Rail Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Under the general direction of the OIG-HSR Supervising Management Auditor, the Staff Management Auditor is responsible for conducting the most complex, difficult, and sensitive inspections, evaluations, reviews, audits, and investigations (engagements), addressed by the OIG-HSR under its statutory authority and responsibilities. The incumbent works with a high degree of independence when performing engagements to provide oversight of highly technical areas, including the High-Speed Rail Authority's (Authority) parametric cost estimates, cost controls, project schedules, risk management, change order management, and economic benefit and projected ridership calculations for the California high-speed rail project (Project). Although not supervisory in nature, the position may require the incumbent to serve as the lead OIG-HSR member on engagements for discrete periods of time, including the review of other staff's work. Similarly, the incumbent independently leads critical discussions about the results of engagements with High-Speed Rail Authority management and external stakeholders of the OIG-HSR. The position also assists in annual risk assessments and engagement planning processes, OIG-HSR program quality reviews, and general staff development, sometimes in a lead role. The incumbent accomplishes the above through demonstrated knowledge and mastery of the Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and Principles and Standards for Offices of Inspector General, as well as exceptional professional judgment, professional ethical behavior, integrity, and a commitment to fostering and promoting accountability and integrity in government.
NOTE: A Training and Development (T&D) assignment may be considered for this position. If interested in a T&D assignment, please indicate on your State Application STD. 678.
This advertisement is posted as Open Until Filled and the advertisement will remain open until the vacancy is filled. Cut-offs for applications will be every other Thursday, starting Septemeber 17, 2026, and applications will be reviewed per those cut-off dates. Hires can be made at any time based on the applications received by the cut-off dates.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Telework may be available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.
While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• STAFF MANAGEMENT AUDITOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-531744
Position #(s):
288-100-4160-002
Working Title:
Inspector General Specialist
Classification:
STAFF MANAGEMENT AUDITOR $7,530.00 - $9,823.00 Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
High-Speed Rail Inspector General
Department Information The Inspector General is tasked with promoting the efficient and effective management of public funds and contracts at the California High-Speed Rail Authority by performing audits and investigations. The Office of the Inspector General is responsible for providing oversight related to the delivery of the high-speed rail project, as defined in Public Utilities Code, Section 187010(d). It also provides oversight related to contracts, change orders, and project update reports, which are required of the California High-Speed Rail Authority pursuant the Public Utilities Code, Section 185033.5. The Inspector General conducts this work independent of the legislative and executive branches of government. The Inspector General must report at least annually to the Legislature and Governor. As a new statutorily established office, the Inspector General will additionally be responsible for selecting and employing officers and employees necessary to carry out the functions of the office.
Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/office-of-the-inspector-general/join-the-oig/
Special Requirements A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than three (3) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.
1. Please explain your interest in the position and how your knowledge, skills, abilities would make you effective in the position.
2. Describe your experience developing expertise in complex subject matter during audits or related engagements. Please provide at least two examples. For each, discuss the following: the nature of the subject matter and what made it complex; the approach you took to learning about the issue; the most relevant and impactful information you discovered through your efforts; and, how you used that information to identify and recommend improvements, either alone or in the context of the broader engagement. Please be as specific as possible.
3. Describe your experience supervising or acting as a lead for a team of staff during an audit or other relevant professional experience. Please provide at least two examples. For each, discuss the following: a description of the professional experience and the nature of the leading role (i.e. formal or informal); the greatest challenge you experienced during the process and how you responded, and; one way in which the supervisory experience changed how you approach your work more generally.
Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.
For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.
Application Instructions
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: Until Filled
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:
High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General
High-Speed Rail Inspector General
Attn: Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS4
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General
High-Speed Rail Inspector General
Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS4
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 required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above "Special Requirements" section for SOQ instructions.

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:

• Objectivity, impartiality, sound judgment, and a high degree of integrity.
• Ability to exercise due professional care, including professional skepticism and diligence in completing engagements in accordance with professional standards and ethical principles.
• High degree of confidentiality for sensitive issues.
• Ability to engage in respectful communication with all stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently in time-sensitive and complex environments.
• Experience leading small groups or reviewing the work of others and providing feedback for professional development.
• Experience in and ability to work effectively and as part of a team.
• Ability to think strategically, exhibit flexibility in the face of shifting priorities, manage organizational change, provide innovative solutions to complex, technical, and politically sensitive problems, and respond effectively to feedback.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to ensure timely completion of tasks within the stipulated hours and milestones.
• Ability to apply the required knowledge; establish and maintain assignment priorities; consult with and advise administrators and other interested parties on a variety of subject-matter areas.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, and to follow oral and written directions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to provide engagement results, in a fair and balanced manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Authority experts, including Governor-appointed functional directors that oversee key functions, such as rail, strategic delivery, infrastructure delivery, engineering, environmental services, real property, planning and sustainability, and risk management.
• Experience providing formal briefings, presentations, or testimony to executives or elected officials regarding the results of engagements.
• Knowledge of or certification in one or more highly technical functional areas, including cost estimation techniques, project scheduling systems, project controls, economic benefit calculations, and federal guidance and industry standards in the transportation or construction sectors.
• Knowledge of public contracting and procurement requirements, laws, regulations, and practices, including methods for preventing or detecting fraud, wase, and abuse.
• Experience overseeing or conducting formal risk assessments, including those related to project oversight, in order to objectively and clearly describe and quantify threats to project goals and evaluate mitigation efforts.
• Knowledge of government auditing standards, as well as various approaches and methodologies for performing effective reviews of agency operations.
• Knowledge of professional standards for investigations, inspections, evaluations, and reviews.
• Skill to lead or perform investigatory work, and plan, organize, and direct investigations.
• Ability to use a computer, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California state government, particularly those functions directly affecting the High-Speed Rail project.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulation, policies, requirements,