Investigator I / II / III, Grade 20 / 23 / 25

Investigator III

Montgomery County Government – Office of Consumer Protection

Salary Range

Investigator-I, Grade 20 : $67,672 - $98,877; Investigator-II, Grade 23 : $76,742 - $103,102; Investigator-III, Grade 25 : $83,556 - $129,796

About The Position

The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) advocates for a fair and honest marketplace in Montgomery County. Since 1971, we've helped residents by investigating and resolving consumer complaints, licensing and registering businesses, and promoting consumer awareness through education and outreach. Our work is grounded in Chapter 11 of the County Code, which prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices. Recognized nationally for our commitment to consumer rights, we strive to protect and empower every resident in Montgomery County.

OCP is looking for an Investigator who will be responsible for investigating and resolving complaints filed by consumers against merchants they have interacted with. The Investigator will also provide public guidance on consumer protection issues and evaluate whether the department can assist consumers who reach out with potential concerns.

Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills and be able to gather, evaluate, and synthesize complex information effectively. They will also have the ability to review documents and contracts that govern each consumer transaction and assess whether violations of law exist. They will be able to accurately document case actions, including factual assessments, interviews, strategies, and case actions, writing clearly and concisely.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Conduct complex investigations involving extensive fact-finding, interviews, and analysis of disputed or ambiguous information. Exercise independent judgment to determine the scope, applicable laws, and appropriate resolutions.
• Research and interpret County, State, and Federal laws and regulations, including Chapter 11 of the Montgomery County Code, to identify potential violations and recommend enforcement actions.
• Analyze business records, contracts, warranties, and agreements to assess whether unfair or deceptive practices have occurred.
• Mediate and negotiate settlements between consumers and businesses—often in high-stakes or emotionally sensitive cases—to achieve fair, voluntary resolutions.
• Prepare comprehensive case documentation, including investigative reports, enforcement recommendations, and settlement agreements.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to prepare cases for administrative hearings or court proceedings and provide authoritative testimony when required.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in assigned program areas such as scam prevention, retail sales, home improvement, and other consumer-related fields.
• Educate the public through outreach events, presentations, and advisory sessions to promote awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities.
• Mentor junior investigators and contribute to process improvements, volunteer coordination, and special projects to enhance unit effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences

Equal Opportunity and Ethics Statement

Montgomery County Government (MCG) is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov . Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.

MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans / persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.

Montgomery County Ethics Law : Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.

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