Defender Investigator

Posting Date

11 / 04 / 25

Application Deadline

11 / 09 / 25

Pay Range

$29.25 - $46.50 hourly

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Public Defender

About the Position

Are you inquisitive? Do you enjoy conducting investigations, reviewing, and assembling evidence, and collaborating with staff to develop defense theories and strategies for the effective representation of clients? Then the Defender Investigator could be perfect for you!

About the Office of the Public Defender

With over 400 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud to Offer

Work with a greater purpose

Tuition reimbursement

Exceptional work-life balance

Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

Child care benefits including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club , dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively

Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts

Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

Learn more at Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

Three years of investigative experience

High school diploma

Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value

Criminal defense, law enforcement, or military investigative experience

Experience working in a detective capacity

Bilingual (English / Spanish)

Job Contributions

Work closely with attorneys to assistin the development of defense strategies and case theories

Review and evaluate physical and documentary evidence and recommend securing additional background information and detailed evidence that may be needed for the case

Conduct field investigations including, but not limited to, taking photographs, videotaping, obtaining witness statements, preparing courtroom and crime scene diagrams, obtaining family histories, alibis, and various in-state / out-of-state public, private, and government records

Update attorneys on the progress of investigations and provide recommendations for further investigative efforts

Locate and interview potential witnesses in defense of criminal cases, which may require in-state and / or out-of-state travel

Prepare oral and written investigative reports and maintain case activity logs

Interact with attorneys, management, co-workers, clients, criminal authorities, investigators from other law enforcement agencies, and other interested parties

Testify in court and conduct jail visits

Working Conditions

Ability to travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles and / or private vehicles used on County business

Ability to lift 20 pounds from the floor to waist, 25 pounds waist to shoulder, 10 pounds shoulder to overhead, carry 25 pounds a distance of 1000 feet, or push / pull 50 pounds a distance of 1000 feet

Interact with persons of varying degrees of mental stability and occasionally may be exposed to hostile situations

May be exposed to biohazard material and / or contagious diseases

Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Selection Procedure

Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

Must pass a pre-employment background and / or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply Now!