Damage Prevention Investigator 3

Damage Prevention Investigator 3

Salary

$71,136.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07071

Department

Utilities and Transportation Commission

Division

Pipeline Safety

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

9/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Respect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability.

Damage Prevention Investigator 3

Investigator 3

Salary Consideration:

For this position, Step A is $71,136 per year and Step L is $93,288. The high end of the salary range, Step M, is $95,676, and is typically a longevity step. All employees progress to Step M six (6) years after being assigned to Step L in their permanent salary range.

This recruitment is open until September 09, 2026, at 11:59pm.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) reserves the right to make a hiring decision and/or choose to close or extend this recruitment at any given time after seven (7) days from the date posted. Applications for this recruitment could be used to fill comparable positions that open within the next 60 days.

The Opportunity:

The UTC is seeking to fill the role of one (1) Investigator 3 within the Pipeline Safety Division. This position directly supports the agency's mission to protect consumers through independent policy, investigative, research, and enforcement activities that ensure regulated companies provide services in accordance with UTC rules and regulations designed to ensure services are fairly priced, available, reliable, and safe.

Hybrid:

Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within Washington state. This position is eligible to telework but will be required to report on-site to meet business needs.

Travel:

Occasional travel during and outside normal work hours throughout the state for investigations, meetings, hearings, or other program-related activities. Methods of travel may include driving or riding in motor vehicles or traveling on commercial aircraft. Out-of-state travel may occur for conferences and events of program significance.

Our Mission:

To protect the people of Washington by ensuring that investor-owned utility and transportation services are safe, equitable, available, reliable, and fairly priced.

Our Vision:

To strive to achieve equitable and fair outcomes as a regulator of utility and transportation services and prioritize inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

What We Offer Our Employees:

• UTC fosters an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and belonging, while striving to hire and retain a workforce from the communities we serve.
• We place importance on a healthy balance between personal and professional lives; offering flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and mobile/telework opportunities.
• Through the state, our employees (and their families) are offered options for medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance.
• We offer enrollment into the state retirement programs and a deferred compensation plan.
• Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

For more information about our benefits or working at UTC, please visit our website.

How to Apply:

Interested in joining the UTC team? Click the Apply button at the top to begin! To be considered for further screening, ensure you attach the following documents to your completed application:

• Letter of Interest - describing how you meet the position qualifications and why you believe you are the ideal candidate.
• Resume - detailing your applicable competencies, experience and education.
• References - At minimum, three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses must be included with your application; one (1) contact MUST be your current or most recent supervisor.

The initial screening of candidates will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application materials, including answers provided to the 'Supplemental Questionnaire', along with the additional application materials submitted as part of the application process.

If you are viewing this recruitment on any website other than www.careers.wa.gov, please note the recruitment title and apply through Washington state's official portal. Your application may be received incomplete when using a third-party website. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

NOTE: indicating 'see resume' will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section or supplemental questionnaire of the application packet and may result in your submission being marked incomplete.

Duties

What you'll do:

The Investigator 3 independently conducts damage prevention investigations of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 19.122. This position inspects the records and operations of persons and companies to ensure compliance with safety laws, rules, regulations, and standards. This position recommends appropriate corrective action when violations are found; provides technical assistance regarding safety laws, rules, regulations, and standards to companies and commission management; and prepares written reports or other documents containing the results of inspections and investigations. Maintains accurate records of investigations and findings related to all potential violations of RCW 19.122.

Develops staff testimony and exhibits for adjudicated proceedings; develops declarations; responds to company requests for mitigation; participates in settlement discussions; presents written or live testimony at adjudicated proceedings, both as part of the main case and in rebuttal; and assists the Attorney General staff in the analysis of testimony and exhibits and preparation of cross-examination of other parties.

In this role, the successful incumbent represents the agency in formal proceedings regarding the investigation activities. The Investigator 3 participates in, and makes recommendations on, program enhancements. This position provides technical assistance and information to the members of the public, industry representatives, and others interested in damage prevention. This position is critical to the achievement of the Damage Prevention Program's goals and objectives and is an essential element of the Pipeline Safety's annual federal certification process.

Additional duties include, but aren't limited to the following:

• Participates in reviews and meetings with the Washington State Dig Law Safety Committee (WDLSC); provides guidance, consultation and technical assistance regarding RCW applicability as needed, Reviews recommendations submitted by the WDLSC and either supports or denies those recommendations based on the merits of the case and equity of the proposed penalty. This includes evaluating the history of violations, severity and scope of the incident, and overall risk to the community.
• Attends CCOPS meetings as a subject matter expert in damage prevention as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

The commission values diverse career paths and recognizes that competencies may be acquired through a combination of education, training, certifications, research, volunteer service, lived experience, military service, professional practice, or other demonstrated accomplishments.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Proficiently apply investigative methods, principles, standards, and recordkeeping practices to research, analyze, gather, and document information and evidence to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Clearly document investigative findings and communicate results in a manner that supports informed decision-making and appropriate action.
• Independently read, comprehend, and accurately interpret written materials. Skilled in editing and preparing written communications to improve clarity, organization, grammar, usage, and overall style.
• Identify, collect, organize, and document data and information in a manner that supports effective assessment, analysis, and investigation.
• Proficiently use analytical and critical thinking to evaluate complex issues, assess risks and impacts, identify patterns and root causes, and make informed recommendations.
• Accurately apply research and data to develop practical, equitable, and sustainable solutions that promote compliance, improve processes, and support organizational goals.
• Proficiency in using standard computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel, to collect, analyze, and present information.
• Effectively use databases, case-tracking systems, and internet-based resources to research, retrieve, organize, and manage data and information effectively.
• Proficiently present information in public forums and communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively in formal settings. Demonstrated ability to provide testimony and respond confidently and accurately during cross-examination in legal or administrative proceedings.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow: Takes responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses and uses their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

UTCCoreCompetencies:

• Accountability
• DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment
• Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth
• Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships
• Inclusive Excellence & Allyship
• Measuring Success and Improvement
• Customer Focus

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following may be particularly successful in this role:

• A bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, criminal justice, law, or related field.
• Operational knowledge of project management databases, such as QuickBase.
• Interpretation of state laws, commission rules and regulations, and broad regulatory principles and practices related to consumers protection and the oversight of regulated services.

Supplemental Information

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

• The successful incumbent must complete the following training with six (6) months of hire:

• Washington Dig Safe

• Washington Locator

• WA State Investigator Training Core

• The RCW 80.01.020 limits the UTCs ability to employ any person who owns stock in any company the UTC regulates or is otherwise financially interested in such company. Such interests include those of an employees spouse.

• UTC does not use E-Verify. Therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the UTC, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the candidate needed for this or other roles.

All information may be verified; additional documentation may be required. Candidates may be disqualified if the education and/or work experience does not include information used to meet the minimum qualifications of the job.

The UTC is an equal opportunity employer. We want to make sure you have an equal opportunity to join our team. Our commitment is making sure current and future employees are treated fairly and equally without regard to age, sex (including gender identity), race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or religious or political affiliation.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process may contact the recruiter via telephone at (360) 664-1130 or email the UTC HR office at humanresources@utc.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Veterans Preference

For information about YesVets click here.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their redacted DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact UTC Human Resources at humanresources@utc.wa.gov.

For more information about the UTC, please visit:

www.utc.wa.gov, www.twitter.com/wautc and www.facebook.com/wautc

The State of Washington:

http://access.wa.gov

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Have you attached the required materials for consideration to your application? This includes your letter of interest, chronological resume, and three (3) professional references, one (1) being your current or most recent supervisor. Failure to attach the requested materials may result in your application being marked incomplete.

• Yes, I have attached a cover letter, resume, and provided three (3) professional references as indicated.
• No, I have not attached a cover letter and a resume. I understand my application may be marked incomplete.

02

Which of the following best describes your experience applying investigative methods, principles, standards, and recordkeeping practices to research, analyze, gather, and document information and evidence to assess compliance with laws and regulations?

• I do not have experience in any of the areas listed in the question above.
• EMERGING: New area of learning, developing baseline understanding. Work is in one specialty area. Supervisor or lead provides daily oversight of work activities; advice and assistance is readily available to assist in completing assignments or tasks. Uses established guidelines and brings new issues to higher-level staff for direction or resolution.
• DEVELOPING: Baseline understanding of area of responsibility, developing depth of knowledge and practical application. Work is primarily in one specialty area. devise and assistance is available as needed. Review of work may be frequent but not usually detailed, emphasis is on quality of completed assignments. Uses established guidelines and brings recommendations to higher-level staff for direction or resolution.
• PROFICIENT: Fully competent working knowledge of principles, concepts and methodology for all assignments. Work assignments require knowledge of all or most program components. Receives broad instruction, advice is available upon request. Review of work usually emphasizes accomplishment of unit goals and performance measures. Derives methods and processes to analyze and evaluate problems using established solutions and best practice models and strategies.
• STRONG: Advanced knowledge of principles, concepts and practices. Work involves integration of all program components and awareness of impact of decisions on business processes, organizational strategy, internal/external stakeholders, and partner organizations. Advice and assistance is limited to the accomplishment of broad objectives and policies. Completed work is reviewed for adherence to program goals, objectives, budgetary limitations, and compliance with employer policies, laws and regulations. Ability to work independently on all levels of assignment and provide guidance to lower-level staff on complex issues. Devises methods, processes, guidance, policies. Serves as subject matter expert for program.

03

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience related to question two (2) above. Provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.

04

Which of the following best describes your experience documenting investigative findings and communicating results to inform decision making?

• I do not have experience in any of the areas listed in the question above.
• EMERGING: New area of learning, developing baseline understanding. Work is in one specialty area. Supervisor or lead provides daily oversight of work activities; advice and assistance is readily available to assist in completing assignments or tasks. Uses established guidelines and brings new issues to higher-level staff for direction or resolution.
• DEVELOPING: Baseline understanding of area of responsibility, developing depth of knowledge and practical application. Work is primarily in one specialty area. devise and assistance is available as needed. Review of work may be frequent but not usually detailed, emphasis is on quality of completed assignments. Uses established guidelines and brings recommendations to higher-level staff for direction or resolution.
• PROFICIENT: Fully competent working knowledge of principles, concepts and methodology for all assignments. Work assignments require knowledge of all or most program components. Receives broad instruction, advice is available upon request. Review of work usually emphasizes accomplishment of unit goals and performance measures. Derives methods and processes to analyze and evaluate problems using established solutions and best practice models and strategies.
• STRONG: Advanced knowledge of principles, concepts and practices. Work involves integration of all program components and awareness of impact of decisions on business processes, organizational strategy, internal/external stakeholders, and partner organizations. Advice and assistance is limited to the accomplishment of broad objectives and policies. Completed work is reviewed for adherence to program goals, objectives, budgetary limitations, and compliance with employer policies, laws and regulations. Ability to work independently on all levels of assignment and provide guidance to lower-level staff on complex issues. Devises methods, processes, guidance, policies. Serves as subject matter expert for program.

05

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience related to question four (4) above. Provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.

06

Which of the following best describes your experience using analytical and critical thinking to evaluate complex issues, assess risks and impacts, identify patterns and root causes, and make informed recommendations?

• I do not have experience in any of the areas listed in the question above.
• EMERGING: New area of learning, developing baseline understanding. Work is in one specialty area. Supervisor or lead provides daily oversight of work activities; advice and assistance is readily available to assist in completing assignments or tasks. Uses established guidelines and brings new issues to higher-level staff for direction or resolution.
• DEVELOPING: Baseline understanding of area of responsibility, developing depth of knowledge and practical application. Work is primarily in one specialty area. devise and assistance is available as needed. Review of work may be frequent but not usually detailed, emphasis is on quality of completed assignments. Uses established guidelines and brings recommendations to higher-level staff for direction or resolution.
• PROFICIENT: Fully competent working knowledge of principles, concepts and methodology for all assignments. Work assignments require knowledge of all or most program components. Receives broad instruction, advice is available upon request. Review of work usually emphasizes accomplishment of unit goals and performance measures. Derives methods and processes to analyze and evaluate problems using established solutions and best practice models and strategies.
• STRONG: Advanced knowledge of principles, concepts and practices. Work involves integration of all program components and awareness of impact of decisions on business processes, organizational strategy, internal/external stakeholders, and partner organizations. Advice and assistance is limited to the accomplishment of broad objectives and policies. Completed work is reviewed for adherence to program goals, objectives, budgetary limitations, and compliance with employer policies, laws and regulations. Ability to work independently on all levels of assignment and provide guidance to lower-level staff on complex issues. Devises methods, processes, guidance, policies. Serves as subject matter expert for program.

07

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience related to question six (6) above. Provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.

08

Which of the following best describes your experience presenting information in public forums or formal settings, and providing testimony during cross examination in legal or administrative hearings?

• I do not have experience in any of the areas listed in the question above.
• EMERGING: New area of learning, developing baseline understanding. Work is in one specialty area. Supervisor or lead provides daily oversight of work activities; advice and assistance is readily available to assist in completing assignments or tasks. Uses established guidelines and brings new issues to higher-level staff for direction or resolution.
• DEVELOPING: Baseline understanding of area of responsibility, developing depth of knowledge and practical application. Work is primarily in one specialty area. devise and assistance is available as needed. Review of work may be frequent but not usually detailed, emphasis is on quality of completed assignments. Uses established guidelines and brings recommendations to higher-level staff for direction or resolution.
• PROFICIENT: Fully competent working knowledge of principles, concepts and methodology for all assignments. Work assignments require knowledge of all or most program components. Receives broad instruction, advice is available upon request. Review of work usually emphasizes accomplishment of unit goals and performance measures. Derives methods and processes to analyze and evaluate problems using established solutions and best practice models and strategies.
• STRONG: Advanced knowledge of principles, concepts and practices. Work involves integration of all program components and awareness of impact of decisions on business processes, organizational strategy, internal/external stakeholders, and partner organizations. Advice and assistance is limited to the accomplishment of broad objectives and policies. Completed work is reviewed for adherence to program goals, objectives, budgetary limitations, and compliance with employer policies, laws and regulations. Ability to work independently on all levels of assignment and provide guidance to lower-level staff on complex issues. Devises methods, processes, guidance, policies. Serves as subject matter expert for program.

09

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience related to question eight (8) above. Provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.

10

Please select all of the statements below that apply to you.

• I have a bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, criminal justice, law, or related field.
• Operational knowledge of project management databases, such as QuickBase.
• Interpretation of state laws, commission rules and regulations, and broad regulatory principles and practices related to consumers protection and the oversight of regulated services.
• None of these statements apply to me.

11

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience related to question four (4) above. Provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov