What are the responsibilities and job description for the SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR position at Department of Food & Agriculture?
This Special Investigator position is an investigative field position that works out of the employee’s permanent home office. This position covers the geographic region in Northern California from San Joaquin County to the Oregon border. The employee only reports to the office at CDFA’s Sacramento HQ for supplies, sending/receiving mail, etc.
Under the supervision of the Supervising Special Investigator II, the Special Investigator will independently conduct investigations dedicated to statewide food borne illness prevention associated with illegal unlicensed domestic manufacturing and distribution of dairy products, and importation of illicit foreign products into California that present suspected public health risks through pathogenic contamination.
- Traveling by car throughout Northern California, initiate and respond to public and governmental complaints of suspected food safety violations of the law within the purview of the Branch
Independently plan, organize and conduct complex food safety investigations that are criminal, civil, and administrative in scope
- Determine type of case and develop investigation plans, conduct, and complete investigations
Determine type of case and develop investigation plans, conduct, and complete investigations
Develop and gather physical, documentary, and testimonial evidence and coordinate its analysis in preparation for submission of findings for prosecution
Obtain and facilitate with allied authorities the execution of search warrants to secure relevant evidence as specified in Sections PC 1523 and PC 1530 during the course of investigations and within the scope of employment
File prepared investigative cases with proper criminal, civil, or administrative jurisdictional authorities
Foster partnerships with local allied law enforcement agencies to ensure peace officer assistance and regional intelligence related to illicit activities and officer safety
Participate in inter-agency law enforcement task force operations linked to food safety enforcement
Provide specialized training to local environmental, public health and law enforcement agencies on enforcement matters of mutual concern
Initiate outreach opportunities to dairy industry leadership and industry groups related to dairy food safety and matters of mutual interest
Perform other job-related duties as requested by a supervisor
Candidates may perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The incumbent’s field activity equipment consists of a state vehicle, cellular telephone, digital recorder, and optical enhancement equipment.
Investigative activities involving non-licensed manufacturers, product street peddlers, swap meet dealers, retail stores, and wholesale distribution centers will include outdoor, indoor, rural and urban environments, in addition to uncooperative witnesses and potentially hostile suspects.
Typically, outdoor investigative activities will expose the incumbent to seasonal environmental extremes in temperature, sun, wind, rain, high noise levels, rural, urban and highway driving hazards, movement of large farm animals, heavy farming equipment and less than cooperative farm operators and workers.
Typically, indoor manufacturing plant and cargo terminal investigative activities will expose the incumbent to hazards associated with dramatic short-term temperature extremes, high noise levels in close confines with moving machinery, pressurized steam lines, and warehouse-type moving vehicles.
The incumbent must follow California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Division, and Branch employee health and safety policies.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
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.
1. Describe your skills and experience conducting investigations and writing investigative reports (e.g. arrest reports, probably cause declarations, etc.).
2. Describe how you have been able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and key allied agencies (e.g., government entities, industry, general public, etc.) utilizing excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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: 4/7/2025Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 -
A completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application to be considered. The SOQ must follow the specifics as stated in the “Special Requirements” section.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Robyn Ypema
(916) 900-5008
robyn.ypema@cdfa.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:Office of Civil Rights
(916) 654-1005
Civil_Rights@cdfa.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.
Hard Copy Applications:
Additional Information:
If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.
Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.
Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.
This position may require a medical clearance.
Alternate Classifications and Training and Development assignments may be considered.
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.
