Field Investigator

State of Maine • Augusta, ME

4d • $47,174 - $65,832 • Onsite

About The Position

MaineDOT is seeking an experienced Field Investigator to join its Office of Legal Services. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of investigative work supporting transportation projects and infrastructure across the State of Maine. MaineDOT’s mission is to support economic opportunity and quality of life for Maine people and businesses by responsibly providing the safest and most reliable transportation system possible, given available resources. The Office of Legal Services plays a key role in that mission by helping the Department navigate legal requirements while advancing practical, business-focused solutions. This position is well-suited for a candidate with a strong foundation in research into statutory and regulatory requirements and investigative work who is interested in applying those skills in a complex public-sector environment. The Field Investigator contributes to a collaborative legal team, working closely with attorneys, region engineers, project managers and right-of-way staff to support the handling of a wide variety of right-of-way and other issues central to MaineDOT’s operations. This role is a professional growth position where the successful candidate will build subject-matter knowledge of MaineDOT’s programs over time. Success in this role requires the ability to work within an established legal framework, take direction, develop strong investigative skills and the ability to refine work product through feedback and collaboration. Work is performed under the guidance of experienced legal staff, with increasing independence as familiarity and proficiency develop.

Requirements

• Has solid experience and/or skills investigating, fact finding and analyzing information, reporting findings and making recommendations.
• Is comfortable working in a structured, team-oriented legal environment where collaboration and review are part of the process
• Demonstrates sound judgment, attention to detail, and a practical approach to legal work
• Has experience researching and applying federal, state and local laws and regulatory requirements
• Communicates clearly and professionally, both in writing and in person
• Can manage multiple assignments while maintaining accuracy in a deadline-driven environment
• Is interested in developing subject-matter knowledge in right-of-way laws and property damage issues in the context of MaineDOT’s operations.
• A six (6) year combination of education and experience providing paralegal, investigative, mediation, research, and/or analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle the intake and the investigation of right-of-way issues and assist managers and attorneys in the Legal Services Division and staff in the 5 statewide Region Offices in dealing with such matters as right-of-way encroachments, drainage claims and safety concerns.
• Assist in the intake of claims and complaints, including construction claims, from the public directly or as directed to Legal Services by other areas of the Department.
• Review applications and conduct field investigations for waivers and licenses related to permissive use of the right-of-way including fixtures and signs and serve on the Licensing and Waiver Committee.
• Travel throughout the state to investigate encroachments
• Respond to public inquiries concerning the placement of fixtures and other objects relative to the location of MaineDOT’s right-of-way.
• Assist with the investigation of accidents and claims for Risk Management and resolve routine claims.
• Draft letters and memos as need, and maintain case files relative to documentation and correspondence, as directed.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• 12 days of sick leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of up to 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed