Salary : $53,808.00 - $109,740.00 Annually
Location : Snohomish County - Monroe, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-05163
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Opening Date: 07/24/2025
Closing Date: 8/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Chief Investigator

Monroe Correctional Complex
FULL TIME - Permanent
The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Chief Investigator for Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC).

The Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) is a 1700 bed male all-custody level facility located 30 miles northeast of Seattle. Employing approximately 1000 staff, the complex consists of five major units: the Washington State Reformatory Unit (WSRU), Sky River Treatment Center (SRTC), a large mental health in patient treatment unit, Twin Rivers Unit (TRU), Intensive Management Unit (IMU), and the Minimum-Security Unit (MSU). Services provided at the Monroe Correctional Complex include custody and security, classification, education, incarcerated individual work programs, health care (both inpatient and outpatient), mental health care, sex offender treatment, food service, maintenance, personnel, recreation, volunteer services, religious services, library services, offender records, visiting and extended family visits.

The Department of Corrections (DOC), as a partner in the criminal justice system, enhances public safety, administers criminal sanctions and programs in accordance with the law and provides leadership for the future of corrections in Washington State. Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the Washington State Department of Corrections professional staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which all incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.
We are looking for a teammate who strongly believe in collaboration and shares our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
Duties
As an Investigator 3, some of your duties will include:

• Validate or invalidate incarcerated individual protection concerns related to Security Threat Groups.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments into alleged safe harbor/protection concerns involving newly admitted or re-admitted incarcerated individuals with security threat group affiliations to determine the validity of these concerns.
• Determine whether the validated safe harbor/protection concerns can be mitigated at a local facility level or a statewide level.
• Manage the facilities Intelligence and Investigations Unit which is a branch of the Statewide Special Investigations Services Program.
• Ensures an effective standard operating and quality assurance procedure is in place for compliance and that data entry standards are followed for the WA DOC Statewide Investigations Network Database, and Investigations Management System.
• Provides consultation and assessment for Administrators, Appointing Authorities and managers as they follow progressive discipline procedures to ensure equitable application of rules, agreements and laws.
• Responsible to ensure complete, accurate and timely response to public records requests, discovery requests, subpoenas (related to investigations) as required by state and federal law.

Other duties as required

• Monitor Incarcerated Individuals communications.
• Participate in the multi-disciplinary teams as needed.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with all staff and outside law enforcement agencies.
• Plan, direct, and supervise the work of the Unit which includes Supervision of Investigators 2 and a Canine Unit

Qualifications
REQUIRED

• 1 year experience identifying and documenting incarcerated individuals affiliated with Security Threat Groups in the STG Database.
• 1 year experience determining safe harbor/protective custody.
• 2 years' experience with techniques in investigative report writing.
• Working knowledge of applicable Washington State statutes and Federal and state regulations pertaining to the area of investigations.
• High level of knowledge and experience regarding Security Threat Groups
• High level of experience with interviewing techniques
• Equivalent experience will count on the basis of one (1) year of experience for two (2) years of education. Equivalent experience is defined as: working in a correctional setting with and around incarcerated individuals as a primary job duty.

PREFERRED:

• 2 years' experience as an Investigator.
• 2 years' experience working within a correctional facility.

NOTE:

• This position is located in an adult male correctional facility and has interactions with incarcerated individuals.
• May require standing or sitting for long periods of time.
• Must be able to walk to all units and may be required to lift up to 40 lbs.

Supplemental Information
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values:

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
• People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
• Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

ANTI-RACISM COMMITMENT:

The Washington State Department of Corrections recognizes both the historic and systemic disparities that exist within the incarceration system. Our agency is committed to ensuring a work environment which is free of prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism against a person or people on the basis of their membership to a particular racial or ethnic group. We emphasize our condemnation of visible and invisible discrimination and racism in all of its forms, whether conscious or unconscious. Our agency believes that critical reflection, concrete actions, and sweeping accountability are the building blocks for institutional change and civil progress. We pledge to correct our own institutional practices which perpetuate a culture of privilege, bias, and discrimination for our employees, our incarcerated population, and our community.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:

REQUIRED Please include a RESUME, COVER LETTER and a minimum of THREE (3) PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
** Failure to provide this information may result in your application not being considered for this position **
**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date ofhire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• The DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
  • DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System (DRS) at: 1-800-547-6657.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or [email protected] For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 07-21-2025
01

Please select the answer that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• I have an Associate's degree.
• I have a Bachelor's degree with a major emphasis in law or criminal justice, or related field.
• I have a Master's degree or higher.
• None of the above apply to me.

02

Please select the answer that best describes your experience working in a correctional setting with and around incarcerated individuals as a primary job duty.

• I have one (1) year or less of experience.
• I have two (2) years' experience.
• I have three (3) years' experience.
• I have four (4) or more years' experience.
• None of the above apply to me.

03

Please briefly describe where you gained your experience listed above. Be specific as to date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.
04

Please select the answer that best describes your full-time experience conducting investigations for a criminal justice agency.

• I have one (1) year of experience.
• I have two (2) years of experience.
• I have three (3) years of experience.
• I have four (4) or more years of experience.
• None of the above apply to me.

05

Please briefly describe your experience listed above. Be specific as to date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A". "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.
06

Please select the categories you have high-level knowledge and/or experience in.

• Security Threat Groups
• Criminal and Civil investigation methods, principles, standards, and techniques
• Investigative Interviewing techniques
• Rules of Evidence
• Chain of Custody
• Laws of Arrest
• Search and Seizure
• Miranda and Garrity Warnings

07

Do you have working knowledge of the incarcerated individual classification process?

• Yes
• No

08

Please briefly describe your experience listed above. Be specific as to date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A". "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.
09

Do you have professional experience with techniques in investigative report writing?

• Yes
• No

10

Please briefly describe your experience listed above. Be specific as to date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A". "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.
11

Did you attach a current resume, cover letter, and at least three (3) professional references to this application?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you have working knowledge of applicable Washington State statues and Federal and State Regulations pertaining to the area of investigations?

• Yes
• No

13

How many years of experience do you have determining protective custody/safe harbor in a correctional setting?

• I have less than one year experience.
• I have 1-2 years' experience.
• I have 2-3 years' experience.
• I have 3 or more years' experience.
• I have no experience.

14

Please briefly describe where you gained your experience listed above. Be specific as to date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.
15

How many years' experience in identifying and documenting Security Threat Group individuals?

• I have less than one year experience.
• I have 1-2 years' experience.
• I have 2-3 years' experience.
• I have 3 or more years' experience.
• I have no experience.

Required Question