Investigator (12-month Contract)

As we move through a period of exciting transformation and organizational change, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) has an immediate opening for an Investigator – Unlicensed Practice .

Under the authority of the Professional Engineers Act , PEO licenses and governs over 91,500 licence and certificate holders and regulates the practice of professional engineering in Ontario. PEO's mission is to regulate and advance the practice of engineering to protect the public interest. With a talented, multidisciplinary staff of over 100, PEO's vision is to be a trusted leader in professional self-regulation.

The Investigator – Unlicensed Practice is responsible for responding to and investigating allegations of violation of the practice protection and title protection provisions of the Professional Engineers Act (PEA) and require individuals and/or companies to comply with the provisions of the Act or face prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries from the public, professional engineers and applicants.
• Contact unlicensed persons and unauthorized companies who are non-complaint with the Professional Engineers Act to obtain compliance.
• Prepare and send demand letters or cease-and-desist letters to individuals and/or companies who are believed to be non-compliant with the PEA as appropriate.
• Obtain evidence from informants, witnesses and building departments.
• Work with respondents to obtain agreeable solutions to compliance issues, including negotiating written agreements.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative briefs on completed investigations. Submit evidence and briefs in a timely manner and in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Manage enforcement matters that proceed to the courts, including laying provincial offences charges.
• When matters move to prosecution, work with legal counsel to gather evidence, contact witnesses and make court appearances.
• Provide direction to individuals and employers on compliant titles for use in the workplace.
• Gives evidence in court proceedings / hearings, serves summonses or subpoenas; acts as an agent of PEO in court proceedings / hearings such as: assisting in legal actions (prosecutions-related contraventions); drafting briefs, attending first appearances in court; appearing as a witness at prosecutions, testifying to evidence.
• Maintain working relationships with law enforcement agencies and government institutions to facilitate joint investigations and to exchange information on various types of wrongdoings.
• Identify and notify management of any urgent or high-profile issues.
• Prepare and deliver enforcement-related presentations, as assigned by management.
• Responsible for assigned investigations from inception to completion, including identifying issue(s), interviewing complainant/member(s)/witnesses, gathering and analyzing information and evidence, and writing clear and comprehensive reports/briefs.
• Ongoing research of recent and relevant case law and investigative best practices.
• Liaises with Manager, Complaints & Investigations and PEO legal counsel, as required

Knowledge of:

• The Professional Engineers Act , Ontario and Regulations relating to the requirements for practice of professional engineering and the use of reserved titles;
• PEO's Unlicensed Practice (Enforcement) and Complaints Policies and Procedures,
• Computer information technology, computer databases and related software packages to use sector and work planning systems, input/access information data systems, and prepare documents while ensuring adherence to quality assurance/control programs including registration databases and the Case Management systems.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office products.
• Thorough knowledge of legal methods, investigative techniques, procedures, relevant case law and precedents to collect evidence and carry out investigations.
• Experience laying charges/administrative penalties under the Provincial Offences Act and / or giving evidence and preparing prosecution briefs for designated administrative authorities.
• Judicial process, rules of evidence, court procedures as well as related legislation and statutes to carry out investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses, prepare and assist with prosecutions, interpret evidence, recommend whether further legal actions are warranted.
• Requires thorough knowledge of the management and analysis of data and evidence to identify priorities in investigations and to ensure the completeness of the information.

Skills include:

• Exceptional oral and written communication in corresponding with respondents.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to insist on action by respondents.
• Organization and prioritization skills to manage work volume and use time efficiently.
• Critical thinking skills to conduct technical and policy analysis, research, statutory interpretation and complex investigation.
• Analytical and evaluation skills to interpret information collected (may be technical in nature) and assess whether subject is compliant with legislation, regulations, and determine which compliance strategies/action(s) should be taken.
• Decision making, including analytical and facilitation skills to gather information/evidence, analyze and evaluate observations/findings and assess situations to determine when to act.
• Investigation skills in identifying the sources of specific information or evidence and collecting it in a manner that preserves its integrity in case of prosecution (chain of custody).
• Active listening used in verbal conversations with informants, volunteers and employees to ensure critical information is captured for follow-up and reporting.
• Verbal communication skills to interview witnesses; provide information on the application of legislation, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; deliver presentations; and discuss compliance issues with clients, public and other stakeholders. Testify at court proceedings as a witness.
• Superior written communication skills to document and convey information regarding matters, prepare written analysis regarding investigations, prepare investigative reports and other information in accordance with PEO standards.
• Negotiation skills to achieve agreeable outcomes with respondents.
• Conflict management skills in seeking compliance from respondents.
• Strives for continuous improvement both professionally and personally.
• Excellent judgment to identify contentious issues for senior management; provide facts and information for the preparation of briefing material and issue notes.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

Qualifications:

• Paralegal diploma or equivalent and post-secondary diploma in law, criminology, political science, public administration, or equivalent proven experience.
• Minimum 3 to 5+ years of experience in a compliance or investigative role; experience in a legal or regulatory environment.
• Knowledge of judicial / court processes and procedures.
• Certification in investigative methods including building cases and effective interviewing is an asset.
• Proven track record of gathering evidence, writing effective briefs, laying informations leading to successful prosecutions, including experience issuing Part III summonses.
• Experience dealing with professional misconduct, incapacity and/or incompetence.

We have fully embraced hybrid working, and for us this means coming to the office twice a week. However, if you wish to work in the office more often, you are welcome to.

This role is a minimum 12-month contract.

Disclaimer: The selected candidate will be subject to a background check as part of the hiring process.

If you are interested in this role, please forward your resume to by March 17, 2025.

At PEO, we recognize that our people are our best asset, including employees from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We know life isn't linear so there may be gaps or 'nontraditional' employment and we welcome applications from everyone including those from underrepresented groups including members of Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.