Investigator (Public Defender)

Description

THE COUNTY OF EL DORADO


The County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected, and valued. The dedicated efforts taken by the Board of Supervisors continue to promote El Dorado County as a competitive employer that is committed to recruiting and retaining qualified employees by advocating for competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The County of El Dorado is also supportive of providing telework opportunities for employees consistent with business needs and in accordance with the Board of Supervisors Policy E-12 - Telecommuting.

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE


The Public Defender's office is committed to providing legal representation for people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire private counsel. The Public Defender’s office provides quality legal services in a compassionate and professional manner, providing constitutional balance to the El Dorado County legal system.

THE OPPORTUNITY

You will have the opportunity to perform routine investigative tasks for a variety of public defender cases, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive instruction as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Plan, direct, and conduct investigations related to the defense of a variety of court-referred clients.
• Locate and interview defendants, complainants, law enforcement officials, witnesses, and other involved parties, interviews defendants in custody in jails, juvenile hall, and mental facilities.
• Analyze and evaluate police, court, evidence, and other records; prepares and serves subpoenas.
• Coordinate transportation for witnesses.
• Collect, secure, and preserve evidence, photographs, fingerprints, and diagrams.

For a full description of duties and responsibilities, review the job description here .

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The El Dorado County Public Defender’s office is seeking a highly skilled Investigator with a minimum of two years of experience in criminal investigations at all levels. Preference is given to candidates with a background in law enforcement, and a POST certificate is desirable. The ideal candidate should excel at working both independently and collaboratively when assigned, possess strong problem-solving abilities to develop creative solutions as needed and demonstrate a committed adherence to the chain of command.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, capable of staying focused and on task with minimal supervision, and have excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing. A clear and concise writing ability is essential, along with possession of a POST certificate is desired, but not required. Experience working in diverse climates and topography as required by caseload is desirable.

Human Resources will assess your application to determine if you are minimally qualified using the following recommendations:

Any combination of the required experience, education, and training that would provide the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by college-level coursework in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field, and two (2) years of criminal investigative experience with a public defender's office, district attorney's office, or similar law enforcement agency.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a P.O.S.T certificate is desirable.

Click here to view the minimum qualifications for Investigator (Public Defender) as well as the physical, environmental, and working conditions.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' link at the top of this announcement. When your online application and responses to the required supplemental questions are complete, click 'Accept'.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, contact Kelly Gatchet in Human Resources at kelly.gatchet@edcgov.us

Click Here to get tips for applying with the County.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS The Human Resources Department will screen all applications to identify qualified candidates. After screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the recruitment process.

Training and Experience Evaluation

A training and experience evaluation will be utilized to determine an applicant's ability to continue in the recruitment process and rank for referral to specific vacancies. Based on the information in the application and/or responses to supplemental questions, the applicant's education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.

Supplemental questions play an integral role in this recruitment process. Please take the time to provide thoughtful and thorough responses. The information you provide may be used to determine your ranking for referral to specific vacancies. All work experience described or included in your response(s) MUST be included in your application's "Work Experience" section. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation.

For more information on the recruitment process, click here.

Based on the department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The County of El Dorado is recruiting applicants for Investigator (Public Defender). This recruitment will establish a list for the purpose of filling current and future full-time, part-time, and extra help vacancies for at least three (3) months. In accordance with Personnel Rules 1103.1 and 1105.1, an extra help or limited term employee may be transitioned into a regular employee if the department in which the employee works has a vacant allocated position for the same classification as held by the extra help or limited term employee and the appointing authority requests such transfer.

If you are interested in the Investigator (Public Defender) position, please submit your application.

We currently have the following vacancies:

• One (1) full-time vacancy in the Public Defender's office, located in Shingle Springs, CA

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

The County of El Dorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Many job classifications require pre-employment medical screening. Depending on the job classification, medical screening may include drug testing; a positive test may result in the revocation of an employment offer.

As required by Internal Revenue Service Publication 1075, individuals in positions that have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI), will be subject to a background investigation and a criminal history check. In addition, individuals hired into positions that have access to FTI will be re-investigate at least once every five (5) years.

Not just rustic mining towns and historic sites - Today El Dorado County is a year-round vacation destination overflowing with outdoor adventure, inviting agritourism locations, enriching family activities, and a proud Gold Rush history.

Escape the traffic and smog because El Dorado County is just:

• 40 miles from Downtown Sacramento
• 50 miles from Sacramento Airport
• 129 miles to San Francisco

Here are a few of the many activities and events available throughout El Dorado County:

• Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Boating, and Watersports
• Skiing and Snowboarding
• Live Music and Music Festivals
• Local Craft Breweries and Wineries
• El Dorado County Fair
• Placerville Speedway
• Farm to Fork Restaurants
• Local Shopping Gems

Employees who are buying a home in El Dorado County may qualify for down payment assistance. Click here for more information .


CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO TO LEARN MORE!

The County of El Dorado is committed to providing a comprehensive, flexible benefits program to meet your needs!

For your Health and Well-Being:

• Medical
  
• Dental
  
• Vision
  
• Flexible Spending Accounts - FSA & HSA
  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  
• Basic Life Insurance
  
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
  
• County sponsored Wellness program
  
• Discounts on gym memberships
  

For your Financial Future:

• CalPERS Retirement
  
• Deferred Compensation (457) Plans
  
• Optional Life Insurance
  

For your Work/Life Balance:

• Paid Holidays
  
• Floating Holidays
  
• Vacation and sick leave accruals
  
• Personal and bereavement leave
  

Below is a comprehensive benefit summary based on full-time, regular employment for the bargaining unit to which this classification is assigned.

Revised 1/2025, valid until modified by successor MOU or negotiated agreement.

To learn more about the benefits offered by the County of El Dorado please visit our website located here .

Extra help employees are not considered regular employees, therefore do not attain civil service status, and do not receive benefits or paid leaves; however, they do accrue sick leave consistent with the law.

Closing Date/Time: 5/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• County of El Dorado

• 530-621-5565

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