Estate Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $89,003.20 - $154,460.80 Annually
Location : Oroville/Chico Area, CA
Job Type: Regular Help
Job Number: 2611132191
Department: District Attorney's Office
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 9/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Summary
This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.
The District Attorney's Office is part of the executive branch of government, supporting and enforcing the laws made by the legislative branch and interpreted by the judicial branch. District Attorney Michael Ramsey and his staff are committed to providing professional service to further the protection of all Butte County residents and visitors. For more information about the Butte County District Attorney's Office, please visit
This recruitment is for level I and level II.
FLSA: Non-Exempt
DEFINITION
Under close supervision (Investigator I) or general supervision (Investigator II), conducts investigations and resolves assigned cases for the District Attorney's office relating to felony, misdemeanor, juvenile, civil, conservatorship and related cases; coordinates with prosecuting attorneys to prepare cases for trial enforces state laws; performs related work as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives close supervision (Investigator I), or general supervision (Investigator II) from an Investigative Lieutenant. Exercises no direct supervision of staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Investigator I: This is the entry level in the District Attorney's Investigator series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Investigator II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.
Investigator II: This is the journey-level class in the District Attorney's Investigator series responsible for performing the full range of duties required of the classification. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from Investigative Lieutenant in that the latter is providing supervises assigned staff and for performing investigative work on the more sensitive or complex cases.
Positions in the Investigator class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.
Essential Job Functions
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Plans, directs, and conducts investigations, and follow-up related to a variety of criminal, civil and juvenile cases, including child abuse, code enforcement, narcotics, sexual assault, environmental crimes, consumer fraud, real estate fraud, workers' compensation fraud and welfare fraud.
• Locates and interviews defendants, complainants, law enforcement officials, witnesses, and other involved parties; interviews defendants in custody, juvenile hall, and mental facilities.
• Prepares criminal and civil cases and testifies before the Grand Jury and at Court proceedings; works with attorneys to prepare investigative information to support charges and trial strategy; prepares evidence for court proceedings.
• Prepares probable cause affidavits and criminal complaints; procures arrest and search warrants; serves warrants and makes arrests as authorized.
• Analyzes and evaluates police, court, and other records; prepares and serves subpoenas; prepares search and arrest warrants.
• Arranges for transportation, housing, and protection of witnesses who are under grant of immunity, or for paid operators and informants.
• Collects, secures, and preserves evidence, photographs, fingerprints, and diagrams; prepares court exhibits.
• Enforces local, state, and federal laws; performs arrests and raids; confers with city, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers.
• Responds to crime scenes as directed; processes crime scene and analyzes evidence; identifies and collects evidence; performs surveillance duties.
• Researches and locates witnesses; maintains a list of expert witnesses and Special Masters.
• Collects and verifies documents, statements, evidence, and testimony; prepares a variety of investigative research and reports related to assigned cases; organizes and maintains caseload records.
• Initiates and processes special legal procedures pertaining to court and/or child abduction cases.
• Operates and maintains a variety of recording equipment.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to rules of evidence and criminal investigations.
• California criminal justice and court systems, procedures, and protocols.
• Principles and practices of law enforcement, including crime scene and arrest and custody procedures.
• Principles, methods, and techniques of investigation, including the gathering, preservation, and presentation of evidence and techniques for observation and memorization of critical details.
• Interviewing and interrogation principles, techniques and methods including extracting information from people who are reluctant to cooperate.
• Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for criminal investigations.
• Sources of information used in locating persons.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Interpret laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful and emergency situations.
• Investigate and analyze crime scene and other evidence, evaluate findings, and reach sound conclusions; remember names, faces and details of incidents
• Interview and obtain information from witnesses, suspects, and others; communicate with violators and mediate difficult situations.

• Maintain accurate records and files.

• Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions, and adopt an effective course of action.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Maintain the integrity, professionalism, philosophies, attitudes, values, and intentions of the department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field; and
Investigator I: Five (5) years of full-time law enforcement experience gained during employment as a California Peace Officer.
Investigator II: Three (3) years of full-time investigative experience gained during employment as a California Peace Officer or two (2) years as an Investigator for a California District Attorney's Office.
Certifications and Licenses:

• Possession of a valid Basic or higher certification issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Must maintain firearms qualification.
• A valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a vehicle to various County and meeting sites; to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach climb to perform work; to perform field work requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain, and climbing and descending structures to access work sites.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate public safety equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The principal duties of this class are performed in a field environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.
• Outdoor conditions with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, moving vehicles, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Also includes an office or station environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
• Subject to physical harm such as dangerous vehicles, gunshots, and physical attacks.
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, drugs, and infectious and communicable diseases.
• Subject to extended periods of intense concentration in review of crime scenes, investigation details, and law enforcement reports.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work emergencies and on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must meet minimum standards as described in California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes a motor vehicle, personal computer, fax machine, computerized and standard office equipment.
• Special equipment utilized includes emergency equipped vehicles; firearms; impact baton; two-way radios; cameras; EID unit (Taser); radar units; pepper spray; blood, drug, and chemical analysis kits.

Disaster Service Worker
All Butte County 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.
Deputy Sheriff's Association-General Unit (DSA-General)
THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES
Incentive Pays:
POST Certificate: 3.5% Intermediate and 4.5% Advanced.
Patrol Premium Pay:
Deputy Sheriffs and Sheriff's Sergeants assigned to work 12 hours shifts while on patrol receive a 2.5% Patrol Premium.
Salary Step Increases:
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.
Longevity Pay: 2.5% at 10 years, 2.5% at 15 years, 2.5% at 20 years, for a total 7.5% after 20 years of service.
Cell Phone Allowance:
County issued cell phone or $70/month allowance with appointing authority approval.
Uniform Allowance:
$50/month. This provision shall apply only to Classic Member