Special Investigator

Job Description and Duties

Looking for exciting, dynamic, and impactful work in a growing industry?

The Department of Cannabis Control is looking for a dynamic, highly motivated individual that wants to work in a multi-tasking environment. The Department’s mission is to develop and implement progressive cannabis policies and license and regulate commercial cannabis activity in a way that best protects public health, safety, the environment, and local communities throughout the State of California.

Under the supervision of the Supervising Special Investigator (SSI) I of the Field Support Unit (Unit), in Office 4 (Office), within the Investigative Services Branch (Branch), part of the Compliance Division (Division) within the Department of Cannabis Control (Department), the Special Investigator will be responsible for conducting inspections, investigations, and administrative and civil enforcement actions related to all commercial cannabis activity within an assigned geographical location. The geographical location for this position is located within Southern California. The incumbent may also be required to perform coordinated inspections and investigations with other governmental agencies regarding licensed and unlicensed cannabis activities throughout the State of California (State) to ensure compliance of California’s commercial cannabis laws and regulations.

What you'll do:

• Dive into an ever-changing environment where no two days are the same. Conduct field compliance investigations at cannabis licensees, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of public safety and environmental integrity.

• Work closely with local, state, and other partners on cannabis compliance matters.

• Be a key player in the development and implementation of progressive policies that balance industry growth with public health, safety, and community welfare, shaping the future of cannabis oversight.

• Get out in the field, explore diverse communities across the state while ensuring consistent oversight.

Are you ready for a career that combines the thrill of investigation, the opportunity to work alongside law enforcement, and local entities, and the chance to make a real difference in shaping the future of the cannabis industry? Join the Department of Cannabis Control as a Special Investigator and become a vital part of regulating and overseeing cannabis activity in our State.

This is your chance to join a cutting-edge field and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cannabis oversight. As a Special Investigator, you'll directly impact public health and safety while ensuring the sustainable growth of this emerging industry. This isn't a desk job only, expect to be out in the field, tackling diverse and exciting cases, collaborating with experts, and travelling across your region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thriving dynamic, ever-changing environments, this is a career for you.

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, upon a job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Special Requirements

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI): Title 11, section 703 (d) of the California Code of Regulations requires criminal record checks of all personnel who have access to CORI. Pursuant to this requirement, applicants for this position will be required to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice and be cleared before hiring. In accordance with CORI procedures, clearance shall be maintained while employed in a CORI-designated position. Additionally, the position routinely works with sensitive and confidential issues and/or materials and is expected to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of documents and topics pertaining to individuals or to sensitive program matters at all times.

Conflict of Interest (COI): This position is subject to COI. The incumbent is required to submit a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) within 30 days of assuming office, annually by April 1st, and within 30 days of leaving office.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program: The incumbent shall participate in DMV’s 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.

Medical Surveillance and Respiratory Protection Program – Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 5144 and the Department’s Injury and Illness Prevention Plan, the incumbent shall participate in the Department’s Medical Surveillance and Respiratory Protection Program due to the potential exposure to dangerous pesticides, molds, and other hazardous substances.

Medical Clearance: In accordance with the provisions of Government Code 18931, a medical clearance is required from the California Department of Human Resources’ (Cal HR) Medical Officer. The medical clearance must be completed, submitted, reviewed and approved prior to extending an offer of employment.

Travel: The incumbent is required to travel throughout an assigned geographical area by various methods of transportation.

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:

We want passionate individuals who:

• Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environments where adaptability is key.

• Love investigative work and have an eye for detail.

• Are motivated by making a tangible impact on public health and safety.

• Enjoy hands on work, collaborating across teams, and tackling challenges head on.

• Are ready to help shape and enforce fair, equitable, and effective cannabis compliance programs.

Benefits

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

Additional Instructions

If 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. 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 submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State application ( STD. 678). Applicants who fail to submit the most current version may be disqualified. Employment information on the STD 678 MUST be complete with dates, duties, responsibilities, and contact information for supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in being screened out.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of 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. Electronic application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date. Mail application packages must be postmarked before or on the final filing date. Hand delivered application packages must be hand delivered by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date will not be accepted. 

If you have updates to your online application after you have submitted it, contact View email address on us.fitly.work . For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, contact View phone number on us.fitly.work.

For LEAP information, visit and . For Veterans’ preference information, visit

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 -

  Candidates are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications in addition to completing an Employment Application (STD 678). The SOQ serves as a documentation of your ability to present information clearly and should be no longer than two pages, using 12 point size Arial font, and must restate and address the following questions.

  1. What education, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities qualify you for this position?

  2. Describe a situation where you had to analyze complex or incomplete information to make a recommendation or decision. How did you organize the facts, identify gaps, and ensure your conclusion was sound?

  3. Describe a situation where you had to work with other agencies, local government, or external partners. What was your role, how did you ensure alignment, and what challenges did you face?