Job Description

Special Investigator

Department of Justice

$5,528.00 - $9,037.00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/9/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the general supervision of the Special Agent Supervisor (SAS), the Special Investigator (SI) will be responsible for all aspects of performing background investigations for sworn and non-sworn personnel. The SI will determine the qualifications and suitability of people seeking employment as sworn peace officers and non-sworn professional staff within the Department of Justice. This will be accomplished through extensive reference interviews and record searches to verify information provided by the applicant in a Personal History Statement (PHS/Personal History Questionnaire, or PHQ).

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

DOJ has adopted telework for employees who can effectively perform their essential work functions remotely. After an initial 6-month training period, this position may allow for a hybrid in office and telework opportunity, upon supervisor approval. All telework schedules are based on current workload conditions and may be re-evaluated as conditions change.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-536224

Position #(s): 420-508-8612-005

Working Title: Special Investigator

Classification: SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR $5,528.00 - $6,863.00 A $6,310.00 - $8,217.00 B $6,924.00 - $9,037.00 C New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Los Angeles County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Work Shift: Day

Work Week: Monday - Friday

Department Information

This position is located in the Division of Law Enforcement, Office of the Chief, Background Investigation Unit.

• Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below, as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.
• For more information about the department, please visit the Attorney General's Website.
• The work location is in Commerce.
• Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 11/9/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Justice DLE-Violetta Santillano Attn: Violetta Santillano Department of Justice/DLE - OC – Personnel Services Unit 1300 I Street, Suite 1140 Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Justice DLE-Violetta Santillano Violetta Santillano Department of Justice/DLE - OC – Personnel Services Unit 1300 I Street, Suite 1140 Sacramento, CA 95814 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of your experience that qualifies you for the position. Failure to follow instructions or respond to the SOQ in its entirety may result in disqualification. The SOQ must be typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two (2) pages in length and address the following: 1. Describe in detail your experience, educational background, and qualifications related to the duties for this position. 2. What skills do you possess that will make you successful as a Background Investigator, and how have you applied those skills in your specific experience conducting backgrounds or any other investigations? 3. Describe you experience with managing multiple projects with strict deadlines, and managing a caseload.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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: The candidate should consistently exercise a high degree of initiative, confidentiality, independence, and originality in performing a wide variety of duties. This position also requires the incumbent to demonstrate good judgment and possess the ability to communicate effectively with managers and employees within the Office of the Chief. The candidate must have the ability to follow oral and written instructions; knowledge of correct spelling, grammatical usage, punctuation, and current office methods; and be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Excellent attendance, punctuality and dependability are essential in this position.

Benefits

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

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact: Violetta Santillano (916) 210-6410 Violetta.Santillano@doj.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact: EEO Officer (916)

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