Associate Inspector General (Associate Management Auditor)

Job Description and Duties Under the direction of the OIG-HSR Supervising Management Auditor, the Associate Management Auditor is responsible for proficiently and independently handling complex, difficult, and sensitive inspections, evaluations, reviews, audits, and investigations (engagements), and presenting findings to management. The incumbent performs engagements to provide oversight of highly technical areas, including the High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) parametric cost estimates, cost controls, project schedules, risk management, change order management, and economic benefit and projected ridership calculations for the California high-speed rail project (Project). The position develops knowledge and understanding of the Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) as well as Principles and Standards for Offices of Inspector General. The position assists in annual risk assessments and engagement planning processes, assists with engagement and OIG-HSR program quality reviews, assists supervisors in staff development, and may function in a lead capacity with lower-level staff. Staff in this position must exercise exceptional professional judgment, professional ethical behavior, integrity, and a commitment to fostering and promoting accountability and integrity in government. NOTE: A Training and Development (T&D) assignment may be considered for this position. If interested in a T&D assignment, please indicate on your State Application STD. 678. This advertisement is posted as Open Until Filled and the advertisement will remain open until the vacancy is filled. Cut-offs for applications will be every other Thursday, starting Septemeber 17, 2026, and applications will be reviewed per those cut-off dates. Hires can be made at any time based on the applications received by the cut-off dates. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. 1. Please explain your interest in the position and how your knowledge, skills, and abilities would make you effective in the position. 2. Please describe a time that you worked as a member of a team to solve a difficult problem. Include an explanation of what made the problem difficult, how you collaborated with the other members of the team, and your role in solving the problem. Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process. For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below. 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: • Objectivity, impartiality, sound judgment, and a high degree of integrity. • Ability to exercise due professional care, including professional skepticism and diligence in completing engagements in accordance with professional standards and ethical principles. • High degree of confidentiality for sensitive issues. • Ability to engage in respectful communication with all stakeholders. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, think strategically, manage change, provide innovative solutions to complex, technical, and politically sensitive problems, and respond effectively to feedback. • Ability to work effectively under pressure and to ensure timely completion of tasks within the stipulated hours and milestones. • Ability to apply the required knowledge; establish and maintain assignment priorities; consult with and advise administrators and other interested parties on a variety of subject-matter areas. • Ability to speak and write effectively, and to follow oral and written directions. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to provide engagement results, in a fair and balanced manner. • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Authority experts, including Governor-appointed functional directors that oversee key functions, such as rail, strategic delivery, infrastructure delivery, engineering, environmental services, real property, planning and sustainability, and risk management. • Ability to develop subject matter expertise in and to critically evaluate one or more highly technical functional areas, including cost estimation techniques, project scheduling systems, economic benefit calculations, and the federal guidance and industry standards upon which these are based. • Knowledge of government auditing standards, as well as various approaches and methodologies for performing effective reviews of agency operations. • Knowledge of professional standards for investigations, inspections, evaluations, and reviews. • Skill to perform investigatory work, and plan, organize, and direct investigations. • Ability to use a computer, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. • Knowledge of the organization and functions of California state government, particularly those functions directly affecting the High-Speed Rail project. • Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, requirements, and guidelines. • Knowledge of and experience evaluating practices for organizational management, project management, and internal controls. • Knowledge of transportation capital project operations and processes, including risk management, project controls, procurement and contract oversight processes, economic benefit calculations, and funding strategies. • Knowledge of contracting and procurement laws, regulations, and practices. • Knowledge of accounting systems, contract invoicing and billing, and overhead cost rates. • Experience developing engagement plans, conducting fieldwork on performance audits, reviews, or investigations, developing audit reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders, including audited entities.