Specialist Field Investigator
About the role
This position is with the Labor Commissioner's Office (LCO) within the Bureau of Field Enforcement (BOFE), Labor Employment Task Force (LETF), and/or the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) program(s). Under the direction of a Deputy Labor Commissioner Supervisor, you will lead investigations on the most complex and sensitive cases involving enforcement of Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) orders and laws covering workers' compensation insurance coverage, child labor, cash pay, unlicensed contractors, and group claims involving minimum wage and overtime.
Responsibilities
- Lead complex investigations involving enforcement of IWC orders and labor laws covering workers' compensation, child labor, cash pay, unlicensed contractors, and group claims involving minimum wage and overtime
- Serve as a subject-matter expert on specific industries and labor law violations
- Provide mentorship and training to lower-level staff on subject matter expertise
- Lead smaller projects to develop new tools and strategies to enhance investigation effectiveness and operational efficiency
- Work in partnership with other government entities on investigation and prosecution of group claims as needed
- Travel and work irregular hours as required
Working Conditions
Position is located at 7718 Meany Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308. Duties are conducted in both office and field settings. Incumbent is required to travel for field operations and trainings. State vehicle, laptop computer, printer, cellular phone, and other equipment are provided. In the field, incumbent may be exposed to dirt, odors, noise, fumes, uneven surfaces, stairs, high-rise buildings, extreme weather conditions, and fast moving equipment.
Qualifications
To be considered, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. 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 may apply. SROA and Surplus candidates receive priority.
Special Requirements
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in place of an SOQ.
SOQ Instructions: 12-point font, double spacing, 1" margins, no more than one page, paragraph format (no bullet points), your name on the top left corner, JC number on the top right corner. Describe your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience in conducting field investigations.
Education Requirement
If using education to meet minimum qualifications, submit a copy of your diploma, degree, certificate of completion, or transcripts with your application package. See CalHR Labor Standards Enforcement Series for education requirements.
Application Requirements
- Submit completed Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) or Electronic State Employment Application through CalCareer account
- Provide specific and detailed descriptions of duties/tasks performed for each employment history, with employment dates and hours per week worked
- Statement of Qualifications as described above
- Resume is optional
- Final Filing Date: 9/22/2026
Application Packages may be submitted electronically through www.CalCareers.ca.gov, or by mail/drop-off at: Department of Industrial Relations, Attn: Human Resources/Certs Unit, 1416 9th Street, 13th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814. Drop-off hours: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM.
Exam Information
To gain employment list eligibility, take the exam at: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=4783