Civilian Crash Investigator

City of Charlotte•Charlotte, NC

2d•$25 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Civilian Crash Investigator investigates motor vehicle collisions involving property damage only, prepares accident reports, controls traffic and crowds, and performs administrative support duties. The role works in office and vehicle settings and requires independent driving. Assignments may include various shifts, weekends, and holidays. Investigators gather and document evidence, interview people involved in collisions, coordinate assistance, implement traffic-control measures, and maintain records. They may also provide testimony in legal proceedings and perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, with related experience in non-emergency motorist safety and/or a directly related field.
Valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license.
Must be able to obtain Civilian Traffic Investigator certification through the North Carolina Justice Academy Certification for NCIC/DCI.
Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local criminal and traffic laws, and ability to apply departmental policies and procedures.
Effective interviewing, observation, evidence-gathering, investigative, and report-writing skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate respectfully with the public.
Ability to maintain accurate records and use relevant computer software and programs.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with Charlotte and surrounding areas, including streets, districts, landmarks, and jurisdictional boundaries.
Sound judgment and decision-making under pressure; ability to work independently and adapt to diverse situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, follow safety rules, and build positive working relationships.
Ability to work outdoors in varied weather, including extreme temperatures, and sufficient physical strength and dexterity to assist with vehicle removal.
Ability to drive safely in adverse weather conditions and drive independently.
Ability to sit, stand, climb, or walk for extended periods; perform light to moderate lifting and carrying, crouching, stooping, squatting, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling; and meet vision, hearing, and speech requirements.

Responsibilities

Investigate property-damage-only collision scenes and request appropriate emergency or roadside assistance.
Direct traffic and provide crowd control to promote safety and smooth traffic flow.
Assist disabled vehicles and remove abandoned vehicles obstructing traffic.
Gather evidence, including skid marks, vehicle damage, photographs, and witness statements.
Assist police officers, paramedics, and tow-truck drivers as needed.
Interview people involved in collisions to gather information about events leading up to the crash.
Prepare comprehensive accident reports, including diagrams, witness statements, and conclusions about the cause.
Implement manual traffic control at accident scenes, road closures, malfunctioning traffic signals, and other situations requiring intervention.
Monitor designated areas for potential hazards and use cones, barricades, and flares to manage traffic and crowds.
Access and enter information on a computer, including information used to locate wanted individuals and check license plates and driver’s licenses.
Ensure assigned vehicles, equipment, and supplies are functional and ready for use.
Provide witness testimony in legal proceedings when required.
Complete paperwork, file reports, maintain records, assist with administrative tasks, and perform other assigned duties.