Overview

Position Summary 

Within PEO’s Regulatory and Compliance Division, the Sr. Investigator role is dedicated to legal and regulatory investigations related to complaints in the professional engineering field. The position is primarily responsible for investigating assigned complaints involving licence holders, limited licence holders, and holders of certificates of authorization. 

The Sr. Investigator provides the necessary support to the Complaints Committee (COC) throughout the investigative process. Investigators possess the specialized background, knowledge and experience to suggest investigative strategies, coordinate and conduct interviews, and to gather credible and reliable evidence. The Sr. Investigator remains unbiased and objective to ensure procedural fairness for all parties. Upon collecting the evidence, the Sr. Investigator prepares a comprehensive summary of the investigation to the COC.

Responsibilities

1. Review complaint forms and supporting materials submitted by complainants and assess potential professional misconduct and/or incompetence issues under the Professional Engineers Act. Clarify and summarize allegations into investigable matters (defined scope) and confirm with complainants to ensure accuracy.

2. Plan, conduct, coordinate and lead multiple complex investigations involving sensitive and contentious issues, including conflict of interest, professional misconduct, negligence, inappropriate application of codes or standards, practicing outside an area of competence, failure to safeguard life, health or property, and other matters involving the public interest.

3. Determine who to interview and conduct interviews with complainants, respondents, witnesses, experts and others to gather information and develop an impartial understanding of the circumstances.

• Identify, collect and securely preserve relevant evidence, including records, drawings, reports, correspondence and other documentary or electronic evidence, to support investigation findings and meet admissibility requirements in any subsequent enforcement proceeding.

4. Engage independent experts, as required, to provide technical opinions in complex issues.

5. Prepare regulatory correspondence throughout the course of an investigation and communicate regularly with complainants, respondents, and others.

• Prepare investigative summaries and reports for review by decision makers.
• Support administrative staff in preparing case files for review by the COC.
• Regularly attend Complaints Committee meetings and provide clarification regarding file details and investigation findings; review decisions and letters of advice; and coordinate the drafting and monitoring of voluntary undertakings.
• Liaise with PEO’s Legal department and prosecuting legal counsel to support prosecutions and litigation.
• Support prosecuting legal counsel, as required, in preparing for discipline hearings or court proceedings, including participating in pre-hearing conferences and other resolution negotiations.

6. Attend tribunal hearings and court proceedings as required, and occasionally provide testimony.

• Other duties as required.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge

Skills include:

• Interpreting and applying relevant legislation and regulations related to the practice of professional engineering and the use of reserved titles to establish the statutory basis for investigations.
• General knowledge of professional engineering disciplines and practices.
• Knowledge of criminology, judicial and quasi-judicial processes, including experience preparing for or testifying in court or tribunal proceedings; as well as familiarity with investigative standards, procedures, and techniques such as planning, evidence gathering and preservation, interview strategies, and ensuring continuity of evidence to support consistent investigations within professional standards.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to conduct interviews, issue regulatory communications, and document and explain investigative findings. Be prepared to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions of registrants and other interviewees to gather relevant and sufficient evidence.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe, case management systems, database applications, email and internet-based research tools.

Education/Qualifications:

• A post-secondary diploma or degree in law, engineering, law enforcement, criminology, investigations, public administration, regulatory compliance or a related field is required. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• A P.Eng. designation and/or strong knowledge of professional engineering practice is a highly desirable asset. Experience or knowledge in structural engineering would be considered a strong asset.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, preferably in investigations, engineering, regulatory compliance, professional discipline, administrative law, tribunal processes or a related legal/regulatory environment.
• Understanding of the Professional Engineers Act, Ontario Regulation 941 and PEO guidelines, and the ability to apply this knowledge to support regulatory compliance.
• Experience conducting investigations, drafting decisions and reports, and collaborating with committees in a regulatory or adjudicative setting is highly desirable.
• Proven experience and a solid understanding of administrative law principles and tribunal procedures.
• Ability to interpret and understand legal documents is preferred.
• CLEAR Investigator training or equivalent is considered an asset.

Anticipated Salary

The estimated annual salary for this role is $100,000-$115,000.

Vacancy Status

This is a vacant role within the organization.

Hybrid Work Environment

We have 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. 

Application Deadline

If interested in this role, please forward your resume and cover letter to peocareers@peo.on.ca by Friday, August 28, 2026.