Field Investigator

Job Description and Duties

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.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey.

Department of Consumer Affairs Recruitment Survey

CalCareers Exams : Once you find the job you want, we need to learn more about you. We will evaluate your education, experience, abilities, and knowledge through an assessment. The assessment process can take many forms, including an interview or exam, depending on the job.

Under the general direction of the Supervising Special Investigator I (SSI I), the Special Investigator (SI) works at the entry/training, journey and full journey level to investigate re-active consumer complaints including complex complaints based upon the rules and regulations of the Contractors State License Law.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

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.

Special Requirements

COI

Conflict of Interest: This position is subject to Title 16, section 3830 of the California Code of Regulations, the Department of Consumer Affairs' Conflict of Interest Regulations.  The incumbent is required to submit a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) within 30 days of assuming office, annually by April 1, and within 30 days of leaving office.

Drivers License

The position(s) require(s) a valid driver's license (DL). Provide a photocopy in PDF format of the front and back of your DL, clearly showing your name as stated on the license, issuing state, DL number, class, and expiration. 

DMV's Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN)
The incumbent shall participate in DMV's Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN), which is a process for providing the Department with a report showing the driver's current public record as recorded by the DMV, and any subsequent convictions, failures to appear, accidents, driver's license suspensions, driver's license revocations, or any other actions taken against the driving privilege or license, added to the driver's DMV record.

Fingerprint

Fingerprinting: Chapter 2, section 154.3 California Business Professions Code (a) pursuant to subdivision (u) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code, the department shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information required by the Department of Justice for an employee, prospective employee, contractor, subcontractor, or volunteer. The Department of Justice shall provide a state- or federal-level response pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

Medical Evaluation

The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

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: Interviewing techniques; duties of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies; provisions of the laws, rules, or regulations enforced or administered; and principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision.

Skill to: Perform investigatory work; and plan, organize, and direct investigations.

Ability to: Analyze situations accurately, think and act quickly in emergencies, and take an immediate and effective course of action; develop, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple case investigations, work plans, and other assignments or tasks; review and evaluate the work of others; and provide guidance and constructive feedback.

Benefits

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

Filing Instructions

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, as specified in the classification specification () , please include a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts with your application package. Please be aware that if you are selected for the position, you will be required to submit official sealed transcripts.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Applicants who wish to submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State application (STD. 678) Examination and Employment Application . 

Applicants who fail to submit the most current version of the STD. 678 may be disqualified.

Multiple positions may become available.

Electronic Submission:

Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as state on the job vacancy announcement.

U.S Postal Service Mail:

Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.

Hand Delivery:

Application and any applicable required documents may be hand delivered by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date will not be accepted for any reason. Do not submit applications to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Drop off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.

Please note the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application information once it is submitted. If you have updates to your online application after you have submitted it, please contact

View email address on calcareers.ca.gov.  For all other questions, regarding your CalHR CalCareer account, you may contact the CalCareer unit at Show phone number. 

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 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position and applications without an SOQ will not be considered. When completing the SOQ, please include specific examples and explain your responses thoroughly. Your SOQ should be no longer than two (2) pages, single spaced with 12 pt. Arial font with one (1) inch margins.

  · Please describe your work experience, education, and training that would make you a qualified candidate to perform the duties as listed on the duty statement of this position.