Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00193681

Description Activated On:  10/28/2024 12:12:59 PM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

This position serves as an investigator for the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), within the Office of Chief Counsel (OCC), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and is responsible for general operation and administration duties and investigative and research duties for BOI.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Investigations:
• Respond to matters as directed during nighttime hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Gather background information through research, interviews, and database searches such as but not limited to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Department of Natural Resources, other mapping systems, social media outlets, and assets owned by individuals or businesses to support ongoing investigations.
• Develop witnesses and conduct thorough interviews to gather evidence.
• Coordinate evidence collection activities, including photography, sampling, and surveillance operations.
• Conduct site visits and assist departmental staff with inspections and investigative tasks for instance; directs and controls investigations with other agencies including the federal Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, and Public Utility Commission; works in concert with counsel and program staff to set case priorities; assists other BOI investigators with search warrants and with analyzing/ organizing evidence; and interviews and investigations of individuals who are alleged of threating and/or assaulting Department staff.

Access/Entry/Search Warrants:
• Gather necessary information and implement strategies to obtain access to private properties for investigative purposes.
• Prepare detailed search warrant applications in coordination with legal counsel.
• Manage all aspects of search warrant execution, including coordinating with law enforcement agencies and ensuring proper documentation and evidence handling.
• Maintain chain of custody for all collected evidence between but not limited to Bureau’s statewide investigators, Bureau of Laboratories, Pennsylvania State Police Forensic Laboratories, and other workers assigned to case.

Litigation Support:
• Serve legal documents such as subpoenas, Civil Penalty Assessment, Administrative Order, Field Order, Notice of Violation, and court orders to relevant individuals and businesses.
• Prepares affidavits of service and assisting counsel in drafting subpoenas.
• Testify in various court hearings and authenticating documentary evidence.
• Assist with deposition preparation and execution by conducting research and managing case files.
• Evaluate witness credibility and provide recommendations to litigating counsel.
• Prepare criminal case referrals to Office of the Attorney General and act as liaison with OAG Agents and other governmental entities during criminal investigations.

Sampling:
• Coordinate procurement and oversight of equipment required for sampling activities with contractors. Equipment may include but not limited to, excavator, Geoprobe, direct push and rotary drilling equipment, vacuum equipment, Ground Penetrating Radar, and Electromagnetic Survey equipment.
• Develop comprehensive Sample Plans and oversee their implementation in compliance with PA Bureau of Laboratories/ASTM Standards/EPA requirements.
• Ensure proper collection, preservation, and delivery of collected samples for analysis to the Bureau of Laboratories or contract laboratories.
• Manage requests for environmental sampling and maintain records of sample chain of custody.
• Conduct interviews and research to assist responders with response and cleanup plans.

Safety:
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations such as NFPA 472 / OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 during Bureau operations.
• Conduct safety meetings and provide training on emergency procedures.
• Manage medical monitoring for personnel involved in hazardous operations.
• Procure and distribute level B, C, or D Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for investigative events, ensuring staff safety.

Administrative/Training:
• Utilize personal computer equipment for administrative tasks such as document processing and database management, ensuring accuracy and compliance with department policies.
• Attend both classroom and on-the-job training sessions to enhance skills related to computer hardware and software, communication, leadership, and investigative methodologies.
• Attend meetings and provide updates on activities to relevant parties.
• Complete various plans, reports, certifications, and training sessions as required by departmental regulations, including but not limited to HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training, Hazardous Materials Technician, Asbestos Building Inspector, First Aid, and other annual refreshers.
• Develop and facilitate training.

This position is eligible for telework in accordance with OGC requirements.

Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Work is assigned by supervisor and by regional Office of Chief Counsel attorneys who provide both specific tasks and general assignments. Assignments are completed semi-autonomously and have supervisor review work by reviewing interim and final case reports and by periodically accompanying incumbent in the field.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Valid PA Class C Driver’s License


Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1. 
  Class C Driver's License
 
2.  
N/A
 
3.  
N/A
 
4.  

 
5.  

 
6.  


Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Maintain and operate assigned vehicles for transportation needs
 2. Travel when necessary, may include overnight status
 3. Effectively communicate orally and in writing
 4. Use safety and personal protective equipment and clothing, as well as see with or without corrective lenses
 5. Operate safety and sampling equipment, including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, Ludlum radiation Survey Meter, and surveillance gear
 6. Lift and carry 50 pounds
 7. Walk on uneven terrain
 8. Act as a witness giving clear audible testimony under oath
 9. Complete and maintain 40-Hour Hazwoper Certification
 10.