Job Posting: Special Investigator

Department of Transportation

JC-508143
-
Special Investigator
SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR

$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: 2/28/2026

Job Description and Duties

This remote-centered position offers flexible work schedule opportunities.

The Independent Office of Audits and Investigations (IOAI) conducts audits and investigations to ensure the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and external entities that receive state and federal transportation funds from Caltrans are spending those funds efficiently, effectively, economically, and in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements. External entities include, but are not limited to, private for profit and nonprofit organizations, local transportation agencies, and other local agencies that receive transportation funds either through a contract with Caltrans or through an agreement or grant administered by Caltrans. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

Under the supervision of a Supervising Special Investigator I, the incumbent will perform at a full journeyman level of this series in conducting administrative investigations; responsible for all facets of investigative work, including planning, performing, completing and reporting the results of the investigation; provide technical assistance, guidance and training to others; cooperate with and secure the assistance of federal, state and/or local law enforcement; testify at the State Personnel Board hearings; provide statewide ethics and investigation training. This position requires a high degree of confidentiality, responsibility, and sensitivity.

PARF# 97-26-0007 / JC-508143

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the exam. For those Special Investigator do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.


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

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job. 

https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G

https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI

Apply today to join our team!  We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool!  The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.

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

Working Conditions

Position located at 1304 O St, Ste 200, Sacramento, CA 95814, Sacramento County

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

This position is designated as “remote-centered,” which means the incumbent may work 50 percent or more of their time from an approved alternate work location. Employees are expected to be connected and readily available for video calls, meetings, or group sessions as if they were in the office. The incumbent may be required to report to the Sacramento office without advance notice to meet operational needs. Commute expenses to the office are the responsibility of the incumbent unless specified otherwise in CalHR regulations, applicable bargaining unit contract provisions, or Caltrans’s telework policy.

While in the office, the incumbent will work in a climate-controlled office building under artificial lighting. There may be occasional fluctuations in building temperature. The incumbent will generally work between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. Meetings or other events, such as public meetings or recruitment events, may occasionally require working hours other than those stated. Travel related to the incumbent’s duties which could require extended hours of work and/or overnight or multiple-day trips may be required.

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-508143
Position #(s):
900-097-8612-XXX
Working Title:
Special Investigator
Classification:
SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR
$5,528.00 - $9,037.00
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.

Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.

The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.

Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov 

Director’s EEO Policy: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Special Requirements

      • Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a State owned or leased vehicle.

      • Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Failure to submit a Statement of Qualifications will disqualify candidates from the hiring process.

      The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font.

      Please describe your experience and knowledge of conducting administrative investigations. Your response should include types of cases you have worked on, your role in the investigative process, and strategies/critical thinking skills used to gather and analyze documentation. Your response should demonstrate how you plan, organize, and document your work.

      Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment.  If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification.  Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment.  Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent.  Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org.  Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

      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: 2/28/2026

      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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

      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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 Transportation
      N/A
      Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
      Certification Services MS-90
      P O Box 168036
      Sacramento, CA 95816-8036

      Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

      Department of Transportation
      Drop-Off Address
      Caltrans DHR Contact
      Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
      1727 30th Street, MS 90
      Sacramento, CA 95816
      Closed on weekends and State holidays.
      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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 - Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.
      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:

      • Proficient in computer and technological skills, such as software packages such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, Internet, email, and recording devices.
      • Knowledge of computer and cell phone forensics. cameras.
      • Experience in working with clients in a professional, competent manner; possess tact, emotional stability, maturity.
      • Demonstrate ability to work in a team environment with commitment, professionalism, and a cooperative attitude.
      • Experience with establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with Federal, State, and local enforcement agencies and others.
      • Experience with gathering and analyzing facts and evidence; reasoning logically; drawing valid conclusions and making appropriate recommendations to management.
      • Ability to analyze situations accurately, think and act quickly in emergencies, such as conflict resolution and take an immediate and effective course of action.
      • Interpret and apply laws, rules, policies, and regulations to specific situations.
      • Aptitude for investigation work pertaining to fraud, waste, and abuse.
      • Advanced knowledge of investigative techniques.
      • Experience with effective participation in investigations and interviews.
      • Proficiency with researching databases; extracting, organizing

      Benefits

      Click HERE  to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

      Contact Information

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

      Human Resources Contact:
      Ellaine Cupino
      (916) 201-8424
      ellaine.cupino@dot.ca.gov
      Hiring Unit Contact:
      Chelsey Burgess
      (916) 639-5058

      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:
      Caltrans EEO Office
      (844) 368-3367
      Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
      California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

      Important Application Instructions

      The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-508143), PARF# 97-26-0007 and title of the position (Special Investigator) must be included on the STD. 678 form.

      Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

       

      Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

       

      NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts.  Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.  The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

      Equal Opportunity Employer

      The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

      It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

      Application Methods:
      Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
      By Mail
      Drop-off
      Print Job