Enforcement Investigator

Job Description and Duties

Under the general supervision of the Automotive Program (AP) Supervisor I, the Automotive Program Representative (APR) performs a full range of field and office duties related to the regulation of the automotive repair industry. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, investigating consumer complaints, conducting inspections and audits of automotive repair facilities, and ensuring compliance with the Automotive Repair Act (ARA) and related laws and regulations.

The APR collects, analyzes, and preserves evidence, prepares detailed investigative reports that may lead to disciplinary actions, and may provide testimony describing BAR findings in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings, including small claims court. This position requires technical knowledge of automotive repair practices and the ability to interpret and apply complex laws, policies, and procedures to protect California consumers from fraudulent and unsafe automotive practices and promote compliance within the automotive repair industry.

Assignments may vary in complexity and responsibility appropriate to the incumbent's skill and range level within the classification. As an incumbent gains experience, they are expected to perform duties with increasing independence, complexity, and higher consequence of error.

The APR position is not eligible for a 4/10/40 schedule.

This recruitment is until filled and applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis. The cutoff dates will be:

June 5, 2026
July 6, 2026
August 5, 2026

* Please refer to the "Application Instructions" and "Additional Information" for instructions on how to apply.*

Incumbents with experience in the following area of expertise are highly sought after and encouraged to apply:

• Automotive Systems Diagnosis and Repair
• Motor Vehicle Emissions Controls Testing and Repair
• Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing.

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:
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.

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.

The incumbent works 40 hours per week including time spent in an office setting, with artificial light and temperature control. Daily access to and use of a personal computer and telephone is essential. Stationary position requirements in the office are consistent with office work. Approximately 75% of time is spent in the field, includes remaining in a stationary position, driving, and ambulating for extended periods during fieldwork. Frequent hand manipulation and body movements are expected. Occasionally, the incumbent must maneuver around, underneath and/or over obstacles during investigations. Travel throughout an assigned geographical area is required by various methods of transportation. 

Special Requirements

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

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

Applicants shall have a work record clear of revocation or suspension of departmental-issued licenses for Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection, Smog Technician, and or Smog Inspector.

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 equipment and methods used in the maintenance and repair of automotive equipment.
• Knowledge of equipment and methods used in automotive body damage, collision repair, refinishing and restoration.
• Ability to operate tools used in automotive repair, inspect automotive equipment, purchase parts and materials, keep accurate records of inventory, reconcile and make reports, follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others, work efficiently, report to work on time, maintain consistent, regular attendance, work under changing priorities or deadlines, look and act in a professional manner, and exhibit courteous behavior towards coworkers.
• Ability to analyze information and make decisions in a competent and timely manner.
• Ability to ask effective questions, evaluates information, apply guidelines and procedures, and make accurate and timely decisions.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to maximize utilization of computers to accomplish daily tasks.
• Positive attitude and highly motivated.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Benefits

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

Additional Information

Employment information on the STD 678 MUST be completed with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

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.

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

Electronic applications through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended.

Applicants who wish to 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 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 Cal Career account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated 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). Please Note: The drop off location may be non-operational on weekends and holidays.

Please note that the Cal Career system will not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any 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 Cal Careers account, you may contact the Cal Career 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.