Civilian Traffic Investigator

The Civilian Traffic Crash Investigator is a non-sworn public safety employee responsible for investigating non-injury motor vehicle crashes involving property damage only or does not require the issuance of a uniformed citation. The position responds to crash scenes, documents evidence, interviews involving parties and witnesses, prepares state-required crash reports, provides traffic control, assists stranded motorists, and supports the Police Department's traffic safety mission.

This position operates under the authority granted by North Carolina General Statute §160A-499.6, which allows municipalities to employ Civilian Traffic Investigators. Investigators do not possess arrest powers and are not sworn by law enforcement officers. They work under the supervision of a Police Lieutenant within the patrol bureau.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responds to vehicle crashes, traffic hazards, stranded motorists, and disabled or abandoned vehicles.
• Completes all state, city, and Police Department required forms such as DMV-349. 
• Provides traffic direction and control at traffic accident scenes, road closures, inoperative or damaged traffic control devices and other situations that require manual traffic direction. 
• Monitors city roadways to assist disabled motorists and aid in the removal of abandoned vehicles that obstruct roadways. 
• Assists with special events including but not limited to parades, fun runs, demonstrations, etc.
• Conduct preliminary investigations and filing reports.
• Work closely with Hendersonville Police Officers and other law enforcement agencies on incidents involving motor vehicle crashes.
• Provides care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment, and facilities.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Associate degree preferred.

Experience: One of the following preferred:

• Two years of public safety experience; OR
• Two years of insurance claims investigation experience; OR
• Two years of traffic enforcement or crash investigation experience; OR
• Experience preparing DMV-349 crash reports; OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.  Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• DCI certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire date. 
• Civilian Traffic Investigator certification through the North Carolina Justice Academy, or the ability to obtain prior to independent work. 
• Successful completion of 4 weeks required field training with a certified law enforcement officer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 20. 
• Knowledge of City of Hendersonville ordinances.
• Knowledge of city and department policies 
• Ability to observe details of crash scenes and during interactions with individuals. 
• Application of proper investigative techniques, including evidence collection, crash scene analysis, and report writing. 
• Accurate maintenance of records of incidents, investigations, and other departmental functions using modern technology. 
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time efficiently in a fast-paced environment. 
• Regular practice with safe driving techniques/practices.
• Ability to accurately measure distances and angles.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to convey information effectively to diverse audiences. 
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, and the public sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work direction. 
• Knowledge of the geographic area of the city may include important buildings and facilities.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service.
• Ability to effectively and calmly deal with the public and vehicle owners in stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively and professionally communicate by explaining crash reporting procedures to involved parties. 
• Ability to work alone in the field and investigate motor vehicle crashes.
• Ability to multitask while maintaining efficient time management skills.
• Ability to listen and understand directions, information, and ideas presented verbally or in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work in this class is defined as heavy and involves a moderate degree or risk to personal safety. Work is heavy work requiring the exertion of 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, running, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly, or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, hazards, and atmospheric conditions. The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in a dynamic and changing environment, both indoors and outdoors. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, temperature and noise extremes, bright/dim light, toxic agents, disease, pathogenic substances, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, or rude/hostile citizens.