Food and Drug Investigator

Overview

The Food and Drug Branch’s mission is to protect and improve the health of all California residents by assuring that food, drugs, and medical devices are safe and not adulterated, misbranded nor falsely advertised, and that drugs and medical devices are effective.

 

Job Description and Duties

THERE IS ONE VACANCY BEING ADVERTISED ACROSS MULTIPLE COUNTIES. THE INCUMBENT WILL BE HEADQUARTERED IN THE COUNTY NEAREST THE RESIDENCE OF THE SELECTED CANDIDATE. THE COUNTIES ARE: * Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego *

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by promoting health and wellness and improving state health outcomes by advancing protective measures and reducing risks.

The Investigator is responsible for conducting thorough and complex investigations, initiating enforcement actions to safeguard public health, delivering educational outreach, collaborating within a team environment for planning, evaluation, and quality improvement, maintaining technical expertise, and working cooperatively with industry partners and government agencies.

This classification consists of two alternate ranges. As incumbents advance within the ranges, their law enforcement responsibilities are expected to become more complex and require broader knowledge and application of investigative techniques and procedures. More advanced incumbents train and lead staff in the performance of field investigations and conduct the more complex criminal, civil, or administrative investigations to detect or verify suspected violations of laws.

This position is designated as peace officer under California Penal Code 830.3 (f) and (h). The incumbent performs the full range of peace officer duties and responsibilities in the accomplishment of their assignments and must comply with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CA POST). During the course of their employment, incumbents are required to carry a firearm and be proficient in its use. They must also be knowledgeable in the use of force, and demonstrate appropriate application as prescribed in department policy.

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Supervising Food and Drug Investigator of the Food and Drug Branch (FDB), Drug and Medical Device Compliance and Enforcement Section, Investigations and Technical Support Unit.

This classification is authorized to receive a starting salary rate of $6,974.00 under Pay Scales Section 5.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 2% in exchange for 3.5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

If new to California state service, you will need to have taken and passed the examination for this classification in order to be hired for this position. If you are a current state employee, but do not have transfer eligibility or list eligibility, you will need to have taken and passed the examination for this classification in order to be hired for this position. Please go to CalHR’s website to review the exam bulletin:

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearchResults.aspx#classid=3976

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:

 

 

• Experience investigating, inspecting, and auditing facilities required to operate with a government-issued license to ensure compliance with government laws, regulations, and guidelines.

• Planning, organizing, and conducting independent investigations, inspections, or audits.

• Ability to review manufactured products and the associated records, policies, procedures, and documents to determine if a violation has occurred.

• Prioritize and manage multiple investigations, work plans and assignments.

• Writing complex investigation, inspection or audit reports that clearly and concisely document the results.

• Maintaining issued equipment (vehicle, computer, camera, etc.) to conduct investigations, inspections, or audits.

• Knowledge of principles and practices related to medical devices, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing industries. Experience in enforcing federal and state regulations.

 

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=8610
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.

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=525448

 

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.