Professional Standards Investigator

Sarasota County Government•City of Syracuse, NY

1d•$71,302 - $74,235•Onsite

About The Position

Sarasota County Fire Department is seeking a Professional Standards Investigator to join our Fire Administration team. In this important role, you’ll lead fair, thorough, and objective administrative investigations involving employee conduct, policy compliance, and professional standards. Your work will help uphold accountability, support ethical decision-making, and ensure consistent application of County and departmental policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws - all while protecting due process. We’re looking for candidates with experience in workplace or administrative investigations, ideally within a public sector, public safety, or regulated environment. A background in fire service or government operations, along with training or certification in investigations or internal affairs, is highly valued. Familiarity with accreditation standards, risk management practices, and union environments is a plus. If you’re detail-oriented, collaborative, and committed to integrity, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field and 3+ years of professional job-related experience.
OR: Master’s degree (preferred) can count for 1 year of experience.
OR: 7+ years professional job-related experience may substitute for the required education.
Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.
Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.
CJIS Clearance: The successful candidate will be subject to an extensive background check(s) as part of the hiring process.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting administrative, workplace, or professional standards investigations in a public sector or regulated environment.
Background working within fire service, public safety, or government agencies.
Formal training or certification in workplace investigations, internal affairs, or professional standards.
Knowledge of CPSE CFAI accreditation principles and public sector risk management practices.
Experience working in unionized environments and with collective bargaining agreements.

Responsibilities

Conduct administrative investigations involving potential violations of policies, procedures, or professional standards, keeping key stakeholders informed throughout the process.
Plan, coordinate, and lead investigations from start to finish, including interviews, evidence collection, document review, and final reporting.
Ensure all investigations are handled objectively, confidentially, and in compliance with applicable laws, labor agreements, and due process requirements.
Prepare clear, thorough, and well-supported investigative reports and findings.
Interpret policies and follow established procedures while helping refine and improve investigative processes.
Support consistent and fair disciplinary practices by reviewing prior actions, personnel records, policies, and past precedent.
Collaborate with Fire Administration, Human Resources, the County Attorney’s Office, Risk Management, and other partners as needed.
Manage case files, track timelines, and ensure all deadlines - statutory, contractual, and internal - are met.
Identify trends, systemic concerns, and policy gaps, and recommend training or preventive measures.
Provide testimony and/or documentation for grievances, administrative hearings, and appeals when required.
Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive personnel and organizational matters.
Participate in policy development, training, and continuous improvement initiatives related to professional standards and accountability.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Florida Retirement System (FRS)
Three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
Award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
11 paid holidays
3 personal days
16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service.