Become a Special Investigator

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  Entry Level
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  Supervisory
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  Full Time
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  Seasonal
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  Benefits Eligible

This is a series specification that describes two classes that perform investigative work at the recruiting/learning, entry/training, journey, and full journey levels used throughout State service. (Incumbents in these classes do not have peace officer authority nor do they perform peace officer responsibilities as defined in the pertinent Penal Code California Section 830 et. seq.)

Special Investigator

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$5,420 - $8,860 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHRExternal Link website and the CalPERSExternal Link website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Either I

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college/university with either a:

(1) Major in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminology, administration of justice, business, or public administration. (Students in their senior year in college will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment.) (or) 

(2) Minor in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminology, administration of justice, business, or public administration with evidence that the following courses or their equivalent have been completed: introduction to criminal justice, introduction to criminal law, basic investigation, evidence, criminal procedure, philosophy of law, accounting, finance, real estate; and an internship in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminology, administration of justice, business, or public administration. (Students in their senior year in college will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Education:

Equivalent to completion of two years of college with a major in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminology, police science, administration of justice, business, or public administration. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.) (and)

Experience: 

Two years of experience as a police detective or as an investigator performing comparable investigative work in a public or private agency or in the armed services.

Or III

Education: 

Equivalent to completion of two years of college with a major in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminology, police science, administration of justice, business, or public administration. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.) Applicants who are being considered for Special Investigator positions must possess the educational equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. (and)

Experience: 

One year of experience in the California state service performing duties at a level comparable to those of either an Investigator Assistant, Special Investigator Assistant, or in an investigation assignment in the class of Management Services Technician, Range B. (Applicants who have completed six months of service in the class of either Investigator Assistant, Special Investigator Assistant, or Management Services Technician, Range B, will be admitted into the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of experience in the class before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

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. 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.

Skills to: 

Perform investigatory work; and plan, organize, and direct investigations.

Interpret and apply laws and regulations to specific situations; gather and analyze facts and evidence; reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations; communicate effectively; prepare written documents and accurate detailed investigation reports clearly and concisely; follow written and oral instructions; participate effectively in investigations and interviews; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Federal, State, local law enforcement agencies, and others. 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.

Department Specific Knowledge

In addition to possessing the knowledge above, Special Investigators may be required to possess the following department-specific knowledge: Insurance, Department of: Knowledge of general insurance principles, practices, procedures, and terminology; general insurance and contract law, the Insurance Code, related statutes, and court decisions; and accounting principles and procedures. Real Estate, Department of: Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to real estate research, enforcement, licensing, subdivision, and recovery.

Special Personal Characteristics

Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles; aptitude for investigation work; ability to be flexible; willingness as a learner to do routine or detailed work in order to learn the practical application of investigative principles; may be required to travel; keenness of observation; good memory for names, faces, places, and incidents; neat personal appearance; tact; emotional stability and maturity; and demonstrated capacity for development as evidenced by work history, academic attainment, participation in school, or other activities, or by well-defined occupational or vocational interests.

Minimum Age

Minimum age for appointment is 21 years old. 

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!