Special Investigator

Overview

Job Description And Duties

The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), better known as Cal/OSHA, resides in the DIR. Cal/OSHA protects and improves the health and safety of working people in California and the safety of passengers riding on elevators, amusement rides, and tramways by setting and enforcing standards; providing outreach, education, and assistance, and issuing permits, licenses, certifications, registrations, and approvals. The Bureau of Investigations is a unit within Cal/OSHA.

The Bureau investigates violations of standards, orders, or special orders in which there has been a fatality or a serious injury or illness. The Bureau also directs investigations when DOSH's civil compliance staff makes a request for prosecution. For any case in which the Bureau is required to conduct an investigation and in which serious injury or death has occurred, the Bureau refers the results of the investigation to the appropriate prosecuting authority with jurisdiction over appropriate action, unless the evidence of a violation of the law is insufficient.

Cal/OSHA’s Bureau of Investigations is looking for talented, independent, and creative individuals to serve as investigators in one of several offices located around the state. Special investigators independently conduct sensitive, complex criminal field investigations of industrial homicides for referral to local prosecuting authorities. Special Investigators respond to fatal incident scenes at factories, construction sites and other places of employment throughout the State of California, including those with the most complex operations and greatest hazards.

Incumbents also conduct investigations related to violations of occupational safety and health standards to determine violations of criminal laws. Individuals appointed to this classification perform a variety of duties, such as processing, preserving and collecting evidence, obtaining statements from witnesses, victims and suspects; and preparing cases, including identifying suspects, recommending charges, and collecting supporting evidence.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR 249.3.

• Conduct sensitive, complex criminal field investigations of industrial homicides and violations of occupational safety and health standards.
• Process, preserve, and collect evidence; obtain statements from witnesses, victims, and suspects; prepare cases; identify suspects; recommend charges; collect supporting evidence.
• Respond to fatal incident scenes at industrial sites statewide; travel as required; work in various environments and hours.

• Be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or reinstatement eligibility (as applicable).
• Possess a valid driver's license and be at least 21 years of age at appointment.
• A writing sample must be submitted (investigative report; up to 10 pages).
• Complete application packages by the Final Filing Date; resume and other required documents must be included.

The job is located at the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Bureau of Investigations - Los Angeles Office, 355 South Grand Avenue, Suite 1850, Los Angeles, CA 90071. The incumbent works a minimum of 40 hours per week, with over 50% in the field, which may require long-distance driving at various hours. Incumbents may face hazardous environments at incident scenes and in offices.

Some instate travel and overnight trips within California are required.

A writing sample must be submitted as described above.

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date. To gain employment list eligibility, apply through the Cal Careers system. Final Filing Date: 2/23/2026.

Applicants who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, reinstatement, list or LEAP eligibility, or SROA/Surplus eligibility may apply. SROA/Surplus candidates are given priority; others may be considered if no SROA/Surplus apply.

Submit Application Packages electronically through your Cal Career Account at  Hard copy applications may be mailed or dropped off to the Department of Industrial Relations, 1416 9th Street, 13th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814. Standard business hours apply.

• State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (or electronic application) with all relevant experience and education shown.
• Resume required.
• Cover Letter.
• Writing sample (investigative report, max 10 pages).

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer. The State ensures a drug-free workplace and prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.