Special Investigator

Job Description and Duties Under the general direction of a Supervising Special Investigator, this position is an investigator for the Fresno Legal Office.  The incumbent will be responsible for the most sensitive and complex investigations, detecting or obtaining evidence by employing the most appropriate investigative techniques in defense of lawsuits and claims against the Department; in addition the Special Investigator is responsible for establishing procedures and other recommendations to management to ensure the accountability and integrity of the investigative process. This position does not have peace officer authority pursuant to Penal Code Section 830 et seq.
Plan, organize and conduct complex, civil, field and administrative investigations to detect or gather evidence in defense of third-party lawsuits and claims against the Department. In depth investigations and surveillance on members of the public who have sued the Department to develop and gather physical, documentary, and testimonial evidence for the use in administrative and court legal actions. Provide logistical support for trial attorneys.
Prepare concise detailed reports for use in administrative actions, temporary restraining orders and court actions. Serve subpoenas, adverse actions, and other legal documents. Contact, interview, and take statements of individuals and representatives of business or governmental organizations to detect or verify suspected violations of civil law. Prepare witness summaries. Assist attorneys in preparing and presenting cases and testifying at a variety of hearings and trials. Maintain accurate electronic and/or hard copy master investigation case files.
Develop systems and documentation to ensure the accountability, fairness, and transparency of the investigative process. Collect and develop evidence nationwide while preserving chain of evidence. Provide coordination and training on investigative tactics to Legal Division personnel and other Department representatives at statewide conferences.
Conduct surveys, studies, and analysis to monitor consistency and compliance with the Department's Mission and Vision
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Special Investigator Exam. For those who 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. The Special Investigator Exam is located here:  CalCareers
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. 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.
PARF# 42-4-277 / JC- 431467 You will find additional information about the job in the .
Working Conditions Position located in Fresno, Fresno County.
While at their base of operation, employees will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial light. However, due to periodic problems with the heating and air conditioning, the building temperature may fluctuate. Employee will be required to travel and work outdoors and may be exposed to dirt, noise, uneven surfaces, and/or extreme heat or cold. This position does allow for limited autonomy; however, investigators are expected to remain in regular contact with immediate supervisor via telephone and electronic calendar access when working in the field or otherwise not available in the office. New toState candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification orminimum of alternate range when applicable. Special Requirements Possession of a valid driver's licenseis required when operating a State owned or leased vehicle.
Minimum age for appointment is 21 years

Statementof Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Failure to submit a Statement ofQualifications will disqualify candidates from the hiring process.
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ): A SOQ no longer than two (2) pages is required. Using the duties described in the Job Description above, the SOQ is written as a narrative clearly demonstrating how you meet the qualifications of the Special Investigator. SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Ability to prioritize multiple, changing assignments within short deadlines with limited supervision; aptitude for investigation work; ability to be flexible; willingness to travel; keenness of observation; good memory for names, faces, places, and incidents; neat personal appearance; possess tact, emotional stability, maturity and the ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and organizations and maintain the confidence and respect of others; ability to work effectively under pressure. Must be able to work appropriately and effectively under stress, manage complex and varied workload and meet short deadlines.  Ability to work on a keyboard; manual dexterity; sitting for long periods. Must be able to stoop, kneel, or bend and routinely lift and move large or cumbersome court exhibits from one location to another.
Possessionof Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/orappointment.  If you are basing your eligibility on education, you mustinclude your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted andmay be required upon appointment.  Applicants with foreigntranscripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency reportevaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign courseworkis equivalent.  Here is a list of evaluation agencies: . Please redactbirthdates and social security numbers. 
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:
Possess basic computer and technological skills, such as word processing, Internet, email, recording devices, cameras Experience in working with clients in a professional, competent manner; possess tact, emotional stability, maturity.  Experience in using digital and video recorders for gathering of evidence.  Willingness to work evenings and weekends. Benefits to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.
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-431467), PARF# 42-4-277 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.
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. Statement of Qualifications - Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.