State of California

Senior Special Agent

State of California$129K — $161K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in a supervisory role involving investigations
  • Successful completion of psychological evaluation and medical clearance prior to hire
  • Valid California Driver's License required
  • Knowledge of internal affairs protocols and employee misconduct investigations
  • Ability to interpret and enforce policies effectively
  • Experience in conducting inquiries and case analysis
  • Strong communication skills for coordinating with various teams

Responsibilities

  • Supervise Special Agents in internal affairs investigations
  • Assist the Special Agent-In-Charge with employee misconduct matters
  • Interpret and enforce departmental policies and procedures
  • Oversee case analysis and special projects
  • Coordinate with Central Intake Unit and related teams
  • Ensure compliance with investigation protocols
  • Manage and report on investigative workload and outcomes

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and dental insurance options
  • Retirement benefits through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Vacation and sick leave benefits
  • Flexible work hours and telework policies where applicable
  • Professional development and training opportunities offered
Full Job Description
Under the direction of the Special Agent-In-Charge (SAC) the Senior Special Agent (SSA) may be assigned to a regional office, the Central Intake Unit (CIU), the Forensic Analysis and Support Team (FAST), or the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The SSA completes and supervises Special Agents (SA) who complete internal affairs investigations, inquiries, case analysis, and a variety of special assignments and projects. The SSA assists the SAC relative to matters concerning employee misconduct, interprets and enforces policies, and completes special projects.

The California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation (CDCR) Headquarters has implemented a new automated system to streamline the hiring process. The Human Resources Technology System (HRTS) is an intuitive, user-friendly system that provides the applicant access to real-time updates throughout the hiring process. HRTS will require new candidates to set up an account, which allows them to track their application's progress. Through their account portal, candidates will also be able to provide any additional information needed in the hiring process, including setting up interviews as needed. After the final filing date, applicants will receive an email from [redacted] or DoNotReply[redacted] (depending on the email provider), with direction on creating and/or accessing their account.

For HRTS communication, this is in reference to Job Requisition JR-4457.

CDCR employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their application.

This advertisement is for Senior Special Agent positions located at the Office of Internal Affairs, Kern County. Please indicate the position number on your application: 065-132-9767-005.

Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

Regular and consistent attendance is critical to the successful performance of this position. You must be regularly available and willing to work the hours necessary to meet business needs.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • SENIOR SPECIAL AGENT
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-532398

Position #(s):
065-132-9767-005

Working Title:
Senior Special Agent

Classification:
SENIOR SPECIAL AGENT $10,757.00 - $13,480.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:
Multiple

Work Location:
Kern County

Telework:
In Office

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

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.
  • The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
  • 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.

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a 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 (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .

Candidates new to CDCR are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting, and Tuberculosis testing prior to appointment followed by departmental annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

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: 10/2/2026
Who May Apply
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 (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates 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
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
CDCR Hiring Support - Postal
Attn: CDCR Hiring Support
P.O. Box 942883

Sacramento , CA 94283-0001

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
CDCR Hiring Support - Drop-off
CDCR Hiring Support
9825 Goethe Rd, Application Drop Box
(Drop off not available on weekends and holidays)
Sacramento , CA 95827

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your Examination / Employment Application (Examination and Employment Application). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the "Statement of Qualifications" section below for specific requirements.

    For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ or a Supplemental Questionnaire, please visit - Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications .
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:
  • Supervisory Experience
  • Maintained Investigative Workload
  • Possess Criminal Investigative Experience
  • Possess Surveillance Experience
  • Authored Search Warrant/Subpoenas
  • Instructor Experience
  • Evidence Gathering Experience

Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, www.calhr.ca.gov, and the CalPERS website, www.calpers.ca.gov .

Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Salary and Benefits website at Salary & Benefits .

Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at Merit System Principles - An Overview - CalHR .

This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.

Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Loraine Laik
(279) 210-4020
[email protected]

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) 255-0458
[email protected]
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.

Statement of Qualifications

The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how your education, training, experience, and skills qualify you for the position. The

About State of California

The State of California is a government entity responsible for providing a variety of services to its residents, including education, healthcare, and public safety. The state was admitted to the Union in 1850 and has since grown to become the most populous state in the United States. California is known for its diverse geography, including beaches, mountains, and deserts. The state government is committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Californians.
Learn more about State of California
Size
150 employees
Industry
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