What are the responsibilities and job description for the SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR position at High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General?
Under the direction of the Deputy Inspector General of Administration, Investigations, and Strategic Initiatives, the Special Investigator is responsible for performing complex, visible, and sensitive administrative investigations related to the California High-Speed Rail project. The Special Investigator receives, reviews, and evaluates complaints; conducts fact-finding and administrative investigations; determines whether allegations warrant opening a formal investigation; analyzes evidence; and prepares written investigative reports. The incumbent may be required to plan, prioritize, and carry out investigative assignments independently, exercising professional judgment and discretion, while coordinating as appropriate with Office of Inspector General, High-Speed Rail (OIG-HSR) management and team members. This position supports the Office of Inspector General’s mission to promote accountability, integrity, and efficiency.
NOTE: A Training and Development (T&D) assignment may be considered for this position. If interested in a T&D assignment, please indicate on your State Application STD. 678.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Telework may be available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.
The incumbent is required to work indoors and outdoors, depending on the situation they are involved in, at any given time. While working in-office, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR
Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement
Job Code #:
JC-517543
Position #(s):
288-100-8612-901
Working Title:
Inspector General Investigator
Classification:
SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR
$5,528.00 - $9,037.00
Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
High-Speed Rail Inspector General
The Inspector General is tasked with promoting the efficient and effective management of public funds and contracts at the California High-Speed Rail Authority by performing audits and investigations. The Office of the Inspector General is responsible for providing oversight related to the delivery of the high-speed rail project, as defined in Public Utilities Code, Section 187010(d). It also provides oversight related to contracts, change orders, and project update reports, which are required of the California High-Speed Rail Authority pursuant the Public Utilities Code, Section 185033.5. The Inspector General conducts this work independent of the legislative and executive branches of government. The Inspector General must report at least annually to the Legislature and Governor. As a new statutorily established office, the Inspector General will additionally be responsible for selecting and employing officers and employees necessary to carry out the functions of the office.
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.
Minimum age for appointment: 21 years.
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than three (3) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items.
1. Please explain your interest in the position and how your knowledge, skills, abilities would make you effective in the position.
2. Describe your experience conducting administrative, compliance, fraud, or misconduct investigations. Provide an example of a challenging investigation that you conducted. For that example, describe your investigative process from the initial intake and planning phase to the final report. In particular, describe how you identified and documented sufficient evidence to support your findings. How did you weigh the evidence to determine if the burden of proof was met?
3. Describe your approach to interviewing hostile or uncooperative witnesses. Provide an example of a time you interviewed a hostile or uncooperative witness. What techniques did you use to elicit truthful information while maintaining professionalism and neutrality?
Applications received without an SOQ that complies with the above instructions will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.
For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.
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 performing civil or administrative investigations for a state, local, or federal government entity.
Experience investigating noncompliance, waste, fraud, and/or abuse in public departments or programs.
Experience analyzing cases, files, facts, law, and documents.
Knowledge of the organization and functions of California state government.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulation, policies, requirements, and guidelines.
Ability to research facts and/or applicable law or standards, to analyze the results of the research, and to develop written and oral summaries of the research.
Objectivity, impartiality, sound judgment, and a high degree of integrity.
High degree of confidentiality for sensitive issues.
Salary : $66,336 - $108,444
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