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Investigation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Director, Failure Investigation is responsible for leading failure investigation strategy, execution, and continuous improvement in a high-volume, regulated manufacturing environment. This role ...

Director Failure Investigation

Lodi, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

The Director, Failure Investigation is responsible for leading failure investigation strategy, execution, and continuous improvement in a high-volume, regulated manufacturing environment. This role ...

Showing results 21-40

Investigation information

See California salary details

$27.1K

$51.7K

$83.9K

How much do investigation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigation in California is $51,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $56,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an investigation job?

Investigation jobs involve gathering and analyzing information to uncover facts or resolve issues, often related to legal, financial, or security matters. Professionals in these roles may work for law enforcement agencies, private companies, or government organizations. Their work typically includes interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, conducting surveillance, and writing detailed reports. The goal is to solve cases, prevent fraud, enforce laws, or support organizational decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications or law enforcement experience. Familiarity with case management systems, digital research tools, and forensic technologies is typically required. Effective communication, critical thinking, and discretion are crucial soft skills for interviewing, report writing, and handling sensitive information. These competencies ensure thorough, accurate investigations and the ability to resolve cases efficiently and ethically.

What are some common challenges investigators face when collaborating with other departments or agencies?

Investigators often work closely with various departments, such as legal, compliance, and law enforcement, as well as external agencies. Common challenges include coordinating communication across different teams, navigating varying protocols and priorities, and maintaining confidentiality while sharing necessary information. Successful investigators develop strong interpersonal skills and remain adaptable to ensure effective collaboration, which is crucial for resolving cases efficiently and accurately.

What is the difference between Investigation vs Forensic Analyst?

AspectInvestigationForensic Analyst
Required CredentialsVaries; often high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes specialized trainingTypically requires a degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related fields; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, law enforcement agencies, private investigation firmsLaboratory settings, crime labs, or forensic departments
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement, private security, corporate securityLaw enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, legal institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in investigations, career optionsTechnical forensic work, crime scene analysis

Investigation involves gathering information, interviewing witnesses, and solving cases often in the field or through surveillance. Forensic analysts focus on analyzing physical evidence in labs to support investigations. While both roles are integral to solving crimes, investigators typically conduct fieldwork, whereas forensic analysts work primarily in laboratories with scientific methods.

How do you become a crime investigator?

To become a crime investigator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a police academy training program. Many investigators hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field and gain experience as police officers before specializing in investigations; relevant skills include attention to detail, analytical thinking, and proficiency with investigative tools and techniques.

How do you get into investigation?

To pursue a career in investigation, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a college degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields. Gaining experience through internships, law enforcement training, or certifications such as private investigator licenses can be beneficial. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of investigative tools are essential for success in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Investigation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Investigation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Investigation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Investigation job openings:

Infographic showing various Investigation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,708 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

$57K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Internal Revenue Service rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

WHAT IS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

  • Position(s) are to be filled in the following area(s):
    • CI - Criminal Investigation
  • Consider each location carefully when applying. If you are selected for a location, that location will become your official post of duty.
REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE 07 AND 09:
  • EXPERIENCE - Must have been acquired in investigative work related to the ACCOUNTING OR AUDITING OF BUSINESS OR COMMERCIAL PRACTICES OF SUBJECTS INVESTIGATED. For examples of specialized experience, click here.
  • EDUCATION - If substituting education for specialized experience for the grade 7 or 9, education must be supplemented by at least 15 semester/23 quarter hours in accounting plus an additional 9 semester/14 quarter hours from among the following fields: business law, economics, finance, tax law or money and banking. You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. Combinations of education and experience are qualifying.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE 07:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GL-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes experience in or related to investigation of criminal violations that provided the experience to successfully perform the duties of the IRS Special Agent. Experience must have required:
  1. The exercise of tact, initiative, ingenuity, resourcefulness and judgment in collecting, assembling, and developing facts, evidence and other pertinent data through investigative techniques which included personal interview;
  2. Making oral and written reports and presentations of personally conducted or personally directed investigations, examinations, or inspections; AND
  3. Analyzing and evaluating evidence and arrive at sound conclusions.
OR
EDUCATION: You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows:
  • One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education OR
  • Superior Academic Achievement - A bachelor's degree, with one of the following: A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last 2 years of study, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all courses in the major field of study or those courses in the major completed in the last 2 years of study, or rank in the upper one third of the class in the college, university, or major subdivision, or membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. If substituting Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) for experience at the GS-7 level, please note that grade-point averages are rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE 09:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GL-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes, experience in or related to investigation of criminal violations that provided the specific experience needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Experience must be sufficient to demonstrate the ability to gather intelligence, analyze and evaluate raw investigative data, prepare comprehensive written investigative reports, and investigate complex claims involving suspected crimes or alleged fraud. Examples of qualifying experience include:
  1. Investigating criminal cases requiring the use of recognized investigative methods and techniques and that may have included appearing in court to present evidence;
  2. Supervising or conducting interviews or interrogations that involved eliciting evidence, data, or surveillance information;
  3. Investigating computerized business and/or accounting systems and forming sound conclusions as to related criminal business practices and compliance with Federal laws and regulations.
OR
EDUCATION:
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows:
  • Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education; OR a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree (i.e., LL.B. or J.D.)
You must meet the following special requirements:
  • MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: Generally, applicants for most Federal jobs must be at least 18 years old. For additional information refer to:Is there an age limit for Federal employment? - OPM.gov
    • In addition, provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, Federal, State, and local laws that relate to the employment of minors in positions requiring the use of firearms must be observed.
  • MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Provisions of Public Law 93-950 and Public Law 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for original appointments to a law enforcement officer position within the Federal government. The date immediately preceding your 37th birthday is the final date of referral for selection. This age restriction does not apply to preference eligible veterans or land management eligibles. Applicants who are age 37 or over may subtract any of their prior federal service that is in approved position and that is creditable for retirement from their current age to meet this age requirement. This is to ensure you will be able to complete a total of 20 years of special retirement service by the time you reach the mandatory retirement age of 57. Applicants must provide proof of veterans' preference, land management eligibility, or prior creditable Federal service as listed in the announcement.

  • PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: You must pass a medical examination prior to being appointed. This position requires moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with free motion of fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must function sufficiently in order for applicants to perform the duties satisfactorily. All of the medical requirements MUST be met at the time of initial examination/test. Applicants failing to meet the medical requirements at the time of their initial examination/test will be considered ineligible for the position.
    • Vision: For all positions, near vision, corrected or uncorrected, must be sufficient to read Jaeger type 2 at 14 inches. Normal depth perception and peripheral vision are required, as is the ability to distinguish shades of color by color plate tests. For all positions covered by this standard, applicants who have undergone refractive surgery (i.e., surgery to improve distant visual acuity) must meet Treasury-approved requirements which include documentation that they have passed specific exam and protocol testing. Uncorrected distant vision must test 20/200, and corrected distant vision must test 20/20 in one eye, and 20/30 in the other.
    • Hearing: Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 30 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ranges. You must be able to hear the whispered voice at 15 feet with each ear without the use of a hearing aid.
    • Other Medical Requirements: You must possess emotional and mental stability. Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties of this position or that would cause an individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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