Entry Level Detective Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BACKGROUND CHECK, FINGERPRINTING, PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING, AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION ARE REQUIRED.
Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment with variety in your work? The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is seeking a dynamic Detective with recent experience in State service as a peace officer investigating auto, workers' compensation, property and casualty insurance fraud and ability to generate clear and concise correspondence and investigative reports.
If this is you, then CDI may be the employer for you!
Under supervision of a Supervising Fraud Investigator I, Investigators are assigned law enforcement responsibilities of various complexity and volume commensurate with their background and training from entry level to highly complex duties and casework. Investigators conduct criminal investigations of felony violations of State and Federal law relating to insurance fraud and white-collar crime. Incumbents may work alone, with a team, or as a lead criminal investigator assigned to conduct investigations of criminal enterprises and profiteering and assist in the prosecution of cases involving these groups in both State and Federal courts; and conduct investigations involving a broad range of felony violations, both State and Federal judicial systems. Incumbents perform a full range of peace officer duties and responsibilities in the accomplishment of their assignments in accordance with the California Penal Code, Section 830.3.
This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700), which includes an Assuming Office filing within 30 days of appointment, annual filings, and a Leaving Office filing within 30 days of physical separation. Non-compliance with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may result in the voiding of appointment, financial penalties, or enforcement actions.
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 and related Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 requires employees to receive a reduction in pay in exchange for monthly hours of PLP 2025 leave credits. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay. For more information, visit the CalHR Website ( www.calhr.ca.gov ).
In addition to the regular salary, this classification is eligible for the following pay differentials:
• Recruitment & Retention - $200/month (For Investigators assigned to offices in the following counties: Los Angeles County, Santa Clara County, Solano County)
• Education - select link for details- Pay Differential 244
• Longevity - select link for details- Pay Differential 245
These positions may be filled as Limited Term/Full-Time if the candidate needs to complete the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) requirements. Upon successful completion, the incumbent will be appointed to the Investigator position Permanent/Full-Time. If the candidate has already met POST requirements through an academy, then he/she will be appointed Permanent/Full-Time upon hire.
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
• Must be able to work in a law enforcement environment that includes the presence of firearms.
• Must qualify and carry a firearm.
• A valid California driver license is required.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the situation in which investigator is involved, at any given time.
• There is a reasonable expectation of contact with dangerous suspects.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and carrying is required.
• The Incumbent must be able to work in a high-rise building.
• Some travel is required within and/or outside the state of California via private or public transportation. (i.e., automobile, airplane,, etc.) Travel may include overnight stay.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Enforcement Branch and based on CDI's current telework policy. While CDI supports telework, in-person attendance will be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to work with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INVESTIGATOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-526269
Position #(s):
413-286-8610-014
413-286-8610-022
413-286-8610-178
413-286-8610-179
413-286-8610-019
413-286-8610-016
413-286-8610-020
Working Title:
Detective
Classification:
INVESTIGATOR $6,339.00 - $8,558.00 A
$7,306.00 - $10,609.00 B
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:
Solano County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
The CDI is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state's consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. With annual direct premiums of $340 billion, California is the largest insurance market in the United States and the fourth largest insurance market in the world.
Nearly 1,400 dedicated employees work at CDI to oversee more than 1,400 insurance companies and license more than 425,000 agents, brokers, adjusters, and business entities.
ENFORCEMENT BRANCH
FRAUD DIVISION
GOLDEN GATE REGIONAL OFFICE
This recruitment is for the GOLDEN GATE Regional Office located at:
1100 Rose Drive, #100
Benicia, CA 94510
Department Website: http://www.insurance.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.

Please attach (upload) all the required documents to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications for this position (i.e., degree, transcript, license, certificate). If you fail to provide the required documentation, your application package will be marked as incomplete and not considered for an interview.

• Exam list eligibility - refer to exam link above.
• Transfer eligibility, if applicable, for current/former civil service employees
• Criminal Record Supplement Questionnaire
• Degree or Transcript
• Statement of Qualifications
• POST Verification (if applicaple)
• A valid California driver license

CRIMINAL RECORD SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE (CRSQ) IS REQUIRED. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE CRSQ FORM
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: 8/11/2026
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 Insurance
CDI Jobs Inquiries
Attn: Classification & Consultation Unit
Human Resources Management Division
300 Capitol Mall, 13th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Insurance
CDI Jobs Inquiries
Classification & Consultation Unit
Human Resources Management Division
300 Capitol Mall, 13th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -
  Instructions may be found in the Statement of Qualifications Section of the job posting.

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:
• Recent experience in State service as a peace officer investigating auto, workers' compensation, property and casualty insurance fraud;
• Ability to generate clear and concise correspondence and investigative reports;
• Ability to liaison with other law enforcement and prosecuting agencies in the region;
• Graduate of Regular Basic Course (RBC) academy or Specialized Investigators' Basic Course (SIBC) academy desired;
• Preferred degree in criminal justice, criminology, police science, sociology, communications, psychology and forensic sciences, political science, finance, accounting, business administration, and public administration; and
• Fluency in non-English language is preferred but not required. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to indicate their fluency via Question #5 of the STD. 678.
Benefits

• Free Parking
• Alternate Work Week Schedule
• Flexible Work Hours
• Remote Work Options
• Medical Benefits - including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• On the Job Training
• Career Services Program
• Recognition Program
• Paid Holidays and leave
• Defined benefit retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401 (k), 457)
• Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.insurance.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Classification & Consultation Unit
(916) 492-3300
CDIJobInquiries@insurance.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:
EEO Officer
(916) 492-3024
OCR@insurance.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.
Examination Information
Step 1 - If you have not taken the Investigator examination, or if your eligibility has expired, and/or you have no other type of eligibility, you MUST take the examination to be eligible for appointment. Please click the link provided below for the examination information and instructions.
EXAMINATION BULLETIN: INVESTIGATOR Exam Bulletin
Step 2 - Submit your application including all required documents, by using the "Apply Now" button found at the top of this bulletin.
Statement of Qualifications
All interested applicants are required to submit a completed Statement of Qualification (SOQ) with the application. The SOQ must be s