Investigator I - Public Defender

Salary: $30.62 - $44.16 Hourly
Location : Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: I600*420 11/23
Department:Public Defender's Office
Opening Date: 12/08/2023
Closing Date: 12/26/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary: DOQ
Summary
The Whatcom County Public Defender's Office is seeking an Investigator.
The Investigator assists attorneys with all aspects of case development from initial client interviews through case disposition and post-convictions placement. This position interviews clients, witnesses and/or potential witnesses, records significant investigative findings, talks to other officials concerned.
Key job duties:

• Independently performs crime scene investigations to gather information for use in legal actions, reviews police reports and case evidence.
• Coordinates evaluation and testing of physical evidence, monitors trial strategy and prepares and organizes trial notebooks for major felony and dependency fact finding hearings.
• Photographs crime scenes and prepares diagrams and charts for trial presentation.
• Interviews clients, witnesses and/or potential witnesses, records significant investigative findings, talks to other officials concerned.
• Investigative assignments include criminal, juvenile civil.

For more information, please review the job descriptions:
Supervisor: Investigative Supervisor
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Salary Range: MCBA- Range 160.0 depending on qualification.
2024 wages are listed. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
Qualifications
Investigator I:

• A Bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justiceor a related field, AND 3 years of experience as an investigator with a law enforcement agency, other governmental agency, Public Defender's or prosecuting attorney's office, or as a licensed private investigator.

• Knowledge of Revised Code of Washington is preferred.
  
• Oral and written fluency in Spanish is preferred.
  
• Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment.
  
• No Firearms will ever be carried as part of employment.
  
• Must pass job-related tests.
  
• Background check must meet County criteria.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
is truly special and a great place to call !
Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
• Eligibilty for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefit information

01
Please indicate if you meet qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice or a related field, AND 3 years of experience as an investigator with a law enforcement agency, other governmental agency, Public Defender's or prosecuting attorney's office, or as a licensed private investigator.
• I do not meet any of these qualifications.

02
Do you have knowledge of the Revised Code of Washington? If so, please explain.
03
Are you fluent in Spanish? If so, please explain your level of oral and written fluency.
Required Question