Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Under direction of the Supervising Special Investigator I, the Special Investigator is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety Code 25990-25994, as well as the California Code of Regulations. The incumbent will compile information and conduct investigations of suspected illegal activity related to improper confinement of covered animals, complaints of animal cruelty at facilities subject to the law, and the illegal sale of covered products originating from covered animals confined in a cruel manner and execute policies and procedures to improve environmental health, the humane confinement and care of food-producing animals, and the sustainability of California agriculture.
As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the “essential functions” of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The CDFA does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.
Be a part of the Animal Care Program team and travel throughout California to ensure Animal Confinement laws and regulations are implemented and enforced.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
The duties of this position require the employee to work in the field approximately 70% of the time. This 70% of time includes traveling to locations throughout California, which includes air travel and overnight travel when necessary. The employee reports to the Ontario Office, Headquarters Location (at minimum on a quarterly basis), only to pick up supplies, attend meetings and turn in required documents. Travel expenses from the employee’s home to their assigned Headquarters Location are considered a normal commute and are not reimbursable.
Most of the workday will be spent traveling to various locations throughout an assigned region. When working outdoors the employee may be exposed to extremes in temperatures, sun, wind, rain, high noise levels, rural, urban and highway driving hazards, movement of large farm animals, heavy farming equipment, and less than cooperative farm operators and workers. Indoor locations may include indoor barns housing animals, food processing facilities, distribution centers, and food retail locations.
When working in the office, the employee is equipped with laptop computer hardware and various software programs including email, telephone with voicemail and other standard office essentials. Field activity equipment consists of a cellular telephone, camera, tape recorder, and optical enhancement equipment.
The Special Investigator spends a significant amount of time traveling in a state vehicle to sites where violations or other illegal activities are suspected at locations within and outside of the State. Some time is spent conducting surveillance of sites from parked vehicles and nearby vantage points. The Special Investigator also spends a considerable amount of time meeting with District staff, industry leaders, law enforcement officials, attorneys, and District Attorneys. Those meetings are usually in offices at a variety of locations.
This position may/may not be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the CDFA and based on the current telework policy. While the CDFA supports telework where possible, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.
