Investigator (INV1) - Greater Seattle Area

State of Washington • King County - Seattle – Other, WA

2d

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Licensing’s Business & Professions Division, Central Investigations and Audits Unit, is seeking a field investigator to conduct safety and sanitation inspections of cosmetology businesses. The unit promotes public safety and customer protection through regulation and education, with the goal of protecting the public’s welfare, investments, and property. The investigator will conduct objective inspections and take appropriate administrative action, while educating licensees about state laws and best business practices. The role also requires safeguarding sensitive information and evidence collected during inspections.

The position involves travel throughout Washington, with a focus on Western Washington and the greater Seattle area. The investigator will inspect licensed cosmetology schools, apprentice salons, shops, and businesses; independently plan travel and manage fieldwork; document findings and prepare reports; and work with agency staff, management, and external partners. Overnight travel may be required.

Requirements

• Two years of professional investigative experience, including identifying, collecting, and organizing data and investigative case writing.
• Two years of experience identifying, collecting, organizing, and documenting data; experience may be obtained concurrently.
• Two years of experience communicating effectively verbally and in writing when presenting to stakeholders, boards and commissions, or the public in a clear, concise, and accurate manner.
• Ability to write and document data so it is useful for subsequent assessment, analysis, investigation, and discipline.
• Ability to understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behavior and decisions.
• Ability to promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace and inclusive customer service.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow and to meet the needs of others.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel throughout Washington for investigations, including overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cosmetology, hair design, barber, manicurist, esthetics, or master esthetics schools, and apprentice salons or shops.
• Training or experience dealing with difficult people and work situations, including de-escalation skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Outlook Email, and Excel spreadsheets.
• Experience with licensing issuance or in a regulatory licensing environment.
• Two years of relevant education may substitute for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Travel throughout Washington, particularly Western Washington, to inspect licensed cosmetology schools, apprentice salons, shops, and businesses for licensing, safety, and sanitation compliance.
• Conduct onsite inspections and regulatory reviews, independently planning travel and managing fieldwork.
• Educate licensees and business owners about laws, rules, and regulatory requirements to promote voluntary compliance.
• Document inspection findings, gather evidence, and prepare reports supporting enforcement actions and complaint resolution.
• Maintain accurate records and regulatory documentation to ensure accountability and consistent application of licensing requirements.
• Partner with agency staff, management, and external partners to coordinate regulatory activities and support program goals.
• Safeguard sensitive information and evidence collected during inspections.
• Take appropriate administrative action based on objective inspections.

What This Job Offers

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