processing, and reporting.
• Supervise and support the drug-testing program for candidate, random, and reasonable-suspicion testing, including administration, processing, documentation, and reporting.
• Conduct and oversee background investigations for vendors, volunteers, and visitors, ensuring proper documentation and records management.
• Manage and supervise evidence-handling functions, including processing, safeguarding, transport, destruction, and full chain-of-custody recordkeeping.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to assigned staff to ensure safe, professional, and compliant facility operations.

REQUIREMENTS:
Experience

• Eight (8) years of professional investigative experience in a secured facility, including one (1) year of supervisory experience.

OR

• Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of professional investigative experience, including one (1) year supervisory.

Training:

• Must have completed Police Training Commission (PTC) basic police training. If not previously completed, must successfully complete the Basic Course for Investigators at the Division of Criminal Justice Training Academy.

Licensure:

• Must possess a valid New Jersey driver's license.

Firearms:

• Must be able to carry and properly use a firearm while on duty.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of investigative procedures, criminal law, evidentiary rules, and secured-facility operations.
• Ability to supervise staff, assign work, and review performance.
• Ability to exercise full police powers, including arrest and court testimony.
• Ability to review reports, conduct inspections, and ensure operational compliance.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate investigative reports and case documentation.
• Ability to handle confidential information and work under adverse conditions.
• Ability to use investigative equipment, security systems, and computer-based reporting tools.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH MERCER COUNTY:
Mercer County offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee wellness, financial stability, and career growth:

• Health, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• Enrollment in the State pension system
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Continuing education and career development opportunities

Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements
Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.

Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.

PI