Consumer Affairs Investigator

This is technical work in investigating, negotiating, mediating, and conciliating consumer complaints and researching and answering consumer information questions. Work requires knowledge of investigative methods, practices, and techniques and consumer protection laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Contacts require skill in understanding and influencing others and are important in interviewing complainants or business representatives, resolving complaints and answering consumer information questions. Work is semi-routine in that tasks are covered by procedures or precedents, but some latitude is permitted to consider the most appropriate technique, method, or procedure to follow. Work is performed in both office and field environments where the risks and hazards are minimal, known, predictable, and controllable. The physical demands are minimal. Operates a motor vehicle and standard office equipment such as personal computers, calculators, facsimile machines, and copiers. Work is performed under general supervision where the work assignments are varied and although subject to instructions and established work routines, the worker is permitted some latitude to set own priorities subject to superior's approval.

Investigates, negotiates, mediates and conciliates consumer complaints to include the inspection of scales and other measuring devices, gathering of evidence, and holding of hearings.

Interviews complainants, business representatives and others and takes sworn testimony when necessary.

Researches and answers consumer information questions or redirects to other agencies, if necessary.

Gives depositions and testifies in a court of law as an expert witness in cases involving violations of consumer protection laws.

Reports violations of consumer protection laws to the appropriate enforcement agencies. Conducts research studies and develops reports for the protection, education and information of the consumer.

Acts as an advocate for consumers and represents their interests before various governmental bodies. Makes presentations to organizations regarding consumer rights, protection, and related issues.

Maintains files and records and prepares reports and correspondence.

Operates a motor vehicle and standard office equipment such as personal computer using word, spreadsheet, database, and other related software.

Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville's competencies. Performs related work as required. Qualifications Knowledge of consumer protection laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

Knowledge of investigative methods, practices, and techniques. Skill in investigative techniques. Skill in interviewing, documenting facts, and observing and describing events.

Ability to negotiate or mediate complaints between two or more parties. Ability to read, understand, interpret and apply consumer protection information, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to testify in a court of law as an expert witness in cases involving violations of consumer protection laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

Ability to maintain files and records and prepare reports and correspondence.

Ability to operate standard office equipment such as personal computer using word, spreadsheet, database, and other related software. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Knowledge of consumer protection laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Knowledge of investigative methods, practices, and techniques. Skill in investigative techniques.

Skill in interviewing, documenting facts, and observing and describing events. Ability to negotiate or mediate complaints between two or more parties.

Ability to read, understand, interpret and apply consumer protection information, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to testify in a court of law as an expert witness in cases involving violations of consumer protection laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

Ability to maintain files and records and prepare reports and correspondence. Ability to operate standard office equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Additional Information Three (3) years of education and/or experience in investigating, negotiating, mediating, and conciliating consumer complaints or investigating services or products for conformance with laws, standards, or regulations.

Highly desired Spanish bilingual candidates.

• A valid Florida Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained during employment in this class.
• City of Jacksonville Public Driver Certification must qualify for prior to appointment, obtain and maintain during employment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• The probationary period for this classification is six months.
  

A FULLY COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED. Apply at www.jacksonville.gov. Work history is required for all employment/volunteer work in which qualifications are being based.

When meeting/basing qualifications on education, a copy of your college transcript, with your social blackout, is required with your application. U.S.

transcripts do not need to be official, but must state your name, the school’s name, classes taken, grades received, type of degree, and date degree was conferred. Transcripts outside the U.S.

must be converted to U.S. standards.

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Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and the family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for post-secondary educational requirements, in employment and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

If claiming veteran's preference, you must attach a DD-214 (Member Form-4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge.

You must also attach the Veterans Preference Certification Form and if applicable, the additional forms as noted here: http://www.coj.net/departments/employee-services/veterans-preference.

If a candidate believes he or she was not afforded the veteran’s preference, he or she may file a written complaint, within sixty (60) calendar days upon receipt of notification of the hiring decision, requesting an investigation to:

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs

Attention: Veterans’ Preference Coordinator

11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K

Largo, FL 33778-1630

Email: VeteransPreference@fdva.state.fl.us