Public Integrity Investigator

JOB DESCRIPTIONPublic Integrity InvestigatorFLSA Status: ExemptStatus: Part timePay Grade: M-11 SUPERVISION Supervision Received: Works independently under the Public Integrity Officer Supervision Given: No supervision given DESCRIPTION The Investigator partners with the Public Integrity Officer (PIO) in the Code of Ethics Department to uncover, document, and address instances of waste, fraud, abuse, corruption, and misconduct within City government. This position conducts comprehensive and impartial investigations, gathers and preserves evidence, ensures compliance with laws and policies, and supports enforcement actions. The Investigator plays a critical role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in all City operations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Conduct independent and collaborative investigations into allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, corruption, misconduct, and violations of the City's Code of Ethics. Receive, evaluate, and prioritize complaints from employees, officials, vendors, and the public. Plan and execute investigative strategies, including evidence collection, interviews, audits, and surveillance when necessary. Review and analyze financial records, contracts, emails, electronic data, and other relevant documentation. Prepare detailed, factual, and legally defensible investigative reports, including findings and recommendations for corrective or disciplinary action. Support the Public Integrity Officer in enforcement proceedings, including administrative hearings, subpoenas, or legal actions. Collaborate with internal departments, legal counsel, auditors, and external law enforcement or regulatory agencies Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality, chain-of-custody procedures, and record retention policies. Provide guidance to staff and leadership on fraud prevention, compliance, and risk mitigation strategies. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, investigative techniques, and ethics standards. Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation and ExperienceBachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, accounting, law, or related field; equivalent investigative experience may substitute. Proven experience conducting investigations involving fraud, corruption, ethics violations, or regulatory compliance, preferably in a public sector environment. Knowledge of investigative methods, interviewing techniques, evidence collection, and legal procedures. Familiarity with municipal operations, internal controls, financial audits, and ethics regulations preferred. Strong analytical, organizational, and written communication skills; able to produce comprehensive and legally sound reports. Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain impartiality, and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public accountability. Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesPrinciples, practices, and methods of investigations, including evidence collection, interviewing, and case documentation. Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ethics codes relevant to municipal governance and public sector conduct. Administrative procedures, internal controls, and compliance standards in government operations. Report writing, documentation, and presentation of findings in a clear, legally defensible manner. Principles of risk management, fraud detection, and ethics enforcement. Conducting thorough investigations using interviews, records analysis, and data evaluation. Preparing clear, detailed, and objective investigative reports for administrative or legal proceedings. Organizing, managing, and prioritizing multiple cases and tasks efficiently. Using discretion, diplomacy, and professional judgment when handling sensitive or confidential information. Collaborating with internal departments, external agencies, and law enforcement in investigative or compliance matters. Apply investigative techniques to detect, document, and resolve allegations of waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption. Interpret and apply laws, policies, and ethical standards to complex situations. Exercise impartiality, sound judgment, and critical thinking under pressure. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with officials, staff, and the public. Maintain confidentiality and integrity in all aspects of investigative work. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing desk work, conducting interviews, or reviewing documents. Ability to use a computer, keyboard, phone, and other office equipment for prolonged periods. Ability to review, organize, and handle large volumes of documents, files, and electronic data. Ability to travel locally to City offices, departments, or other locations to conduct interviews, inspections, or investigations. Ability to observe and evaluate activities, behaviors, or conditions during site visits, interviews, or inspections. Ability to occasionally lift and carry objects, such as files, binders, or evidence materials, up to 25 pounds. Ability to maintain alertness and attention to detail in environments that may involve sensitive or confidential matters. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The City of Pontiac is an equal opportunity employer.

Created: 2026-03-04