Sheriff's Investigator

Under general supervision investigates the more difficult and complex criminal cases for the Sheriffs Office obtains and analyzes information to prepare cases; arrests suspects; works with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal activities of regional state and national significance; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the skilled peace officer investigative class competent to perform a broad range of investigative activities. Incumbents receive specialized training in investigative techniques and apply those techniques in the resolution of complex criminal investigations. This class is distinguished from Sheriffs Sergeant in that the latter plans organizes and supervises the work of Deputy Sheriffs and may direct investigation of more immediate scope.

• Directs and conducts investigation of felony and high-level misdemeanor cases.
• Coordinates and directs the activities at a crime scene to protect and preserve needed information and evidence; analyzes the crime scene identifies and seizes evidence; sets up crime scene security; organizes and conducts searches and locates suspicious conditions.
• Interviews relevant witnesses victims suspects and other leads to obtain an accurate account of events participants and properties involved in an assigned case.
• Directs the work of evidence technicians in the collection and preservation of evidence; takes photographs creates crime scene drawings and takes accurate measurements.
• Develops an investigative strategy to solve crimes; interviews and follows up on leads; develops suspect profiles; researches public records; develops sources of information; travels as necessary to pursue investigations.
• Conducts surveillance; videotapes activities and conducts search and seizure activities to seize evidence; coordinates investigations with other law enforcement agencies such as FBI Customs Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies.
• Prepares search warrants and affidavits in support of searches; completes searches and gathers additional evidence.
• Works with the District Attorneys office in the preparation of cases for trial; testifies in court as necessary.
• Operates a variety of cameras listening devices telephoto equipment etc. to observe suspects and record evidence.
• Reviews a variety of journals and government publications to monitor new and/or changing laws regulations and techniques relating to criminal investigations.

Knowledge of:

• Principles methods and equipment in crime detection and criminal investigations.
• Rules of evidence and the laws governing custody of suspects.
• Methods of tracing and locating individuals who have disappeared.
• Law enforcement terminology and concepts.
• Federal state and local laws codes and regulations governing rules of evidence and criminal investigations.
• Methods and techniques of interviewing.
• Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work.

• Investigating and analyzing crime scene and other evidence.
• Formulating and evaluating possible solutions based on limited evidence and information.
• Developing sound investigative approaches to problems.
• Interviewing and obtaining information from witnesses suspects and others.
• Establishing contacts from which evidence can be obtained.
• Exercising sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines.
• Preparing clear and concise reports correspondence
• records and other written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.Applicants must apply online through the Countys automated application system at must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received the selection process may consist of additional application screening written and/or practical exam(s) oral interview or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application

Can I change my application after submitting it

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC Disabled Persons Veterans LGBTQIA community members etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the recognition of these structural and systemic factors the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways oftentimes outside of formal institutions and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicants qualifications for a position.

If youre excited about this role but your past work experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs activities and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation please contact Human Resources immediately at so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race religion or religious creed color age sex sexual orientation national origin ancestry marital status medical condition mental or physical disability military service or any other classification protected by federal state or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California drivers license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the Countys intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.