Special Investigator

Job Description and Duties

Background check and fingerprinting are required

Special Investigators within the Investigation Division are designated under California Penal Code §830.11 as officers of the state authorized to exercise limited peace officer powers, such as arrests and the execution of search warrants, upon completion of a Penal Code §832-Arrest course.

Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced Office Centered environment with variety in your work? The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is seeking a dynamic Special Investigator with experience in Investigation techniques and procedures; rules of evidence and court procedures; laws of arrest, search and seizure; legal rights of citizens; and service of legal process, to join the Enforcement Branch. 

If this is you, then CDI may be the employer for you!  

Under general direction of the Supervising Special Investigator I - Non-Peace Officer (Supervising Investigator) or designee, incumbents perform insurance investigations relating to regulatory compliance and/or criminal investigations including the enforcement of California and Federal laws related to the transaction of insurance.

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700), which includes an Assuming Office filing within 30 days of appointment, annual filings, and a Leaving Office filing within 30 days of physical separation. Non-compliance with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may result in the voiding of appointment, financial penalties, or enforcement actions.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of  Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal  Leave Program (PLP) 2025 and related Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 requires employees to receive a reduction  in pay in exchange for monthly hours of PLP 2025 leave  credits. The salary range(s) included on this job posting  do not reflect the reduction in pay. For more information,  visit the CalHR website ().

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Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in a law enforcement environment that includes the presence of firearms
• A valid California driver license is required
• Must be 21 years of age
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the situation in which investigator is involved, at any given time
• There is a reasonable expectation of contact with dangerous suspects
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and carrying is required and 
• Must be able to work in a high-rise building
•  Some travel is required within and/or outside the state of California via private or public transportation (i.e., automobile, airplane, etc.). Travel may include overnight stay.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Enforcement Branch and based on CDI's current telework policy. While CDI supports telework, in-person attendance will be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to work with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.

Special Requirements

Please attach (upload) all the required documents to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications for this position (i.e., degree, transcript, license, certificate). If you fail to provide the required documentation, your application package will be marked as incomplete and not considered for an interview.

• Exam list eligibility - refer to exam link below.
• Transfer eligibility, if applicable, for current/former civil service employees
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Age Verification Documentation

CRIMINAL RECORD SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE (CRSQ) IS REQUIRED. TO ACCESS THE CRSQ FORM

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:

• Aptitude for investigation work;
• Proficient in working with various computer databases and software packages such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook;
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and independence in performing assigned tasks; and
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with commitment and a cooperative attitude.
• Fluency in non-English language is preferred but not required. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to indicate their fluency via Question #5 of the STD. 678.

Benefits

• Free Parking
• Flexible work hours
• Remote work options
• Medical Benefits - including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• On the Job Training
• Career Services Program
• Recognition Program
• Paid Holidays and leave
• Defined benefit retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401 (k), 457)
• Every 12 months, based on performance  evaluation, employees may receive a 5%  salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

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

Examination Information

Step 1 - If you have not taken the Special Investigator examination, or if your eligibility has expired, and/or you have no other type of eligibility, you MUST take the examination to be eligible for appointment. Please click the link provided below for the examination information and instructions.

Special Investigator: Special Investigator Exam Bulletin

Step 2 - Submit your application including all required documents, by using the "Apply Now" button found at the top of this bulletin.

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.
• Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire
• Degree and/or School Transcripts