Investigator Jobs in California
Investigator jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in insurance claims, corporate compliance, law enforcement support, and private investigation across a wide seniority range from entry-level to senior and supervisory roles. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco, where employers such as Sedgwick, Farmers Insurance, and the California Department of Insurance maintain substantial investigator workforces. The most in-demand specialties are workers' compensation investigation, fraud examination, and insurance claims investigation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Posting: Captain
Department of Insurance
SUPERVISING FRAUD INVESTIGATOR II, DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
$9,840.00 - $13,459.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 11/16/2026
Job Description and Duties
New to state service? Learn how to apply here .
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
- The incumbent must be able to work in a high-rise building
- Frequent sitting is required
Position Details
Department Information
FRAUD DIVISION
CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL OFFICE
5737 North Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93710
Special Requirements
- Exam list eligibility - refer to exam link below.
- Transfer eligibility, if applicable, for current/former civil service employees
- Supplemental Questionnaire
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: 11/16/2026Who May 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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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
- Other -
Supplemental Questionnaire - Instructions may be found in the Supplemental Questionnaire Section of this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications
- Recent experience in State service as a peace officer investigating auto, workers’ compensation, property and casualty insurance fraud;
- Ability to be self-motivated, motivate others, set and achieve goals, and operate with a high degree of independence;
- Ability to successfully perform both the investigative and administrative duties of the job;
- Ability to liaison with State, Federal, and municipal law enforcement agencies;
- Ability to coordinate and liaison with Federal and State prosecuting agencies;
- Graduate of Regular Basic Course (RBC) Academy or Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course (SIBC) Academy required.
Benefits
- Free Parking
- Flexible work hours
- 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.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
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
Examination Information
EXAMINATION LINK: Supervising Fraud Investigator II Exam
Step 2 - Submit your application including all required documents, by using the "Apply Now" button found at the top of this bulletin.
Supplemental Questionnaire
A Supplemental Questionnaire is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678) in order to be considered for this position. Applicants who fail to submit a Supplemental Questionnaire will be eliminated from the selection process. Resumes, cover letters, or other documents do not substitute for the Supplemental Questionnaire. The Supplemental Questionnaire should be a typed response to the following questions using 12 point Arial font, single spaced, 1 inch margins, and no more than 1 page per question response.
Supplemental Questionnaire:
1. Describe your experience, investigating and supervising the investigation of complex insurance fraud cases. Include your experience utilizing surveillance, undercover options, and confidential informants as an investigator and as a supervisor.
2. Describe your experience in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and training new employees as a supervisor.
3. Share your experience establishing and maintaining cooperative and productive working relationships with prosecutors. Include experience overcoming challenges relating to communication, staffing changes, or filing decisions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California 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.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
See All 123+ Investigator Jobs in California
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Find Investigator JobsInvestigator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Investigator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Insurance
- Science & Research
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in investigator jobs across California.
- Active California Private Investigator license issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law, or a related field preferred by most employers
- Prior experience in law enforcement, insurance claims, or compliance investigations strongly preferred
- Proficiency in case management software and electronic evidence collection tools
- Strong written reporting skills with the ability to produce clear, court-admissible documentation
- Valid California driver's license and reliable vehicle for field assignments
Investigator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a investigator in California?
To work as a licensed private investigator in California, you must obtain a Private Investigator license through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Applicants need a combination of qualifying experience and education, pass a written examination, and submit to a background check. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field satisfies part of the requirement, and applicants must also carry liability insurance before working independently.
Which companies hire investigators in California?
Employers hiring investigators in California right now include Ethos Risk Services, Peraton, and Travelers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's large insurance industry, state government agencies, and major corporate compliance departments make it one of the most consistent markets for investigator hiring in the country.
Which California cities have the most investigator jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose have the most investigator openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its dense concentration of insurance carriers, law firms, and corporate headquarters, while Sacramento's state government agencies generate steady public-sector demand, and San Francisco's financial and tech sectors fuel ongoing need for compliance and fraud investigators.
Are there remote investigator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most investigator work requires fieldwork, in-person interviews, or on-site surveillance, which limits remote options significantly. About 56% of investigator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in desk-based functions such as fraud analysis, records review, and insurance claims coordination.
How can I get hired as a investigator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for an investigative assistant or claims representative role at a large California insurance carrier, where on-the-job training prepares you for fieldwork. Employers such as Farmers Insurance and Sedgwick regularly hire candidates into entry-level claims positions that transition into investigator roles. Completing the coursework required to apply for a California Private Investigator license, even before you hold one, demonstrates seriousness to hiring managers and gives you a clear credential advantage.
Where can I find and apply to investigator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to investigator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring now. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialty, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 123+ Investigator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Investigator Jobs