INVESTIGATOR SPECIALIST

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

INVESTIGATOR SPECIALIST

Chicago Fire Department

Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $67,656/YR

Please note, all positions with the City of Chicago close promptly at 11:59pm C.D.T. Applications for this position will be accepted from June 30, 2025, until 11:59 pm CDT on July 15, 2025. No exceptions will be made.

Under supervision, investigates more complex cases involving allegations of criminal activity, official misconduct and residency violations by City employees, including large-scale and complex investigations, and performs related duties as required.

Essential Duties:

• Interviews difficult or uncooperative complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts and investigate alleged criminal activities, official misconduct, and violations of personnel and administrative rule violations by City employees
• Work with members of the public as complainants and witnesses in complex and serious investigations
• Functions as a lead investigator on large-scale investigations requiring the coordination of investigative activities by a team of investigators
• Provides direction and guidance to lower-level investigators
• Conducts investigations of complex cases requiring specialized investigative and surveillance skills
• Conducts site visits and canvases to gather physical evidence and examines work records and related documents
• Performs mobile and stationary surveillances to observe criminal activities or misconduct (e.g., fraud, corruption, residency violations)
• Trains and assists entry level investigators on standard and specialized investigative techniques
• Prepares detailed reports of investigations conducted, including findings, and makes disciplinary recommendations
• Uses photographic, video, drug testing and fingerprinting equipment in the conduct of investigations and examinations
• Testifies in court, at arbitrations, or before Personnel Board hearings on investigations conducted and findings
• Collaborates with counsel on the preparation of administrative hearings and other matters
• Maintains records of investigations, correspondence, and related case documentation
• Administers drug/alcohol tests to employees
• Work with investigative and information gathering technologies in the development of investigations
• Liaise with other investigative agencies (Secretary of State, Police Departments, etc.) in the conduct of investigations
• Interprets DHR and CFD rules and regulations in the preparation of investigations

Location: Public Safety Headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan Ave.

Days: Monday - Friday (May vary according to operational needs)

Hours: Variable

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

At least six years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR six years of work experience in the performance of fact-finding analyses and investigative research and reporting. OR

An Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Resources or a directly related field, PLUS at least four years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR four years of work experience in the performance of fact-finding analyses and investigative research and reporting. OR

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Resources or a directly related field, PLUS at least two years of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR two years of work experience in the performance of fact-finding analyses and investigative research and reporting. OR

A Master's Degree or Doctorate from an accredited college or university in the Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Resources or a directly related field, PLUS at least one year of work experience in the conduct of investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity OR one year of work experience in the performance of fact-finding analyses and investigative research and reporting.

A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required.

Availability to work any duty watch is required.

NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma, valid U.S. Driver's License, professional license, or training certificates, at time of processing, if applicable.

Selection Requirements

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:

• Previous professional work experience conducting investigations of criminal or fraudulent activity.
• Previous experience working as a lead investigator.
• Previous work experience organizing and analyzing information received from investigations.
• Previous work experience preparing full narrative reports detailing the progress and/or outcome of investigations.
• Previous work experience operating photographic, video and editing equipment.
• Willing and able to work all shift schedules.

Residency Requirement: All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor