Special Agent

Job Description and Duties

The Special Agent will conduct criminal, civil and special investigations under the direction of a Special Agent Supervisor (SAS) in the Division of Law Enforcement. Duties may include, but are not limited to: conducting overt and covert criminal investigations; preparing written investigative reports; gathering evidence, including photographic and digital evidence; disarming, apprehending, and ensuring the prosecution of persons who are prohibited from owning a firearm; using and maintaining investigative and protective equipment; coordinating investigations with other law enforcement agencies; testifying in court and grand jury proceedings; filing complaints for prosecution with local district attorneys; making arrests as a result of investigations; conducting training for peace officers and other Special Agents; assuming the duties of a SAS when delegated, and performing other duties as required.

Travel and Overtime may be required.

New to State Candidates

New to state candidates for the Special Agent classification are entitled to the entrance salary rate (minimum) for Range A, which is currently $7,454. Candidates who meet alternate range criteria (ARC) 175, will qualify for the entrance salary rate (minimum) of range B, which is currently $8,592.

Education Incentive

Agents with an Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Intermediate POST certificate will receive a 2.5% salary differential of the base pay. Agents with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Advance POST certificate will receive a 5% salary differential of the base pay, as per  Pay Differential 244 .

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Travel away from home and Overtime may be required.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.

• Candidates must have a current California POST Basic or Specialized Certificate which meets Penal Codes 830.1, 830.2 or 830.3 or equivalent in order to be considered.
• Candidates who are interested in the Special Agent position must meet the minimum qualifications in order to be considered. The minimum qualifications for the Special Agent classification can be found at:  Special Agent, Department of Justice Series .
• Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications and are not in the process of obtaining list eligibility will not be considered.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications must have list, reinstatement or lateral transfer eligibility .

• List eligibility: Candidates who are not current state peace officers with lateral transfer eligibility and who do not have reinstatement rights to the Special Agent classification must obtain list eligibility prior to appointment. This will apply to most local and out-of-state peace officers. If you need to take the exam, please see the “Exam Information” section below.

• Reinstatement: Former Department of Justice Special Agents may have permissive or mandatory reinstatement rights to the classification.

• Lateral transfer: Candidates who are currently employed by the State of California may be eligible to laterally transfer to the Special Agent classification. Transfer eligibility depends upon the applicant’s current classification.

Exam Information

In order to apply for a Special Agent position with the Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement, interested individuals with no prior state service must first take the Special Agent Exam.

More information regarding the Special Agent Exam can be found on the Attorney General’s website .

Out-of-State Candidates
Out-of-state peace officers who are interested in the Special Agent classification, including federal peace officers, will have to obtain a valid California POST Basic Certificate or a Basic Course Waiver. Information regarding the Basic Course Waiver can be found at the California POST website: Basic Course Waiver Process . Candidates who have, or will need, a Basic Course Waiver must still take the Special Agent Exam to get on the Special Agent List. Candidates who are in the process of obtaining a Basic Course Waiver may take the Special Agent Exam and apply for vacant positions before the waiver is granted, but no job offers will be extended until a valid California POST Basic Course Waiver or Basic Certificate is obtained.

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:

Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong analytical skills; good research skills; effective time-management and organizational skills. Investigative experience with willingness to conduct high-volume, short-term field investigations and complex, long-term investigations. Ability to effectively communicate and demonstrate good judgment when interacting with the public and professional staff; work well under pressure and meet deadlines; possess integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and good attendance. Ability to work both independently and as a team member; carry out prescribed tasks with minimal supervision; be a self-starter, flexible, and have a positive attitude. Experience working in multi-jurisdictional enforcement efforts; covert and specialized surveillance; collection and analysis of evidence and establishing close working relationships with all levels of law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Flexibility and willingness to work long and unusual hours in high-crime areas of the state, and the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to requests for assistance with high-profile and/or violent crime events.

Benefits

Benefit Information - Please access this link for information on benefits afforded to employees who work for the State of California -  State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary .

Additional Information on Application Filing

Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date.

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 required and must be included.
• Other - Attach a copy of your California POST profile or a federal/out-of-state certificate which meets Penal codes 830.1, 830.2 or 830.3. Failure to do so may disqualify you from the hiring process .
• Statement of Qualifications - Applicants must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) describing their investigative experience. The response should clearly identify your individual contributions and the results achieved. Statements that merely summarize duties listed in a resume will not be considered responsive and may be disqualified. The SOQ must be no more than one page single-spaced using 12 point Arial font.  Include your name and the Job Control number in the upper-right corner of the page.  The response must address the following:
  1. Provide a detailed example of an investigation in which you played a significant role. Explain how you developed the investigation, identified and analyzed evidence, conducted interviews or interrogations, prepared or executed search or arrest warrants, coordinated with partner agencies or prosecutors, and brought the matter to resolution.