Performance/Policy Evaluator

Job Description and Duties

What Will You Do?

As a Performance/Policy Evaluator (Auditor Evaluator I) , you will develop recommendations to solve California’s toughest problems. Performance/Policy Evaluators must quickly understand and analyze complex processes, think creatively about effective solutions, write reports for the Legislature and the public, and participate in the development of presentations for the Legislature. Specifically, you will:

• Communicate extensively with government officials and colleagues in a collaborative environment to obtain necessary information and to convey information related to audit procedures, findings, and recommendations.
• Understand laws and best practices to develop the criteria against which the audited agency will be held accountable.
• Collect and analyze evidence to convey strong, compelling arguments that are responsive to the audit objectives and comply with government auditing standards.
• Track, interpret and analyze data using various analytical techniques to evaluate agency performance against relevant criteria.
• Thoroughly and accurately document your analyses to support audit findings and recommendations.
• Work with teams to develop final public reports.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for participation in the office’s hybrid telework program. Work at the alternate work location must be in California and conducted in a space that is ergonomically sound, private, distraction-free, and has safe working conditions to be eligible to telework.

• Work performed in the office is in an air-conditioned high-rise building with elevator access and both natural and artificial lighting.
• Work may require sitting for an extended period of time using a personal computer and the use of standard office equipment, such as phones, copiers or scanners.
• Work may require periodic non-standard work hours and work during weekends to meet workload needs and demands.
• Work may require travel, working away from headquarters and/or long and irregular work hours.

Visa Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for a visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for a visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. The California State Auditor’s Office is not an E-Verify employer.

Special Requirements

Any applicant receiving a conditional job offer will be subject to a background check, fingerprinting and an inquiry to the California Department of Justice to disclose criminal records prior to appointment. State Auditor’s Office employees are excluded from collective bargaining.

Additional hires may be made form this bulletin if positions become available.

Temporary Salary Reduction: Due to significant budget shortfalls, beginning September 1, 2025, the office will participate in the Personal Leave Program (PLP) which reduces employee salaries in exchange for accrued leave hours. The salary reduction amounts and leave accruals are based on the amounts that represented and other excluded employees receive.

How Do I Join?

The California State Auditor is part of the merit-based California civil service selection system. The civil service selection system consists of two simple steps: exams and job application. If you are not a state employee, or your state classification is not eligible to transfer, you must take the exam to be considered for the position.

1. Exam: To take the exam and get on the eligibility list, you must do the following:

1. Create a profile on our website .
2. Upload your resume and take our exam by November 12 at 12:00pm.

2. Job Application: To apply for this position you must do the following:

1. Once you complete the exam, log into your profile on our website , get your exam results, and submit your application by November 14 at 11:59pm.
2. If your exam score is high enough, we will contact you with the next steps of the hiring process.
3. If you are a current or former state employee with transfer eligibility you may submit your application through your CalCareer account or by mail to the address listed below.

For an overview of the Auditor Evaluator I hiring process, please visit the Step-by-Step Guide to Apply on our Entry-Level Positions page:

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:

Who Are You?

• You can follow our core values of integrity, commitment, and leadership.
• You are a self-starter with a sense of purpose and are able to work in an independent nonpartisan office by approaching questions objectively without bias.
• You are able to think critically and synthesize data and information into logical, meaningful, and concise conclusions that will inform sound recommendations.
• You are able to develop positive working relationships with teammates and other colleagues.
• You are able to self-reflect and respond to feedback in a positive and constructive manner.
• You are not afraid to engage in difficult conversations.
• You have strong research and analytical skills and are able to effectively and concisely write the results of your research and analysis.
• You have strong communication skills including the ability to write in a clear and concise manner.
• You are willing to occasionally work long or irregular hours to get the job done.
• You are, or will become a California resident, and are willing to travel to various work locations throughout the State of California.
• You have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher (registered college seniors can begin the process but must graduate before starting).

Why Should You Join Us?

• You want to make a difference for Californians and future generations, and make sure California government is effectively serving its people.
• You want to work in a professional environment and be a part of a team of intelligent colleagues doing meaningful work.
• You have a passion for public service, critical thinking skills, and want to be a part of a team that is dedicated to improving California government.

• You desire a monthly salary range of $5,963- $8,462 as well as a longevity bonus .

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

WHAT IS THE HIRING TIMELINE?

There are multiple steps to the hiring process including an exam and multiple interviews. The general steps in the hiring process are as follows:

• You will receive an invitation to complete a pre-recorded video interview within three weeks of applying if your exam score is high enough. You will have ten calendar days to complete your pre-recorded video interview.
• You will be notified in late December or early January if you are moving forward in the hiring process out of fairness to all applicants.
• You will participate in an in-person interview in February or early March and be notified if you are moving forward within three to four weeks of your in-person interview.
• You will join our team in early May, June, or July 2026.

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 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 required and must be included.