Public Defender Investigator

Job Description:

Public Defender Investigator

Description

WHY WE EXIST

It is the mission of the Public Defender to protect and defend the rights of our indigent clients through effective, vigorous, zealous, compassionate, ethical and creative legal advocacy. The Office of the Public Defender, as guardians of liberty, ensures that the accused of today and tomorrow are given the fundamental protection of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Califo rnia Constitution.

To learn more about the Public Defender's Office, please visit: Office of the Public Defender

Essential Duties

The Public Defender is currently recruiting for a Public Defender Investigator who plans and conducts investigations to gather information for use in the legal defense of criminal and civil charges. Incumbents work with minimal supervision, determining own work priorities and methods after consulting with defense attorneys requesting investigative support. Incumbents perform a broad range of investigative duties including those of a complex nature, requiring competency in law enforcement methods and investigative techniques.

The eligible list created as a result of this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS :

Experience: Two (2) years of criminal investigation experience; AND
Education: Associate's degree is required from an accredited college, preferably in Criminal Justice or a closely related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license is required.

To view the job description for this position, please visit: Public Defender Investigator

Position Requirements

SELECTION PROCESS :
04/27/26 - 5:00pm - Deadline to submit application and required documents.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants may be invited for further examination and will either be pre-scheduled by the Department of Human Resources or be invited to self-schedule. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination . Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a supplemental questionnaire assessment, a written and/or practical exam, an oral board exam, or any combination listed. Responses to supplemental questions may be used as screening and testing mechanisms and will be used to assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the process; as such, responses to supplemental questions should be treated as test examination responses. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

A minimum score of 70% is required to continue in the selection process, unless otherwise announced.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted. These provisions are subject to change.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all qualified candidates to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service. The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment. Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

How to Submit Your Documents
In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to [email protected]. Be sure to include the recruitment title (PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR) and the recruitment number (26-413100-01) in your email or fax.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be submitted through the NeoGov system. Paper copies of applications are not accepted. All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g.: degree/transcripts, certificates, licenses, DD-214, ADA Accommodation Request, etc.) must be submitted by the final review date. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing the application. You will be evaluated based on the information provided on the application. Please ensure any experience you believe qualifies you for the job is reflected in your application’s employment history. When completing employment details, do not write “see resume,” as resumes will not be reviewed and this will be considered an incomplete application.

Supplemental Information

Veteran’s Preference Points
To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE (GENERALLY COPY 4), MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE FINAL FILING DATE (or APPLICATION REVIEW DEADLINE). Applicants who have a service connected disability must also submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.

Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined score. Disabled veterans rated at not less than 30% disability shall have ten (10) points added to their combined score. Veteran’s preference points will only be added to passing scores in competitive open examinations.

We offer a benefits package to employees which includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, holidays, vacation, and sick leave

To learn more, view our benefits summary .

Closing Date/Time: 4/27/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$3,689.57 - $4,484.69 Biweekly