Job Posting: Field Investigator

Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety

JC-534129
-
Field Investigator
ANALYST III

$6,623.00 - $8,290.00 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: 11/4/2026

Job Description and Duties

This statewide recruitment offers flexibility in reporting location. The selected candidate's reporting location will be the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety's (Energy Safety) office closest to their residence.

Reporting Locations:

  • Sacramento: 901 P Street, Sacramento CA 95814
  • Oakland Office: 555 12th Street, Suite 425, Oakland, CA 94607
  • LA Office: 3950 Paramount Blvd, Suite 210, Lakewood, CA 90712

Under the direction of the Supervisor II, the Analyst III serves as a subject matter expert in Dig Safe Act compliance and excavation safety by independently conducting complex investigations of excavation-related damage incidents and complaints; interpreting and applying applicable statutes, regulations, and industry practices; and preparing investigative findings and enforcement recommendations for consideration by the Contractors State License Board, the California Public Utilities Commission, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Conduct comprehensive investigations of underground incidents, equipment failures, and safety concerns.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data from monitoring systems, logs, sensors, and field observations.
  • Perform root-cause analyses using established investigative frameworks.
  • Interview witnesses, excavators, operators, and other stakeholders.
  • Prepare clear, accurate, and defensible investigative reports.
  • Identify systemic safety issues and propose corrective actions.
  • Participate in safety audits, field inspections, risk assessments, and trend analysis.
  • Maintain strict adherence to ethical standards, confidentiality, and evidence-handling protocols.
  • Conduct education and outreach activities and provide expert guidance to promote compliance with the Dig Safe Act.

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

Working Conditions

Compensation Information:

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). Under PLP 2025, employees receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for five (5) hours of PLP 2025 leave credits each month. The salary and range(s) listed in this job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent pay reduction.

Travel Requirements:

This position requires travel and possession of a valid driver’s license.

Telework Information:

This position may be eligible for a hybrid, office-centered telework arrangement for applicants residing in California, subject to applicable law, statewide telework requirements, and Energy Safety’s current telework policy. An office-centered arrangement generally requires employees to work in person at their designated worksite at least four (4) days per week, with telework permitted up to one (1) day per week, subject to management approval and operational needs.

Telework is not guaranteed and is subject to an approved telework agreement and applicable departmental requirements. Telework does not change the position’s essential functions, performance expectations, or other applicable terms and conditions of employment. Employees must be able to report to their designated worksite or another designated location as directed by management, including on short notice, consistent with applicable law, policy, and any governing labor agreement.

Energy Safety reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue a telework arrangement, including changes to the telework schedule, required in-office attendance, or designated worksite, based on operational needs, changes in applicable law or policy, or direction from state leadership, subject to applicable legal requirements, reasonable accommodation obligations, and any applicable labor agreement.

When working in the office, employees may be assigned shared workspaces (hoteling workstations) rather than dedicated workstations.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-534129
Position #(s):
681-500-5402-002
Working Title:
Field Investigator
Classification:
ANALYST III
$6,623.00 - $8,290.00 A
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:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The mission of the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety) is to create a safer, sustainable California with utility infrastructure that is managed to reduce excavation and wildfire risk and is adaptable to an evolving climate.

To take a look at Energy Safety as a destination employer, view this YouTube video

Energy Safety participates in E-Verify. If you apply for and are selected for a position, Energy Safety will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information upon appointment to confirm you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify

Department Website: https://energysafety.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ):

An SOQ is a written discussion explaining how an applicant’s education, training, experience, and skills meet the criteria outlined in the duty statement and qualify the applicant for the position.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers, may be helpful when researching and preparing responses to the SOQ. However, by submitting an application for this position, applicants acknowledge and understand that the SOQ submitted must be their own work, written in their own words, and accurately reflect their knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience. Submitting an SOQ that is not the applicant’s own work may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

SOQ Format and Required Responses:

Applicants must submit an SOQ that is 1–2 pages in length, using 12-point font, and address the following prompts:

  1. Describe a complex analytical assignment in which you researched and applied laws, regulations, policies, or other regulatory requirements. Explain how you evaluated the information, identified applicable requirements, reached a conclusion, and communicated your findings or recommendations.
  2. Describe a project or assignment in which you had to manage competing priorities, meet multiple deadlines, or coordinate with several stakeholders. Explain how you organized the work, communicated progress, addressed challenges, and ensured that deliverables were completed accurately and on time.

Failure to submit a complete SOQ that addresses both prompts may result in disqualification from the interview process.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The incumbent is responsible for making or participating in governmental decisions that may have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700, Statement of Economic Interests, within 30 days of appointment.

Education Requirements:

Applicants who believe they meet the minimum qualifications based on an educational pattern specified in the classification description must submit a copy of their degree, transcripts, and/or applicable license with their application (STD. 678) for consideration. If selected for the position, official sealed transcripts will be required before appointment.

State Employment Eligibility:

Individuals who are new to State service must have list eligibility to obtain employment with the State. Click here to learn more about examinations available online.

Confidential Information Notice:

Do not include confidential or sensitive personal information in your application or supporting documents. Examples include Social Security numbers, dates of birth, marital status, medical information, examination results, and method of eligibility.

SROA/Surplus Applicants:

Applicants applying under the State Restriction of Appointment (SROA)/Surplus process must select SROA/Surplus as their claimed method of eligibility and attach their SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.

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: 11/4/2026

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 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:

Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
HR - Mailing
Attn: Class & Hiring
715 P Street, 15th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
HR - Drop Off
Class & Hiring
715 P Street, 15th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Non-operational 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 required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see Special Requirements Section.
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:
  • Experience utilizing interviewing techniques.
  • Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Experience performing investigatory work.
  • Experience planning, organizing, and directing investigations.
  • Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple case investigations.

 

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team!  The State of California has a generous benefits package, some benefits include:

  • Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Holidays and leave
  • Defined benefit retirement program
  • Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
  • Commute Program
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Account


Some added benefits include: Flexible Work Hours, Telework Opportunities, Health, Dental & Vision Benefits, Paid Sick & Vacation, Retirement, Basic Group Term Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 11 Paid Holidays, 401(k) & 457 plans, Military Leave, Student Loan Forgiveness, Long Term Care, Group Legal Services, and Reimbursement Accounts.

Click here to view all the benefits available to state employees!

Contact Information

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

Department Website: https://energysafety.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Class & Hiring
(916) 902-5927
Careers@energysafety.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) 902-6001
EEO@energysafety.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.

Additional Instructions

If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 681-500-5402-002 and the Job Control # JC-534129 in the “Examination or Job Title for which you are applying” section on the STD. 678. 

Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.

Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, 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.

Eligibility Information

To be appointed you must satisfy one of the following requirements:

  1. List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for Analyst III. Click here for more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
  2. Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
  3. Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. However, this is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility as described above.

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