HOUSING INVESTIGATOR 8516

About the Role Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of alleged violations of the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and/or Housing Code. You will gather and evaluate evidence, inspect properties, interview tenants and landlords, prepare legal cases for the City Attorney’s Office, negotiate settlements, and represent the City at public events. You may also act as a head investigator or supervise investigative support and public counter staff. Key Responsibilities Investigations & Inspections: Investigate RSO and Housing Code violations through property inspections, witness interviews, and evidence gathering. Legal Case Preparation: Compile, evaluate, and organize legal documents; conduct legal research; and prepare oral and written reports on investigative findings. Enforcement & Settlement: Prepare legal cases for referral to the City Attorney’s Office Criminal Division; negotiate complaint settlements and case closures with landlords and tenants. Public Representation & Leadership: Represent the City at public events to provide information about the RSO; act as a head investigator reviewing team work or supervise investigative support staff. Minimum Qualifications Meet one of the following: Bachelor’s Degree + Professional Experience: Graduation from an accredited four-year college/university + 1 year of full-time paid professional experience (meaning the position itself required a 4-year degree) investigating complaints, conducting inspections/interviews, researching laws, evaluating evidence, preparing reports, and compiling legal documents for civil/criminal enforcement. Paralegal Certificate + Experience: A paralegal certificate from a U.S. training program + 1 year of full-time paid paralegal experience investigating complaints, evaluating evidence, and preparing legal documents for civil/criminal enforcement. General Experience: 4 years of full-time paid experience performing the duties described above, with at least 1 year related to civil or criminal enforcement actions. Special Requirements & Strict Document Rules Driver’s License: A valid Class C California driver’s license is required. Disqualification will occur if the DMV record within the last 36 months reflects 3+ moving violations/at-fault accidents, or a major violation (DUI/DWI). CRITICAL Document Submission: Requirement #1: MUST list school name, location, degree type, and major in the Education section of the application. Requirement #2: MUST attach a copy of the paralegal certificate to the online application BEFORE submitting. Documents attached after submission will NOT be credited. Preferred: Experience in Housing Law is highly desired. Transcripts: Applicants may attach a copy of their qualifying degree and transcripts in the Attachments section to expedite the verification process. Selection Process & Test Dates Examination: Advisory Essay (Online) + Interview (100% weight). Advisory Essay: Administered online. Must be completed with substantive responses to all questions to be invited to the interview. Failure to complete it results in failure of the entire exam. Interview: Evaluates Analytical Ability, Interpersonal Skills, Written Communication, Fact Finding (investigative/interviewing techniques), and Job Knowledge (mediation, confidentiality). May be held in Los Angeles or online. Anticipated Test Schedule: Apply Mar 20, 2026 – Apr 2, 2026: Essay: May 11–18, 2026 | Interview: June 8–18, 2026 Apply Mar 19, 2027 – Apr 1, 2027: Essay: May 10–17, 2027 | Interview: June 7–17, 2027 Passing Score: A final average score of 70% or higher is required to be placed on the eligible list. Restriction: You may take this examination only once every 18 months. How to Apply & Application Deadlines Filing Period 1: Friday, March 20, 2026 to Thursday, April 2, 2026 Filing Period 2: Friday, March 19, 2027 to Thursday, April 1, 2027 How to Apply: Applications are ONLY accepted online at governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity. Note: The examination may close without prior notice once a sufficient number of applications are received. Applicants are urged to apply early! Employment Details Benefits: Employee benefit coverage (health, dental, life insurance) commences approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Disaster Service: All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers. EEO & Accommodations: The City of Los Angeles is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities can be requested by completing the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of application submittal.