Federal Defender Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $67,745.60 - $86,528.00 Annually
Location : Yreka, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 2026-02145
Department: Public Defender
Division: Public Defender
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: IG
Description
The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.
Pending Board approval on June 16, 2026.
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
Examples of Duties
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.

Typical Qualifications
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.

Supplemental Information
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.
NOTE:
Various bargaining units may have benefits that alter from this general summary. This summary of benefits is not a binding document and is provided as a courtesy. Refer to labor agreements (MOUs) for specific benefit information.
THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES
Holidays:
12 paid holidays (96 hours) per year, plus 3 floating holidays
Vacation:
Two (2) weeks per year during the first five (5) years of service;
Three (3) weeks a year - five (5)- ten (10) years of service;
Four (4) weeks a year - Ten (10) plus years of service;.
Note - accrued vacation leave may not be used until after six months of employment.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave shall accrue from the date of initial employment at the rate of 3.7 hours per pay period (which is equivalent to 96 hours per years) for regular full-time employees with no maximum accrual. Unused sick leave may be converted to PERS service credit upon retirement.
Health Plan:
Siskiyou County contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance.
Effective 1/01/2024, the County will contribute 90% of the Region 1 CalPERS Gold health plan.
Effective 1/01/2025, the County will contribute 85% of the Region 1 CalPERS Gold health plan.
Dental Plan:
Effective 1/01/2024 the County contributes 90% of the dental premium.
Effective 1/01/2025 the County contributes 85% of the dental premium.
Vision Plan:
Effective November 2022 the County provides vision insurance for employees and their
dependents.
Life Insurance:
The County will maintain life insurance for $50,000.
Retirement:
The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.

• 2% at 55 years of age and single highest year calculation for final compensation (generally for employees hired prior to 11/02/12)
• 2% at 60 years of age and highest three year average for final compensation (generally for employees hired between 11/02/12 - 12/31/12)
• 2% at 62 years of age and highest three year average final compensation (generally for employees hired on or after 1/01/13)

Member contribution:
Employees hired prior to November 2, 2012, pay the required seven percent (7.0%) member contribution, on a pre-tax basis.
Employees hired after November 1, 2012, who are not classified as a new member pay the required seven percent (7.0%) member contribution, on a pre-tax basis.
Employees hired after December 31, 2012, who are classified as a new member will
pay one half of the total normal cost as determined annually by CalPERS on a pre-tax basis.
Miscellaneous:
• Deferred Compensation plans available through specified companies.
• IRC Section 125 plan available for pre-tax payroll deductions for contributions towards un-reimbursed medical expenses and dependent care.
SISKIYOU COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.
Siskiyou County Personnel
1312 Fairlane Road, Suite 1
Yreka CA 96097
(530) 842-8005
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