Investigator 1 (NY HELPS)

About the Role

The Investigator 1 in the Division of Cemeteries will perform investigative and compliance duties related to cemetery operations, crematories, and land transactions.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve lot owner complaints and questions relevant to cemeteries.
• Physically inspect crematories at least annually to determine maintenance and compliance with rules and regulations.
• Inspect cemeteries as scheduling permits to assess maintenance and compliance.
• Give public presentations on cemetery law, resources for local governments, and other topics.
• Investigate major renovations and installations of mausoleum, columbarium space, and lawn crypts.
• Review and approve cemetery rules and regulations.
• Investigate land purchases and sales for price, acreage, suitability, and future needs.
• Investigate vandalism, dangerous monuments, and abandoned cemetery applications; make recommendations based on findings.
• Provide informational sessions, technical assistance, and guidance to cemetery officers, directors, and staff.
• Assist in preventing cemetery abandonment by working with local officials to identify new directors and funding sources.
• Arrange the orderly transfer of cemetery assets to municipal control upon abandonment.
• Respond to inquiries concerning the applicability of cemetery law.
• Register new and previously unidentified cemeteries.

Travel Requirements

The Investigator 1 will spend 50% to 80% of their time in the field, with overnight travel constituting up to 25% (typically closer to 10%) of total time.

Requirements

For non-competitive appointment under the NY HELPS Program:

• Four years of experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews, collecting and analyzing evidence, and preparing detailed written reports.
• Qualifying experience includes roles such as police detective, insurance investigator, licensed private investigator, federal/state/municipal investigator, child protective services investigator, or military investigations.
• Non-qualifying experience includes routine police patrol, security guard, tax collector, legal assistant, parole officer, correction officer, or foster care placement.

Substitutions:

• An associate degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminology, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, or related fields can substitute for two years of specialized experience.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in the same fields can substitute for four years of specialized experience.

For competitive appointment (Civil Service List):

• Candidates must be reachable on the appropriate Civil Service eligible list.

For transfer:

• One year of permanent, contingent permanent, or 55-B/C service in a title SG-12 or higher, eligible for transfer under Civil Service Law.

Appointment may require successful completion of an investigative screening, including a criminal history check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience dealing with non-profit or volunteer-run organizations.
• Experience providing technical assistance and training.
• Experience writing reports.
• Experience in public speaking or giving presentations.

Pay

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range). Positions located within the New York City metropolitan area, Suffolk, Nassau, Rockland, and Westchester Counties receive an additional $4,000 annual downstate adjustment.

Additional Information

The Department of State is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the hiring process.

Employees may be approved for up to 50% telecommuting, subject to management approval under the Department of State Telecommuting Program Guidelines.