Inspector (9168)
Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.
We are proud to be recognized as:
2023 FORBES Best in State Employer
Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024
We are seeking to hire candidates for our Inspector (9168).
Opening Date: 02/16/2026
Closing Date: 02/23/2026
Job Grade: SAM 41
Salary Range: $93,080.00-$116,350.00
OVERALL DESCRIPTION
The Inspector will further the mission of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to root out fraud, waste and abuse throughout SEPTA. They will part of a team of approximately 7 inspectors and detectives (hereinafter “investigators”) covering SEPTA’s mission in public transportation. They will respond to complaints and allegations made against SEPTA employees, vendors/contractors, as well as misconduct where SEPTA is the victim. They will efficiently plan, conduct and resolve investigations.
The Inspector will directly report to the Director of Investigations. The Inspector will also be part of the OIG team that falls under the overall leadership and supervision of the Inspector General.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage a caseload of investigations, criminal, civil and administrative, effectively to ensure thorough and timely and efficient disposition of matters.
- Plan and conduct multiple investigations concurrently. Inspector must have ability to multi-task, identify priorities, maintain case progress, and timely conclude investigations.
- Handle special projects pertinent to the OIG. Special projects can include serving on committees (e.g., intern, social/holiday, hiring, Integrity Officer), working joint matters (investigations, reviews) with auditors, responding to hotline tips and complaints, and other special assignments (OIG website, OIG Annual Report, etc.).
- Interviews: Investigative work will include interviews of witnesses, employees, vendors, contractors and others. Interviews can take place in the OIG Office, in the field on SEPTA property, private residences, public places and businesses. Interview reports will be comprehensive, impartial, grammatically correct and completed/submitted within 5 days of the interview with all relevant exhibits attached. Because interviews are always conducted with another OIG member (Inspector General, Inspector or Detective), Inspector will assist on interviews in matters other than their personal caseload.
- Physical Surveillance: Physical surveillance may be necessary to develop evidence or substantiate facts. Inspector will create a surveillance plan. Long hours may be required in a stationary position. Mobile surveillance may also require walking or moving through public transportation or SEPTA locations to follow a target. Surveillance must be document with time logs and photographs of significant events.
- Drafting and Execution of Arrests/Search Warrants: Drafting Affidavits for arrest and searches and seizures and conducting arrests and searches is required. Participating in searches and seizures may require some minor to medium physical exertion (lifting, climbing, etc.). Searches and arrests may occur at SEPTA locations, businesses, and private residences. Draft Affidavits must be written clearly, factually accurate, and show that there is probable cause that a crime has been committed.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drafting and Serving Subpoenas: Subpoenas must be drafted in accordance with SEPTA legal guidelines. Subpoenas will be served in person when feasible. Inspector is responsible for ensuring subpoenaed records are timely returned, logging all subpoenaed documents, and reviewing those documents.
- Partnering with Auditors/Compliance Personnel: The auditors represent an important part of the OIG. When appropriate, inspectors will work matters jointly with auditors and compliance personnel.
- Review of Records: Review and conduct a detailed analysis of business, public, financial and SEPTA records. Records may be in paper or electronic format requiring collation and sorting of relevant documents. Inspector will access and be familiar with online databases and paid access sites to further investigations. Results of record reviews will be summarized in logical, coherent reports that summarize the findings.
- Investiative Reports of Investigation: Draft interim and final reports or summary memoranda to be distributed to potentially a wide audience, including the senior management, SEPTA employees and contractors/vendors, the public and news media. Reports should be succinct, well written, and clear. Reports should follow the OIG template, and include violations, investigative measures, findings, and recommendations. Report writing must meet high, excellent standards.
DISCIPLINE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Inventory Counts: Conduct inventory counts at various SEPTA locations and/or commercial businesses. PPE or safety gear may be required. Inventory counts substantiate purchases or deliverables. Will require physical exertion.
- Administrative Duties: Respond completely and timely to all administrative requirements (performance reviews, timesheets, monthly reports, etc.). Participate in OIG team meetings. Serve as a mentor to SEPTA Detectives and student interns, and provide expertise as needed. Review documents (reports, etc.) written by others in OIG to ensure high standards.
- Familiarity with and adherence to the requirements of the Principles and Standards for Office of Inspector General (Green Book), including report writing, investigative plans, report writing and staff qualifications. Attend appropriate trainings and Continue Professional Education (CPEs) to fulfill Green Book requirements.
- Liaison with law enforcement agencies and other SEPTA departments: Develop effective relations with other law enforcement (other OIGs, local, state and federal) as well as SEPTA departments. As needed, work closely with tasks forces, attend joint training, participate in working groups.
- Outreach to SEPTA departments: Engage in proactive trainings at various SEPTA locations to educate SEPTA employees about the function of the OIG and deterring fraud, waste and abuse.
- Supervision of Detectives: Supervise detectives with respect to investigative report writing. Review and edit reports of detectives. Responsibly deliver timely and constructive feedback.
- Supervision of Drexel Co-op Student Interns: Supervise Drexel Co-Op Student interns, including mentoring, assigning projects, reviewing work product and evaluating performance.
DISCIPLINE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervision of Hotline Intake: Oversee the intake from the various sources, including phone, walk-ins, OIG webpage, etc. Analyze hotline complaints for OIG jurisdiction, proper initial handling, assignments to investigators and documenting in the OIG case management system and make referrals to the appropriate SEPTA department.
- Oversee Forensic / Technical Program: Be responsible for technical equipment belonging to OIG, including cameras, recording devices, phone forensics (Cellebrite) and computer forensics. Attend appropriate trainings and conferences to gain knowledge and further expertise. Assist with technology needs for all OIG investigations.
- Delegation Authority: In absence of Inspector General and Director of Investigations, possession authority for decision-making regarding investigations.
- Case Strategy: Independently determine most effective strategy of investigation, including who to interview and when, what business records need to be obtained and reviewed, and need for surveillance.
- Communicate effectively, written and verbal, with senior management, co-workers, and outside stakeholders. Responsive to emails and phone calls in a timely manner.
- Perform other duties and special assignments for the Inspector General, as requested.
- Possess a willingness and desire to work primarily in the office.
- Knowledge of applicable criminal laws pertaining to fraud violations, corruption, integrity, as well as violent offenses (e.g., assault, narcotics and firearms).
- Must be in excellent physical condition and emotional stability.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree required (waived for qualified candidates with over 20 years’ experience conducting criminal investigations as a sworn local, state or federal law enforcement officer)
- A minimum of 10 years with federal law enforcement experience as investigator conducting criminal investigations in the area of white collar financial crimes and/or public corruption, as well as violent crime.
- An appreciation to support the mission of public transportation.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Obtain and maintain a valid PA License to Carry Firearms, and/or a PA Retired Law Enforcement Officer Qualification Card pursuant to Title 18 USC 926C
- Strong physical condition.
- Strong knowledge and application of investigative techniques to obtain relevant information, including public sources, online databases, bank records, video, electronic evidence (e.g., computers and cell phones).
- Demonstrated ability and extensive experience in conducting interviews and interrogations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare coherent reports and present those reports.
- Ability to interact with all levels of employees, from staff to executives. Strong interpersonal skills. Strong computer skills utilizing MS Word, Power Point, Microsoft Office and Excel.
- Experience in accounting, auditing, or fraud detection, or a CFE, CIA, CPA, is a plus.
- Experience with government entities, or specifically public transportation, is a plus.
Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!
✅ Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
✅ Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
✅ Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
✅ Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
✅ Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
✅ Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
✅ Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!
Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community!
Join the Best in Transit! Apply Today
📢 Click Apply Now and take the next step in your career with SEPTA!
📍 Have Questions? For more information, please visit How We Hire Careers Page.
🚆 SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia