Grant Funded Investigator Public Defender

Please note:This is a two-year grant funded position beginning March 2026.

• Conducts investigations related to the defense of public defender clients.
• Interviews defendants and others in custody in jail juvenile hall and other facilities.
• Analyzes and evaluates police court and other records including videos; prepares and serves subpoenas.

Plans directs and conducts investigations related to the defense of a variety of court and agency referred clients.
Locates and interviews defendants complainants law enforcement officials witnesses and other involved parties.
Interviews defendants and others in custody in jail juvenile hall and mental facilities.
Analyzes and evaluates police court and other records; prepares and serves subpoenas.
Collects secures and preserves evidence photographs fingerprints and diagrams; transports evidence to crime labs for examination.
Prepares the penalty phase of death penalty cases.
Acts as liaison between the County and law enforcement agencies and between various County departments.
Collects and verifies documents statements evidence and testimony assists attorneys in analysis of cases.
Prepares a variety of investigative reports related to assigned cases; organizes and maintains caseload records.
Reviews procedures protocols and systems; recommends revisions as needed.
Develops and provides training to designated staff in County departments on subjects related to case preparation interviewing and related issues.
Testifies in court to verify information collected during investigations.
Operates and maintains a variety of recording equipment; assists in conducting polygraph examinations.
Assists in developing investigation policies and procedures.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of law enforcement including crime scene evidence preservation and interpretation and arrest and custody procedures.
• Principles methods and equipment used in the investigation of crimes. Methods of tracing and locating individuals that have disappeared.
• Laws codes and ordinances governing rules of evidence and criminal investigations.
• Methods and techniques of interviewing.
• Principles laws codes and ordinances governing the investigation and preparation of the penalty phase of death penalty cases.
• Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for criminal investigations.
• Standard office practices and procedures including the use of a personal computer.
• Principles and practices of training.

• Investigating and analyzing crime scene information and evidence collected evaluating findings and reaching sound conclusions.
• Interviewing and obtaining information from witnesses suspects and others.
• Tracing and locating individuals using a variety of methods.
• Preparing clear and concise reports correspondence and other written materials.
• Investigating and preparing the penalty phase of death penalty cases.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Providing effective training to others.
• 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.