Field Investigator

California Department of Industrial Relations; Sonoma (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Industrial Relations seeks a Deputy Labor Commissioner to lead enforcement of wage and hour laws, conduct field investigations, and collaborate with BOFE, LETF and PAGA units. Based in Santa Rosa, the role blends office work with field operations and travel across the state.

Telework options may be available, with a strong commitment to protecting workers’ rights. You will prepare SOQs, participate in exams and eligibility processes, and work to ensure compliance

Qualifications

• SOQ is required. Please attach your SOQ to your application. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in place of an SOQ.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and enforce Industrial Welfare Commission orders and wages laws; partner with BOFE/LETF/PAGA units on group wage claims.

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.)

• If you are using education to meet one of the patterns of the minimum qualifications, please upload or submit a copy of your diploma (or degree), certificate of completion or transcripts with your application package. See education requirement here: Labor Standards Enforcement Series - CalHR
• Please ensure that your job application is complete. For each of your employment history, please provide specific AND detailed description of duties/tasks performed; employment from (starting) date and to (ending) date; and hours per week worked. Failure to provide this information will disqualify your application.
• Please note Resume is NOT required, therefore, if you submit it with your job application, it will not be considered at all.

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.

Duty Statement

Working Conditions

The position is located at:
50 "D" Street, Suite 360
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

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

Willing to travel and work irregular hours.

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.

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.