Ethics Investigator Jobs

The Position

Why join the City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission?

• Fair-minded. You will be investigating cases involving subjects across the political spectrum. The ability to set aside personal feelings or preferences when conducting investigations and making recommendations is essential.
• A skilled investigator and analyst. You will work within the PEC's Enforcement Unit, which is responsible for conducting investigations, including performing interviews, drafting document requests and subpoenas, conducting research and data analysis, report writing, and developing objective recommendations.
• Confident with public speaking. You may be called upon to present at public meetings, in court, or in administrative hearings.
• Self-motivated. Though you will be supervised by the Enforcement Chief, most of your work will be conducted on your own and remotely. You will be expected to complete your assignments with decreasing direct supervision over time.
• Able to handle pressure and conflict. You may be working on complex matters in which there is a high degree of public interest. You will also be interfacing with people who may not wish to fully cooperate with investigations, or who disagree with your evidentiary conclusions. The ability to manage stress in your dealings with PEC staff, investigation subjects, and the public will be essential.
• A strong writer. Much of your time will be spent writing reports, both for internal review and for public consumption. Your written work will be reviewed for substance, but you are expected to already have the general ability to write with correct spelling and grammar, and the ability to convey information clearly and logically.
• A talented communicator. You will reach out to a broad audience of public officials, private citizens, and attorneys with varying degrees of familiarity with the PEC's processes and the laws under its jurisdiction. You will also need to conduct interviews and gather information from witnesses both in and outside of government.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Drafting and serving subpoenas.
• Investigating and gathering comprehensive factual information; interviewing relevant parties, obtaining documentary evidence, conducting research online and in City offices, analyzing the information, and developing a recommendation for case resolution.
• Performing administrative and clerical duties on an as-needed basis when necessary to the Enforcement Unit’s work.
• Preparing written summary of facts, initial analysis of the case, and potential staff recommendation.
• Assisting with the Enforcement Chief’s review and processing of complaints submitted to the Commission to assess whether the Commission has legal jurisdiction, conducting preliminary research to determine the type of violation and whether a further investigation is warranted, and recommending the next course of action.
• Responding to requests for information and assistance on matters related to the Commission’s work and laws within the Commission’s jurisdiction.
• Conducting field investigations as needed, including through the use of a motor vehicle.
• Tracking complaint intake to ensure timely and accurate response, preparing case files, drafting and sending correspondence, maintaining enforcement database, and communicating with parties as necessary.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have a large degree of autonomy over the scope and conduct of your investigations, under the supervision of the Enforcement Chief.
• You will be performing work of great importance to the people of Oakland, insofar as the Enforcement Unit’s work ensures the integrity of Oakland’s elections and the ethical functioning of its government.
• You will be handling a range of cases concerning diverse subject matters, and involving issues and challenges that can vary from day-to-day. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on new stimulation versus a predictable daily routine.
• Your job schedule is flexible with hybrid telecommute options

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will manage multiple competing priorities and projects.
• You may need to meet tight deadlines at times.
• You will need to keep abreast of relevant laws and policies.
• You may need to confront or gather evidence from parties who disagree with your conclusions or are reluctant to cooperate; a tolerance for conflict, and respectful demeanor with opposing parties, are both essential.
• You will be utilizing limited resources to address program needs.

Competencies Required:

Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.
Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information.
Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job.
Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment.
Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.
Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
Establishing Credibility: Doing what one commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others.
Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing.
Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations.
Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations.

Minimum Requirements for Application

This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City employees who meet the minimum qualifications. The open list will be for all other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.

Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications is acceptable.

Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal law, public policy, political science, journalism, finance, accounting, or a related field.

Experience:
Three years of progressively responsible professional investigative experience, preferably in administrative, civil, or criminal law or in investigative journalism. Experience with campaign finance, lobbyist, transparency or ethics laws and regulations is highly desirable.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bilingual skills desirable
• Experience with campaign finance, lobbyist, transparency or ethics laws and regulations is highly desirable
• Familiarity with the administration of political campaigns and/or local governmental processes
• Leadership or management certificates
• Possession of a Juris Doctor or Master's degree

Supplemental Information

The Recruitment Process:

The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the “minimum qualifications” listed for each position.

Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.

The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

What’s in it for you?

• Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.
• Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
• 15 paid holidays
• Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule
• Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
• Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
• Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
• Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system.
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm.

If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system.

The City complies with all Federal, State and local laws mandating Equal Employment Opportunities. All qualified applicants will be considered in accordance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.