Special Investigator

State of California; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to improving workplace safety and health in California. As a Special Investigator, you'll play a vital role in conducting complex investigations into serious workplace incidents, ensuring justice is served. This position offers a dynamic work environment where you'll face challenges head-on, from responding to fatal incidents to engaging with various stakeholders. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a fast-paced setting, this opportunity is perfect for you. Embrace a career that values integrity, professional development, and teamwork while contributing to the safety of California's workforce.

Benefits

Health, Dental & Vision Benefits

Paid Sick & Vacation

Retirement (CalPERS)

Hybrid In-Office and Remote Work

11 Paid Holidays

401 (k) & 457 plans

Military Leave

Longevity Pay

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Programs

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting complex investigations and obtaining evidence.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Conduct sensitive investigations of industrial homicides.
• Collect evidence and prepare cases for prosecution.

Skills

Investigative Techniques

Interviewing Techniques

Evidence Collection

Report Writing

Understanding of Criminal Law

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Certifications

Tools

Laptop

Camera

Measuring Devices

Job description

Final Filing Date: 5/28/2025

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

***Please ensure application is complete with detailed job description/tasks performed, employment beginning and ending date information, and hours worked per week.

The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), better known as Cal/OSHA, resides in the DIR. Cal/OSHA protects and improves the health and safety of working people in California and the safety of passengers riding on elevators, amusement rides, and tramways by setting and enforcing standards; providing outreach, education, and assistance, and Issuing permits, licenses, certifications, registrations, and approvals.

The Bureau of Investigations is a unit within Cal/OSHA. The Bureau investigates violations of standards, orders, or special orders in which there has been a fatality or a serious injury or illness. The Bureau also directs investigations when DOSH's civil compliance staff makes a request for prosecution. For any case in which the Bureau is required to conduct an investigation and in which serious injury or death has occurred, the Bureau refers the results of the investigation to the appropriate prosecuting authority with jurisdiction over appropriate action, unless the evidence of a violation of the law is insufficient.

Come to a place that values integrity, professional development, and a team atmosphere. Cal/OSHA’s Bureau of Investigations is looking for talented, independent, and creative individuals to serve as investigators in one of several of our offices located around the state. Special investigators independently conduct sensitive, complex criminal field investigations of industrial homicides for referral to local prosecuting authorities. Special Investigators respond to fatal incident scenes at factories, construction sites and other places of employment throughout the State of California, including those with the most complex operations and greatest hazards. Incumbents also conduct investigations related to violations of occupational safety and health standards to determine violations of criminal laws. Individuals appointed to this classification perform a variety of duties, such as processing, preserving and collecting evidence, obtaining statements from witnesses, victims and suspects; and preparing cases, including identifying suspects, recommending charges, and collecting supporting evidence.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3

To be considered for this Special Investigator 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:

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

The incumbent works a minimum of 40 hours a week, over 50% in the field, which may require driving long distances at various hours of the day and night, bending, stooping, walking and carrying investigative equipment and evidence. Incumbent priorities may quickly change due to the need to respond to fatal incidents. Incumbents, at incident scenes, are exposed to loud noises, dust, construction/manufacturing equipment, hazardous environments, bodily fluids, body parts, and deceased victims. While in the office, incumbents are in an air conditioned, high-rise building with elevator access, in a cubicle with artificial lighting. This position requires instate travel, including one to three overnight trips within California, based on assignments, and as determined according to the needs of the Department.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, and medical care and other benefits for injured workers.

Electronic Submission of Applications preferred. Application Packages maybe submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov/ Applications must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on or before the above final filing date.

Please only submit ONE application. Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 and application package to the mailing address provided in the “Application Instructions” section below and ensure the following:

Clearly indicate the Job Code #, Position Number and the Title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.

• Clearly indicate the basis of your eligibility (cert, transfer, reinstatement, etc.) in the “Explanations” section located on the first page of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.
• Remove and do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678. This page is for examination use only.
• Do not include your full Social Security Number on your documents and/or do not provide any LEAP information.

A writing sample must be submitted. The sample should be an investigative report and should be no longer than 10 pages in length (if the original writing sample is longer than 10 pages, you may provide the first 10 pages only.)

***Candidates must possess a valid driver's license and be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date:

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/28/2025

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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Industrial Relations Cert Mailing Address Sacramento Attn: Personnel Recruitment & Hiring Unit 2180 Harvard Street Suite 160 Sacramento , CA 95815

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Industrial Relations Cert Drop Off Address Sacramento Personnel Recruitment & Hiring Unit 2180 Harvard Street Suite 160 Sacramento , CA 95815 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Cover Letter
• Other - Writing Sample – Investigative Report

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/28/2025

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).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Industrial Relations Cert Mailing Address Sacramento Attn: Personnel Recruitment & Hiring Unit 2180 Harvard Street Suite 160 Sacramento , CA 95815

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Industrial Relations Cert Drop Off Address Sacramento Personnel Recruitment & Hiring Unit 2180 Harvard Street Suite 160 Sacramento , CA 95815 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Cover Letter
• Other - Writing Sample – Investigative Report

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.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Knowledge of investigative techniques used to independently conduct complex investigations including obtaining recorded interviews, securing and processing evidence to ensure admissibility in Criminal court proceedings.
• Knowledge of English rules of grammar, reading and comprehension to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in attentive listening to elicit relevant information, interviewing and/or interrogation techniques.
• Ability to comprehend and apply written laws, regulations, applicable case law, policies, and codes related to civil and/or criminal prosecutions.
• Ability to independently evaluate cases, develop, organize and prioritize short- and long-range goals to complete investigations in a timely manner.
• Ability to act independently with minimal supervision and quickly adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to use various software programs, laptop, camera, measuring devices, and office equipment.

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

• Health, Dental & Vision Benefits
• Paid Sick & Vacation
• Retirement (CalPERS)
• Hybrid In-Office and Remote Work
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 401 (k) & 457 plans
• Military Leave
• Longevity Pay
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• ScholarShare/529 College Savings Plan
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Pre-Tax Parking Reimbursement
• Group Legal Services
• Alternate Work Week Schedule

And Many more! Visit www.calhr.ca.gov for a full list available benefits!

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/

Human Resources Contact:
Certification Unit
[phone]
[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)to the Department's EEO Office.

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Diversity and Inclusion Office
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Information

Preference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.

Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification

If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.

Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at [phone].

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: DIR Applicant Survey

DIR Mission and Core Values

Our mission is to protect and improve the welfare and working conditions for California's wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR is also committed to ensuring that all employers comply with labor laws in California to support a fair and thriving business environment.

Integrity - We fulfill the promise of our mission through fair, honest and ethical behavior.

Service - We are committed to responsibly serving the public and value their trust.

Respect - We treat others with dignity, courtesy and consideration.

Quality - We take pride in providing the public with accurate and timely services.

Transparency - We conduct ourselves with openness and accountability in all aspects of our work.

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.