Job Description

Job Description and Duties

What will you do?

As the Principal Investigator, you will implement California’s Whistleblower Protection Act (Whistleblower Act), a mission critical program of the office, and oversee the operation of the Investigations Division. Specifically, you will serve an important role by supervising teams of investigators responsible for determining whether allegations of improper governmental activities are true and following up to ensure state agencies are held accountable. As the Principal Investigator, you will serve as a member of the senior management team and participate in the development of organizational philosophy and the office’s strategic goals, and recommend modifications to improve office policy.  Specifically you will:

• Direct the Investigations Division composed of approximately 15 staff including Fraud Investigators and Special Investigators.
• Manage staff resources and job assignments to ensure adequate coverage for conducting investigations and responding to thousands of Whistleblower complaints each year.
• Formulate policies and procedures regarding the division’s investigative work including application of investigative methodologies, determining which complaints to investigate, when improper activities are considered substantiated, and when to terminate investigations.
• Approve case management decisions as well as final disposition of every whistleblower complaint, prior to review by the Chief Deputy State Auditor and State Auditor.
• Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with the Investigations Division’s Quality Standards.
• Implement and monitor relevant performance metrics to ensure that investigations are conducted in an effective and efficient manner.
• Develop and implement an outreach strategy for informing stakeholders, including legislative members and staff, about the importance of the Whistleblower Act. In addition, solicit periodic feedback from departments and other stakeholders on the effectiveness and efficiency of investigations.
• Participate as a member of the senior management team in the development of the office’s strategic plans and in determining the policies and procedures for the organization.
• Represent the office and act on behalf of the State Auditor with the Legislature and state and federal agencies regarding the Whistleblower Act.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for participation in the office’s hybrid telework program. Work at the alternate work location must be conducted in a space that is ergonomically sound, private, distraction-free, and has safe working conditions to be eligible to telework.
• Work performed in the office is in an air-conditioned high-rise building with elevator access and both natural and artificial lighting.
• Work requires sitting for an extended period of time using a personal computer and the use of standard office equipment, such as phones, copiers or scanners.
• Work may require periodic non-standard work hours and work during weekends to meet workload needs and demands.
• Work may require infrequent travel throughout the State of California to include overnight, weekends or several days at a time.

Visa Sponsorship
This position is not eligible for a visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for a visa sponsorship by the start date of employement. The California State Auditor's Office is not an E-Verify employer.

Special Requirements

Any applicant receiving a conditional job offer will be subject to a background check, fingerprinting and an inquiry to the California Department of Justice to disclose criminal records prior to appointment.

State Auditor’s Office employees are excluded from collective bargaining.

Temporary Salary Reduction: Due to significant budget shortfalls, beginning September 1, 2025, the office will participate in the Personal Leave Program (PLP) which reduces employee salaries in exchange for accrued leave hours. The salary reduction for this position is three percent, while accruing five PLP hours per month.

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:

Who are you?

1. You have experience conducting confidential workplace investigations using administrative investigative techniques and methods.
2. You have extensive experience with matters involving public employee discipline, public contracting, and/or ethical laws, rules and principles applicable to public officials.
3. You have exceptional project management skills including experience simultaneously managing multiple and complex investigations related to employee misconduct or a state agency’s improper conduct.
4. You have experience leading and managing teams while demonstrating the ability to communicate a clear vision, set and monitor goals and expectations, foster a collaborative work environment, and encourage leadership and initiative.
5. You have knowledge of the California State Auditor’s mission, programs and policies including the Whistleblower Act, State laws relating to improper governmental activities and general laws and regulations related to State fiscal, personnel, and administrative practices.
6. You have demonstrated experience exercising a high degree of integrity and confidentiality for sensitive issues and using sound judgment in decision mak ing.

Why should you join us?

• You want to make a difference for Californians and future generations, and make sure California government is effectively serving its people.

• You have exceptional investigation and leadership skills along with knowledge of and experience applying State laws and regulations related to fiscal, personnel, and administrative practices.

• You want to work in a professional environment and lead teams of intelligent colleagues doing meaningful work.

• You desire a monthly salary range of $12,159- $15,009.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

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 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 - Is required and must be submitted. See Examination Information section below.

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Remote work, Night shift,

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