WASHINGTON, D.C. -

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is ramping up its investigative force to get a closer look at banks, lenders and other credit institutions, according to a recent job posting on the Department of the Treasury’s website.

The vacancy listing indicates a marketing campaign that asks, “Do you want to be a leader in your field at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — a groundbreaking organization solely devoted to the economic strength and vitality of American families?

“Do you want to challenge yourself and others? If you answer ‘Yes,’ then we have a career for you,’” the ad continues. “CFPB professionals have unparalleled opportunities to expand horizons for themselves and for the nation. Be one of the founding members of an agency that will make a difference in the lives of everyday American families.”

Among the nine specific responsibilities mentioned in the listing posted here, the CFPB is looking for professional who can:

—Plan, organize, and conduct a wide range of investigations related to alleged or suspected offenses in violation of consumer protection laws and regulations. Conduct comprehensive investigations that may involve delicate matters, issues, and investigative problems for which there are few, if any, established criteria.

—Conduct research, including Internet research using specialized databases, about individuals, companies, markets, businesses and industries, in order to develop facts to support a proposed or initiated enforcement action. Gather facts regarding business practices, including research about the industry in which the business operates, business partners of a specific business, clients of that business, and other information about the business and the industry/market in which it functions.  Act as a witness for CFPB in litigation.

—Identify and interview potential subjects and third party witnesses (formally and informally), including alleged witnesses and whistleblowers, and secure evidence from other outside sources to determine the existence, nature and extent of violations of Federal laws and regulations.

—Examine, analyze, and collect evidence, and preserve its chain-of-custody. Collect, compile and analyze a wide variety of documents produced in an effort to find evidence to support an enforcement theory. Assist enforcement attorneys in preparing witnesses to provide testimony.

Officials at the bureau declined to discuss specific investigative techniques, but said the practices would not engage in any sort of activities that violate the civil liberties of subjects, according to a report by the Washington Times.

“Investigative work conducted by our staff will be covered by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau policies to ensure all practices comply with applicable laws and regulations and protect individuals’ privacy rights,” a CFPB official said here.

“The investigation activities described in the posting are intended to inform our enforcement office about what consumers may experience with different financial products or services,” the official continued. “We anticipate that the type of information gathered generally will be information available to the general public. Investigation activities like these are typical among agencies charged with civil law enforcement.”