Investigator

Job Description:

Investigator

Description

THE POSITION

With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate will have knowledge, skills, and experience in the following:

• Conducting administrative investigations of alleged employee misconduct.
• Interacting and collaborating with internal and external departments/agencies such as Police Departments, Labor Relations, Equal Employment Opportunity Offices, Attorney's Offices, and Office of Public Safety and Accountability.
• US Constitution, California Constitution, CA Government Code (FFBOR/POBOR/MMBA).
• Chain of evidence procedures
• Providing exceptional customer service

Under general supervision, the Investigator performs a variety of investigative duties that involve claims and litigated matters by and against the City or suspected violations of City of Sacramento policies, rules, or regulations; obtains and analyzes evidence to support administrative actions; provides investigative support during litigation; gathers data; represents the City in small claims actions; coordinates with quasi-judicial administrative agencies; collects and maintains files; prepares reports; or administers ordinance enforcement as directed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This journey-level exempt classification is populated with multiple incumbents. The Investigator independently performs a wide range of civil or administrative investigative work. Incumbents are expected to use sound professional judgment and skill in the performance of difficult and complex investigative assignments, which are subject to review by attorneys.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
General supervision is provided by a Supervising Deputy City Attorney. Investigators do not provide supervision to any personnel. The Investigator may train other Investigators.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform related duties as needed.

• Investigates and gathers factual data pertaining to claims and litigated matters; prepares claims and litigation documents; employs a variety of media in the collection of data, including oral interviews, photographs, slides, and audio or videotapes.
• Researches court files; obtains certified documents from federal, superior, civil, traffic court, and other law enforcement agencies; researches databases to obtain information to locate property, persons, deed, or any other piece of information required for a case; serves legal process (such as subpoenas, summons, and complaints) as directed; canvasses neighborhoods; locates claimants and witnesses; takes statements.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts thorough interviews with complainants and witnesses to gather evidence with a focus on rigorous fact-finding, fairness, timeliness, and attention to detail.
• Identifies, obtains, reviews, analyzes, and assimilates documentation relevant to fact-finding, discipline, grievances, PERB cases, equal employment opportunity, and administrative investigations.
• Constructs, manages, organizes, and maintains complete and accurate investigative files; prepares litigation referral reports, including research, analysis, and recommended courses of action within mandated time lines; represents the City in small claims actions.
• Composes clear and detailed reports that set out facts objectively and in appropriate detail, with well-reasoned analysis of the evidence and findings documented in a concise and accurate manner.
• Communicates verbally and in writing with claimants, adjustors, attorneys, or other individuals and agencies; interacts with relevant City and outside agencies involved in a case.
• Administers ordinance enforcement as directed.
• Manages assigned cases and meets timelines.
• Ensures that logs and all other required records and documents are completed and maintained.
• Interprets and explains laws, requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal customers and the public; provide exceptional customer service to those contacted during work.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Methods and principles employed in the investigation of claims and litigated matters; investigation and interviewing techniques and procedures
• Governmental torts liability; Federal, State, and municipal codes which impact liability.
• Rules affecting the admission of evidence.
• Police procedures and law enforcement.
• Investigative research, techniques, and procedures.
• Criminal and civil procedures pertaining to investigations.
• Interviewing and data gathering techniques.
• Report writing techniques; usage of English syntax, language mechanics, punctuation and grammar.

Skill in:

• Planning, organizing, and conducting investigations.
• Use of modern office equipment including computers, computer applications, and software.
• Witness location.
• Witness interviews.
• Evidence gathering and presentation.

Ability to:

• Perform research and apply laws and regulations to specific situations.
• Reason logically, draw valid conclusions, make appropriate recommendations and prepare detailed reports.
• Prioritize and organize multiple tasks.
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Investigate cases for settlement; clearly document investigative process.
• Handle stressful or sensitive investigations with tact and diplomacy.
• Prepare and analyze detailed written reports and correspondence.
• Respond to public inquiries and maintain community relations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Use computers and various computer applications.
• Present cases in small claims court with minimum supervision.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Critically analyze data.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Speak, read, and write English at a level necessary for effective performance.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience:
Two years of professional level experience in the investigation of claims or other litigation support.

-AND

Education:
Completion of an Associate of Arts/Associate of Science degree (60 units) in administration of justice or a closely related field. A Bachelor's degree is highly desirable.

Substitution:
Possession of a valid California Private Investigator License may substitute for one year of the required experience.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts anddegrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

PROOF OF CERTIFICATION

Should certification and/or license be used to qualify for this position, then proof of said certification and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Driver License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Requirements:
On an intermittent basis sit at a desk; twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; write and use a keyboard and occasionally lift or carry weight of 25 pounds or less; incumbents may travel to and participate in various events throughout the City which may involve exposure to traffic and inclement weather conditions. Requires effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing.

Environmental Conditions:
Work is performed in the field on occasion and could include standing, kneeling, and bending; may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and confrontational interactions.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline ;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
  • If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
  • If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.
• Proof of certification and/or license should be submitted online with your application. Proof of certification and/or license will be required at time of appointment.

2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office by the final filing deadline ;

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
• Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
• Possession of the minimum qualifications is not necessarily a guarantee for further advancement in the selection process.

3. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail) -All applications received by the final filing deadline will be forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.

4. Interview Process: Human Resources will forward applications to the hiring department. Those determined to be the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.

5. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.

QUESTIONS:
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment ;
• Send an email to [email protected] ; or
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726

Bilingual Pay
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information

Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

Closing Date/Time: 4/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$68,078.86 - $95,793.80 Annually