What are the responsibilities and job description for the INVESTIGATOR position at Secretary of State?
The Office of Investigative Services works collaboratively with the Secretary of State’s Legal Affairs Office and the Office of Voting Systems Technology Assessment (OVSTA)/Help America Vote Act (HAVA) on legal issues involving elections, businesses, and political campaigning. The incumbent plans, organizes, directs, and independently conducts criminal investigations. The Investigator is responsible for the review and investigation of complaints submitted to the Secretary of State's office regarding alleged elections law violations that may occur primarily throughout the State of California. The Investigator will also be responsible for collaborating with other state and law enforcement entities for the purposes of investigating alleged elections law violations that occur throughout the United States of America. The duties are varied and complex. This is a Peace Officer classification [PC 830.3(o)] subject to Peace Officer Standards and Training [POST] requirements. Pursuant to this subdivision, the Investigator shall not carry firearms while on duty.
Under the direction of the Supervising Special Investigator II, the incumbent will be required to work in a team environment and/or independently with minimal supervision to complete work assignments or investigative tasks. The incumbent is required to have the ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations to specific situations; develop, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple case investigations and other assignments or tasks; gather and analyze facts and evidence; reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations. The incumbent must have knowledge of investigation techniques and procedures, rules of evidence and court procedures and service of legal process. The incumbent must exercise the ability to follow written and oral instructions; participate effectively in investigations and interviews; prepare written documents and accurate detailed investigation reports clearly and concisely; and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships (e.g., with the public, supervisors, agency personnel, judges, district attorneys). The incumbent must exercise sound professional judgment and behavior; meet deadlines, take initiative, and demonstrate personal accountability in addition to maintaining regular, consistent, and predictable attendance in the performance of these specific functions.
Desirable Qualifications: The most desirable candidate will possess the following:
- Knowledge of investigative procedures and techniques and an aptitude for evaluating information (including computer data) and problem solving.
- Experience conducting interviews and/or interrogating suspects, witnesses and victims, and properly documenting investigations in writing.
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to interact effectively with the public, law enforcement, election officials, and agency personnel.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including the ability to write clear and concise reports.
- Ability to maintain professional integrity, trustworthiness, and discretion concerning sensitive and high-profile matters.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities with various deadlines.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and be willing to learn.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and case management systems is recommended.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Positions provide telework opportunities based upon the agency’s telework policy and business needs. Position may be required to travel including out-of-state and overnight.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- INVESTIGATOR
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
The Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) consists of nearly 700 dedicated public servants who uphold the rights of Californians while also striving to make our government, elections, and businesses both accessible and transparent. Led by an elected leader, accountable to the public, we are dedicated to fostering career development opportunities and growing a skilled workforce that embraces inclusion and values diversity.
Located in downtown Sacramento, the SOS building is within walking distance to a variety of eateries and amenities. Light Rail, State Capitol, Downtown Commons (DOCO), and Golden 1 Center, just to name a few. Conveniently located in the SOS building, the Gold Rush Grille offers delicious daily specials for breakfast or lunch and is open to the public. Our on-site childcare incorporates programs for children six weeks to five years old. Priority waitlist access and special discounted rates are available for SOS employees.
For more information about the SOS, please visit sos.ca.gov.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.
- The position(s) requires a Drug Screening Test clearance prior to being hired.
- Investigator, Range A: $ 6,215 - $8,390; This range shall apply to individuals who do not meet the criteria for Range B.
- Investigator, Range B: $7,163 - $10,401; This range shall apply to individuals who have satisfactorily completed three years of investigative experience at a level equivalent to the Investigator Range A or higher, beyond the experience required to meet the minimum qualifications of the class.
- Investigator, Range A: $6,837
- Investigator, Range B: $7,879
Examination Information: Candidates new to state service or those seeking a promotional opportunity must take the online examination to establish eligibility. The examination can be found at the following link: CalCareers Exam Link.
There is also a Limited Examination & Appointment Program (LEAP) exam available for this classification. Information on the LEAP certification process is available on the Department of Rehabilitation LEAP Certification website.
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: 3/28/2025Who 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 - Please follow the directions to respond to the Statement of Qualifications as directed above.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Jordan Mariner
(916) 653-6974
jmariner@sos.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:Sarah Bielski
(916) 653-6974
sbielski@sos.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.
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.
