Field Investigator

California Department of Industrial Relations; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Industrial Relations in Oxnard, CA, is seeking a Deputy Labor Commissioner I to lead investigations and enforcement of wage theft laws, minimum wage, and related labor standards. The role blends office work with field duties and may require travel and after-hours work.

You will supervise or coordinate with the Bureau of Enforcement (BOFE), LETF, and PAGA units, apply state regulations, and support efforts to collect owed wages for workers.

Responsibilities

• Investigate wage theft and enforce Industrial Welfare Commission orders and related labor laws.
• Coordinate with BOFE, LETF, and PAGA units on group claims and enforcement actions.
• Travel for field operations and trainings; perform in-office duties as required.

Job description

Job Description And Duties

Are you excited to start or continue your career with a dynamic State Agency? Do you have a talent for performing efficiently in a fast-paced environment? Do you enjoy flexibility of possible telework and learning new stuff? If your answer is YES, YES, and YES, then look no further.

The Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) is made up of diverse and unique individuals just like YOU. Our team members contribute to our Agency’s goals and success everyday. We celebrate diversity and inclusion where all our team members feel included, accepted, valued, and recognized for their many talents and contributions to our Agency. We are committed to provide guidance, encouragement, and support to all our team members enriching their work and our ability to combat wage theft and put earned wages into the pockets of California workers. Specifically, being a member of the Bureau of Enforcement Program (BOFE) program, which also includes the Labor Employment Task Force (LETF), and /or the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) Unit , you will have an impact on California workers through investigation and enforcement of state laws covering workers’ compensation insurance coverage, child labor, cash pay, unlicensend contractors, Industrial Welfare Commission orders, as well as group claims involving minimum wage and overtime claims.

Website for more information about the Labor Commissioner’s Office: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/

Website for more information about BOFE: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlse-bofe.html

Under direction of a Deputy Labor Commissioner Supervisor in the State Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) of the Bureau of Field Enforcement (BOFE), Labor Employment Task Force (LETF) and/or the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) program(s), the incumbent is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of the Industrial Welfare Commission orders and laws covering workers' compensation insurance coverage, child labor, cash pay, unlicensed contractors, as well as group claims involving minimum wage and overtime. BOFE may also work in partnership with other government entities on the investigation and prosecution of these group claims.

Bilingual speaking candidates are encouraged to apply; willingness to work before/after hours; ability to travel, etc.)

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR

• 249.3

To be considered for this Deputy Labor Commissioner I job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=4782

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click her e to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position is located at: 1901 N. Rice Ave, Ste 210 Oxnard, CA 93030

The duties of this position are conducted both in an office and field setting. The incumbent is required to travel for field operations and trainings. The incumbent will have access to a state vehicle, laptop computer, printer, cellular phone, and other equipment. While in the field, the incumbent may be exposed to dirt, odors, noise, fumes, uneven surfaces, stairs, high-rise buildings, extreme weather conditions, and fast moving equipment.

Special Requirements

Willingness to work before/after hours; ability to travel.

Statement of Qualifications :

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please attach your SOQ to your application. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered. SOQ submitted that fail to specifically address the question, in context, and follow Instructions, will not be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in place of an SOQ.

Instructions: 12-point font; double spacing; 1” margins; no more than one page for each question; paragraph format (no bullet points); put name, on the top left corner of each page; list JC number(s) on the top right corner of each page; and each page should include the corresponding question number to clearly indicate which question is being answered.

• Provide one example when you had to interview witnesses to gather information to prove or disprove an allegation of wage theft.
• Describe your experience and skills in conducting onsite investigations on wage theft.

Final Filing Date: 9/9/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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 work place. 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.