• Job Description

  Req#: 4642319

  The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

  We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.

  For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule. County website
  
  

  General Statement of Duties:

  Under direction, investigates difficult and complex criminal cases for the Public Defender’s Office; obtains and processes information and evidence required to prepare cases for defense representation; and performs related work as required.
  
  
  

  Distinguishing Characteristics:

  This is a single-position classification that performs the full range of investigative duties for the Public Defender’s Office. Incumbents perform criminal and civil investigations requiring a broad scope of investigative techniques, independent analysis of information and evidence, and independent action.
  
  

  Reports to:

  Assistant Public Defender or Public Defender
  
  

  Classifications Supervised:

  None
  
  

  Essential Functions:

  • Conducts investigations of alleged criminal and civil violations at the request of the Public Defender.
  • Reviews law enforcement, social services and other agency reports; collects and analyzes evidence and information from these and other sources to obtain an accurate account of the events, participants, and properties involved in an assigned case; interviews defendants, victims, witnesses and others.
  • Photographs crime scenes, evidence or injuries as needed; collects, documents and preserves evidence for analysis and presentation in court; diagrams and sketches crime scenes to document location of evidence.
  • Prepares comprehensive reports and documentation to support and facilitate legal defense.
  • Prepares and serves subpoenas.
  • Provide expert witness testimony in court as required.
  • Works closely with the Public Defender and staff, other attorneys, departments and agencies in identifying, investigating and preparing cases and related activities.
  • Evaluates assigned operations and activities; recommends modifications in policies and procedures to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.
  • Monitors expenditures and prepares related records and reports.
  • Responds to and resolves inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility.
  • Performs general administrative and clerical duties as necessary, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, sending and receiving faxes, and ordering supplies.
  • Attends training to maintain and improve job knowledge and skills.
  • Performs related duties as required.

  
  

  Desired Skills:

  • Interpret, analyze and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
  • Analyze complex criminal investigation problems, develop alternatives and adopt effective courses of action.
  • Keep abreast of trends, technology and requirements in investigative operations.
  • Evaluate assigned functions and operations and develop recommendations to improve service and efficiency.
  • Conduct effective interviews and interrogations.
  • Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics and facts of incidents.
  • Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials.
  • Use computer programs for record-keeping and reporting purposes.
  • Make accurate calculations when required.
  • Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

  
  

  Knowledge of:

  • Applicable Federal, State, and County laws, codes, ordinances, regulations and standards affecting assigned operations, including laws and regulations that govern suspect and prisoner rights, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.
  • Principles, practices, techniques and equipment used in in-depth criminal investigation.
  • Crime scene reconstruction and processing procedures.
  • Grand jury procedures and requirements pertaining to investigative work.
  • Functions, authorities and organization of other departments and agencies involved in the criminal justice system.
  • Safety practices and precautions pertaining to investigative work. ? Report preparation methods.
  • Principles and practices of records and file management.
  • Modern office procedures, practices and technology, including the use of computers in data and word processing.
  • English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

  Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying.

  A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by 15 college semester hours in police science, and two (2) years of field experience in criminal investigations.
  • Experience in law enforcement or as a licensed private investigator is desirable.
  • Bilingual highly desirable.

  
  Special Requirements

  • Possession of, and ability to maintain, a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

  Typical Physical Requirements:

  Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various County and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone; and mobility, physical strength, and stamina to respond to emergency situations. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain, and climbing and descending structures to access work sites. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 60 pounds.
  
  

  Typical Working Conditions:

  Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may occasionally work outdoors with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions,
  vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. The duties of this class are performed in an environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.
  
  Must be willing to work on a call-in basis, and on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must meet minimum standards as described in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031. Must be willing to work with convicted criminals.

• About the company

  Siskiyou County is a county in the northernmost part of the US state of California.

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