New York State of Opportunity

Investigative Officer Trainee

Written Test To Be Held
April 21, 2018*
You may be assigned to either Saturday or Sunday.
Please refer to the information below.
Applications Must Be Submitted or Postmarked By
March 07, 2018

 

Exams Included on This Announcement
Exam Number Exam Title Salary Salary Grade Non−Refundable Processing Fee (Waivers available)
26-492 Investigative Officer Trainee $42,143 Equated to G-13 $35
26-493 Investigative Officer Trainee (Varous Language Proficiencies) $42,143 Equated to G-13
26-494 Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) $42,143 Equated to G-13
26-495 Investigative Officer Tr Beverage Control (Various Language Proficiencies) $42,143 Equated to G-13
26-496 Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) $42,143 Equated to G-13
26-497 Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Prof $42,143 Equated to G-13
26-505 Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Law) $42,143 Equated to G-13
26-506 Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Narcotics) $42,143 Equated to G-13

*Due to the size of the candidate population for this test date, you may be assigned to either Saturday, April 21, 2018, or Sunday, April 22, 2018, to take your test. Your admission notice will tell you where and when you are scheduled to appear. You cannot request a day in advance or change your scheduled day.


IMPORTANT: Unless waived, you must pay the non-refundable processing fee. For information on fee waivers, visit https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/types/oc/appinfo.cfm##Fee. It is important that you verify that you entered the correct examination number and title on your online or paper application prior to submitting. If you apply online, you should immediately review your email confirmation notice to verify that you applied for the correct examination. If you do not receive a confirmation number after submitting your online application, your application was NOT received by the Department of Civil Service. No late applications will be accepted after the filing deadline has passed.

Appointees who work in the five boroughs of New York City or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Westchester Counties will receive an additional $3,026 annual downstate adjustment. Appointees who work in Dutchess, Orange, or Putnam Counties will receive an additional $1,513 annual mid-Hudson adjustment.

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Minimum Qualifications

On or before April 21, 2018, you must have:

Either 1. four years of investigative experience;**

Or 2. an associate���s degree and two years of investigative experience;**

Or 3. a bachelor���s degree or higher.

**For the purposes of these examinations, ���investigative experience��� is defined as gathering and securing information and evidence from a variety of sources through independent, non-structured activities including the preparation and submission of detailed narrative reports describing the method of gathering the evidence and the results of the investigations. Experience in auditing, interviewing, building security surveillance, traffic enforcement, or performing routine inspections or surveys will NOT be considered investigative experience.

Types of Investigative experiences that could be considered qualifying: Experience in such positions as police detective, insurance investigator, licensed and registered private investigator, federal investigator, state investigator, municipal investigator, child protective services investigator, in an investigative position involving trial preparations and detailed reports, or investigations within a branch of the Armed Services are examples which meet the Minimum Qualifications.

Non-Qualifying Investigative Experience includes but may not be limited to: Experience in routine police patrol work, security guard or related security position, tax collector, collector of delinquent accounts, credit checker, legal assistant/attorney, hotel or store detective, loss prevention officer, parole officer, correction officer, guard, inspector, or experience in adoption and/or foster care placement.

If you expect to meet the educational requirements by September 30, 2018, you can be admitted to the written test, but you cannot be considered for appointment until you submit proof of successful completion of the educational requirement to the Appointing Authority at the time of the employment interview. Failure to meet the educational requirements by September 30, 2018 may result in your removal from the eligible list.

Traineeships: Titles filled through this examination may require one-year or two-year traineeships during which trainees gain the necessary knowledge and experience to perform at the full level.

Appointment Level: If you are selected for appointment, you may, at the agency���s discretion, be appointed directly to a higher level. To be considered for advanced placement you must possess education or experience beyond the ���Minimum Qualifications��� such as: an associate���s degree or higher in criminal justice, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security; investigative experience or experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews of witnesses and others, taking written statements and affidavits, collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence, and preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings. For further information on qualifications for higher level positions visit: www.cs.ny.gov\examannouncements\announcements\investigatoradvancedplacement.cfm.

Additional Requirements: If you pass the written test, and you are considered for appointment for the following titles: Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control), Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Law), and Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Narcotics); you will be required to have your physical and medical condition evaluated, participate in a drug screening test, participate in a psychological evaluation, and submit to an investigative screening. For appointment to Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control), Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies) or Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Narcotics) you must also obtain and maintain a firearm permit from New York City, be qualified to hold peace officer status in accordance with state law, and be a United States citizen and New York State resident.

Notes

  1. One $35 non-refundable processing fee is required per application submission. You must select the individual examination(s) you are interested in during the application process. For example, you may apply for all eight examinations listed and pay one $35 fee if processed during one online transaction. If you submit one online application for less than all of the examinations listed, and subsequently apply for additional examinations in this series, another $35 non-refundable processing fee will be required.
  2. Your degree must have been awarded by a regionally accredited college or university or one recognized by the NYS Education Department as following acceptable educational practices. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. You can write to the Examination Information Desk of the NYS Department of Civil Service for a list of acceptable companies who provide this service. This information can also be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee. If you are applying on the Internet, you must mail the independent verification of equivalency to the New York State Department of Civil Service, Albany, New York 12239. Attention: S2LSS.
  3. A transition examination is also being held for these positions at the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, the Department of Labor and Department of Motor Vehicles. It is expected that appointments will be made as the result of these examinations open to the public.
  4. The agencies have the option of making appointments from either the lists resulting from this examination open to the public or the lists resulting from the transition examinations. If you meet the requirements for both examinations, you may wish to file for both. The processing fee must be paid for this examination unless you are eligible for a fee waiver.
  5. If you pass the examination for No. 26-493 Investigative Officer Trainee (Various Language Proficiencies), No. 26-495 Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), or No. 26-497 Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies) you will be required demonstrate your Chinese, Creole, Farsi, Italian, Korean, Russian, or Spanish language proficiency at a level that will ensure your ability to perform properly the duties of the position. Only enough candidates to fill current vacancies will be called to the proficiency test.
  6. If you submit an application for No. 26-493 Investigative Officer Trainee (Various Language Proficiencies), an application will automatically be submitted for you for No. 26-492 Investigative Officer Trainee at no additional cost. If you submit an application for No. 26-495 Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), an application will automatically be submitted for you for No. 26-494 Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) at no additional cost. If you submit an application for No. 26-497 Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), an application will automatically be submitted for you for No. 26-496 Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) at no additional cost.
  7. If you meet the Minimum Qualifications you may also be interested in competing for No. 26-511 Investigator 1, No. 26-512 Investigator 1 (Various Language Proficiencies), No. 26-498 Investigative Officer 1, No. 26-499 Investigative Officer 1 (Various Language Proficiencies), No. 26-500 Investigative Officer 1 (Beverage Control), No. 26-501 Investigative Officer 1 (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), No. 26-502 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle), No. 26-503 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), No. 26-507 Investigative Specialist 1, No. 26-508 Investigative Specialist 1 (Spanish Language), No. 26-509 Investigative Specialist 1 (Law), and No. 26-510 Investigative Specialist 1 (Narcotics) which written tests are also being held on April 21, 2018. The appropriate processing fee must be filed for each examination.
  8. Travel Requirements: Appointment to certain positions requires extensive travel within a designated area of assignment. Appointees to these positions may be required to operate a motor vehicle or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job. If the position requires that you operate a motor vehicle, you must possess a driver's license valid in New York State at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter. Field work and travel expenses are reimbursed on a fixed schedule. Overnight travel may be required.
  9. Physical/Medical Requirements: Your physical and medical condition may be evaluated to ensure that you are able to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. A complete statement of the physical and medical standards is available at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/ehs/forms.cfm. A medical examination may be required prior to appointment, and you may be responsible for payment of the clinical laboratory test fee. Appointees to this position may be required to undergo periodic medical examinations to reassess their ability to perform the essential duties of the position.
  10. Drug Testing: Prior to appointment, you may be required to participate in a drug-screening test and may be responsible for the clinical lab fee. Failure to meet the standards may result in your disqualification.
  11. Psychological Evaluation: Prior to appointment, you may be required to participate in a psychological evaluation to determine your fitness to perform the essential duties of the position. Failure to meet the standard may result in your disqualification.
  12. Background Investigation: Because of the nature of the positions there may be an investigative screening that may include a thorough character investigation. All convictions must be reported. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor or any falsified or omitted information may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case is determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of state and federal laws.
  13. Fingerprints and Fees: Fingerprinting may be required at the time of appointment. You may be required to pay the processing fee.
  14. Peace Officer Status: Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control), Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), and Investigative Specialists Trainee 1 (Narcotics) are peace officers and must be qualified to hold such office in accordance with state law. As such, they are required to attend New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services sanctioned peace officer training. Employment is dependent on continuous certification as a peace officer.
  15. United States Citizenship and New York State Residence are required at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter for appointees to Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control), Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies) and Investigative Trainee 1 (Narcotics).
  16. Firearms: Appointees to Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle), Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), and Investigative Trainee 1 (Narcotics) will be required to obtain and maintain a firearm permit from New York City, which requires an extensive background check, and to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties. You must successfully complete an assigned firearms training and annual re-qualification and display continued proficiency. Denial or loss of a firearm permit will result in removal from employment in this positon.
  17. Appointment to Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) and Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies) must comply with Alcoholic Beverage Control Regulations, you must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
  18. Appropriate part-time and volunteer experience, which can be verified, will be accepted on a prorated basis.
  19. New York State residence is not required for participation in this exam.

The Positions

Investigative Officer Trainee positions exist in the Department of Labor, Gaming Commission, and Workers��� Compensation Board statewide. Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) exists in the Alcohol and Beverage Control Board statewide. Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) exists in the Department of Motor Vehicles statewide. Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Law) exists in the Office of the Attorney General statewide. Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Narcotics) exists in the Department of Health statewide.

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Duties

As an Investigative Officer Trainee or Investigative Officer Trainee (Various Language Proficiencies), you would independently undertake investigations requiring the knowledge and interpretation of a substantial variety or body of laws, rules or regulations, organized criminal activity, or fraud to determine and ensure compliance and secure information to take civil and or criminal action. You may also participate in joint agency operations; assist law enforcement in all aspects of an investigation involving multiple entities and violations, provide technical assistance and training and make arrests. In addition to investigative duties, you would issue permits and certificates, and serve revocations, cancellations, suspensions and stop work orders. You may also recommend penalties, collect damages and negotiate settlements. Trainees will receive a combination of structured training, on-the-job training, and/or practical job performance to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to function at the full performance level. As an Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) or Investigative Officer Trainee (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), you would perform the duties of an Investigative Officer Trainee related to the administration and enforcement of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, rules and regulations governing establishments licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board/State Liquor Authority.

As an Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) or Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), you would undertake investigations related to the administration and enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing motor vehicle sales, registration, licensing, and disposal, utilizing facial recognition and forensic vehicle examinations. As an Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Law), you would independently undertake investigations necessary to support the State���s position in various types of legal actions concerning the laws, rules and regulations of State agencies. As an Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Narcotics), you would independently undertake investigations relating to the trafficking of controlled substances according to the rules and protocols established by the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. Trainees will receive a combination of structured training, on-the-job training, and/or practical job performance to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to function and the full performance level.

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Subject of Examination

There will be a written test which you must pass in order to be considered for appointment. The written test is designed to test for knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as:

  1. Preparing written material - These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.
  2. Evaluating information and evidence - These questions test for the ability to evaluate and draw conclusions from information and evidence. Each question consists of a set of facts and a conclusion based on the facts. The candidate must decide if the conclusion is warranted by the facts.
  3. Understanding and interpreting written material - These questions test for the ability to understand and interpret written material. You will be presented with brief reading passages and will be asked questions about the passages. You should base your answers to the questions only on what is presented in the passages and not on what you may happen to know about the topic.

Your final score must be 70 or higher in order to pass. Rank on the eligible list will be determined after adding any wartime Veterans' and Civil Service Law Section 85-a credits to your final passing score.

Important: The Department of Civil Service and other state agencies may communicate with you through email correspondence. This may include the notification of your examination results and canvassing you for interest in appointment. It will be important for you to keep your email address, phone number and mailing address current by logging into https://www.cs.ny.gov/home/myaccount.

TEST GUIDE: A Guide to the Written Test for the Investigator Series is available on the Department website at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/statetestguides.cfm.

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How To Apply

This announcement is for viewing purposes only.

If you do not receive a number after submitting your online application, your application was NOT processed.

Additional Information

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the State of New York to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest and/or criminal conviction record, or any other category protected by law, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

Appointment to many positions in State government require candidates to undergo an investigative screening. This may include a thorough character investigation, a Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Record History Check, a Child Abuse Registry clearance, or other similar procedures. Candidates may be fingerprinted and may be required to pay any necessary fees for that procedure. Depending on the nature of the job, the criminal convictions discovered, or any falsified or omitted information revealed, the investigative findings may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment.

Eligibility for Employment

You must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment and throughout your employment with New York State. If appointed, you must produce documents that establish your identity and eligibility to work in the United States, as required by the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Religious Accommodation

Most written tests are held on Saturdays. If you cannot take the test on the announced test date, due to a conflict with a religious observance or practice, check the box under “Religious Accommodation.” We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date (usually the following day).

Reasonable Accommodations in Testing

It is the policy of the Department of Civil Service, in accordance with the New York State Human Rights Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide qualified persons with disabilities equal employment opportunity and equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of the Department. It is the policy of the Department to provide such persons reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary to provide equal opportunity. Persons with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in an examination must note this on their application. Further information is available from the Test Administration Unit of the Department of Civil Service. In the Albany area, call 518-457-2487. Outside of the Albany area, call toll free at 1-877-697-5627. For TDD services, call NY Relay at 711 (requires a fee) or 1-800-662-1220.

Admission to Examination

Notice to appear for the test may be conditional as review of applications may not be made until after the test. If you have not received your notice to appear for the written test three days before the date of the test, email us at AdmissionNotices@cs.ny.gov. Please provide your first and last name, address, and the last four digits of your social security number, and we will provide you with the information you need to attend your written test. If you have an issue other than not receiving your admission notice, please contact our office at (518) 474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627. Please leave a clear concise message and provide your first and last name, last four digits of your social security number and a daytime phone number.

Taking State and Local Examinations Scheduled for the Same Day

If you have applied to take a written test announced by either one or several local jurisdictions (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same test date as this written test, you must notify each of the local jurisdictions no later than two weeks before the test date to make arrangements for taking all tests at one test site. All tests will be held at the state examination center. For your convenience, contact information for all local civil service agencies is available on our website at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/local.cfm.

Cell Phones or Electronic/Communication Devices at the Test Site

Do not bring cell phones, beepers, headphones, or any electronic or other communication devices to the test site. The use of such devices at the test site in the test room, hallways, restrooms, building, grounds, or other areas could result in your disqualification.

S2/TC1 LSS-dah
Issued: 02/02/2018

This announcement is subject to amendment or cancellation without notice. Do not copy it, or post it to any other site, but link to it instead.

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