Automotive Program Representative

CA Bureau of Automotive Repair; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

State vehicles and off-site storage

Free Parking

Job summary

CA Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) seeks an Enforcement Investigator in a hybrid role to regulate the automotive repair industry. You will investigate consumer complaints, conduct facility inspections, and ensure compliance with the Automotive Repair Act.

The position requires technical knowledge of automotive repair practices, strong evidence handling, and the ability to interpret complex laws. Salary is offered with a hybrid schedule and regional travel.

Qualifications

• Investigate consumer complaints and perform field inspections of automotive repair facilities.
• Collect, preserve and analyze evidence and prepare investigative reports.
• Interpret and apply relevant laws and regulations to protect consumers.

Responsibilities

• Investigate consumer complaints and conduct inspections of automotive repair facilities.
• Collect, analyze, and preserve evidence and prepare detailed investigative reports.
• Provide testimony describing BAR findings in various proceedings when needed.
• Apply Automotive Repair Act and related laws to promote compliance.

Skills

Automotive repair knowledge

Inspections

Investigations

Evidence collection

Report writing

Analytical thinking

Job description

Job Title

Enforcement Investigator (AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE)

Department

Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)

Job Code & Position

Job Code: JC-525357

Position #: 646-165-6840-XX1; 646-165-6840-XXX

# of Positions: Multiple

Location & Details

• Work Location: United States
• Telework: Hybrid
• Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
• Facility: Bureau of Automotive Repair
• Work Shift: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
• Work Week: Monday - Friday

Salary

• $5,873.00 - $7,284.00 (Class A)
• $6,445.00 - $8,008.00 (Class B)

Reporting Locations

San Jose and Hercules

Region 2 Locations

San Francisco, San Mateo, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte, Lake, Sonoma, and surrounding counties.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Automotive Program (AP) Supervisor I, the Automotive Program Representative (APR) performs a full range of field and office duties related to the regulation of the automotive repair industry. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, investigating consumer complaints, conducting inspections and audits of automotive repair facilities, and ensuring compliance with the Automotive Repair Act (ARA) and related laws and regulations.

The APR collects, analyzes, and preserves evidence, prepares detailed investigative reports that may lead to disciplinary actions, and may provide testimony describing BAR findings in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings, including small claims court. This position requires technical knowledge of automotive repair practices and the ability to interpret and apply complex laws, policies, and procedures to protect California consumers from fraudulent and unsafe automotive practices and promote compliance within the automotive repair industry.

Assignments may vary in complexity and responsibility appropriate to the incumbent's skill and range level within the classification. As an incumbent gains experience, they are expected to perform duties with increasing independence, complexity, and higher consequence of error.

Specialized Expertise

• Automotive Systems Diagnosis and Repair Motor
• Vehicle Emissions Controls Testing and Repair
• Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing.

Inclusive Work Environment

In all job functions, employees are responsible for creating an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Employees are expected to provide all members of the public equitable services and treatment, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and work toward improving outcomes for all Californians.

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, they must reside in the State of California once they are hired and start working.

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period as outlined on "Section 2113 - Personal Leave Program (PLP)" of the CalHR Manual. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

The incumbent works 40 hours per week including time spent in an office setting, with artificial light and temperature control. Daily access to and use of a personal computer and telephone is essential. Stationary position requirements in the office are consistent with office work. Approximately 75% of time is spent in the field, includes remaining in a stationary position, driving, and ambulating for extended periods during fieldwork. Frequent hand manipulation and body movements are expected. Occasionally, the incumbent must maneuver around, underneath and/or over obstacles during investigations. Travel throughout an assigned geographical area is required by various methods of transportation.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California driver's license (CDL). Provide a photocopy in PDF format of the front and back of your CDL, clearly showing your name as stated on the license, issuing state, CDL number, class, and expiration.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• Applicants shall have a work record clear of revocation or suspension of departmental-issued licenses for Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection, Smog Technician, and or Smog Inspector.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of equipment and methods used in the maintenance and repair of automotive equipment.
• Knowledge of equipment and methods used in automotive body damage, collision repair, refinishing and restoration.
• Ability to operate tools used in automotive repair, inspect automotive equipment, purchase parts and materials, keep accurate records of inventory, reconcile and make reports, follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others, work efficiently, report to work on time, maintain consistent, regular attendance, work under changing priorities or deadlines, look and act in a professional manner, and exhibit courteous behavior towards coworkers.
• Ability to analyze information and make decisions in a competent and timely manner.
• Ability to ask effective questions, evaluates information, apply guidelines and procedures, and make accurate and timely decisions.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to maximize utilization of computers to accomplish daily tasks.
• Positive attitude and highly motivated.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

Hiring Unit Contact: Lyndsay Chambers [phone] Ext:

Email: [e-mail]

EEO Contact

EEO Officer [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Incompatible Work Activity

This position is subject to the Incompatible Work Activity (IWA) Policy of the Department of Consumer Affairs (LGL 23-01). If hired, the candidate would be subject to the IWA Policy and Employment Attestation, and the candidate’s participation and/or ownership related to an Automotive Repair Dealer and possession of any Bureau of Automotive Repair license must be disclosed and determined not to pose a conflict prior to employment.

Specifically, Bureau of Automotive Repair employees are prohibited from engaging in any employment, activity, or enterprise that is clearly inconsistent, incompatible, in conflict with, or inimical to their duties as a state officer or employee (Government Code section 19990). If an employee is uncertain about whether an activity, employment, or enterprise violates this policy, the employee should immediately consult with their supervisor, who will state in writing whether the activity, employment, or enterprise is prohibited. Failure to follow any of the provisions of this policy is cause for discipline, which may include termination of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Deadline

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Cutoff dates will be: August 17 2026, September 16 2026, October 16 2026, November 16 2026, December 16 2026.

Application Requirements

Applicants shall meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Department Information

Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and serves California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA educates consumers and protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners.

DCA is a unique and dynamic department consisting of 36 different boards, bureaus, a commission, and a program that license and regulate more than 3.4 million licensees in more than 280 license types including certificates, registrations, and permits. DCA has many exciting career opportunities available and is dedicated to hiring and retaining qualified employees.

The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s mission is to protect and serve California consumers by ensuring a fair and competitive automotive repair marketplace and administering a model motor vehicle emissions reduction program.

BAR is hiring multiple positions throughout Northern California! The Field Operations and Enforcement Branch’s Region 2 has positions throughout San Francisco, San Mateo, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. Reporting locations include San Jose and Hercules.

Flexible work schedules are available! State vehicles and off-site storage offered! Free Parking!