Salary: $71,136.00 - $93,288.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
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
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.
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:
  1. Washington Dig Safe
  2. Washington Locator
  3. WA State Investigator Training Core
• The RCW 80.01.020 limits the UTC's 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 employee's 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.