Salary: $6,870.00 - $9,246.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-00762
Department: Attorney General's Office
Division: Ethics
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 12:00 AM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com
Position and Salary
The Attorney General's Office is recruiting for a permanent full time
AGO Senior Digital Forensic Investigator/Analyst in the Ethics Division. This position is located in Tumwater, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
AGO Senior Investigator/Analyst Salary Range 66: $80,820 - $108,780 (Effective 7/1/25) | $82,440 - $110,952 (Effective 7/1/26)
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
The AGO provides a workplace that is understanding of work-life balance and promotes advancement by offering a wide variety of professional development and growth opportunities.
Excellent benefits
Washington State offers one of the most competitive in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer:
- Flexible schedules and part-time/hybrid telework options;
- A Wellness Program, an Infants in the Workplace Program, and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides counseling, webinar, and other cost-free support resources;
- Numerous employee-driven affinity groups to foster community and connection, including Bereavement, Elder Care, Parenting, POC, LGBTQ+, Veterans and more. The AGO is a place to belong and make a difference!
About the AGO Ethics Division
The AGO Ethics Division is a small but mighty team of four tasked with investigating and enforcing the and the rules adopted under it for statewide elected officials, and other officers and employees in the executive branch, boards and commissions, and institutions of higher education.
We're not talking about morals and values here. This unique AGO division keeps those under their jurisdiction in the state honest through investigating activities in violation of the Act, primarily:
- Use of state resources
- Property & Equipment
- State PCs & other digital devices
- Gifts
- Conflicts of interest
- Special Privilege
While the Board is an independent entity appointed by the governor, the AGO funds and supports the staff. As an AGO Ethics Division employee, you will be part of the
Duties and Essential Functions of an AGO Senior Digital Forensic Investigator/Analyst
The Senior Digital Forensic Investigator position focuses on two main areas: full investigation life cycle management and Ethics in Public Service Act training.
Investigation Life Cycle Management
This role is unique in that rather than handing off tasks to specialists throughout the process like a typical investigator would, this position manages the full life cycle of the investigation, handling all details from end-to-end. Essential functions include:
- Evidence gathering
- Conducting forensic research and analysis
- Interviewing high profile subjects
- Documenting & presenting findings to the governor-appointed Executive Ethics Board
- Participating in settlement negations
- Assisting legal counsel in preparation for hearings
- Testifying as the subject matter expert in hearings
Ethics in Public Service Act Training
As experts in the Ethics in Public Service Act, the Senior Digital Forensic Investigator, together with the Ethics Division team, will develop and conduct training with Executive Branch state employees across the state. Essential functions include:
- Development of training curricula
- Conducting engaging and effective training presentations to large audiences, both in person and virtually
This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position(s) listed in this announcement.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and ten (10) years of experience conducting investigations, which include the authority to independently plan and conduct investigations in civil or criminal cases.
OR
Five (5) years' experience as an AGO Investigator/Analyst.
Additional qualifying investigative experience may substitute year for year for education.
Skills and Abilities
The most competitive applicants will possess the following qualifications:
- Experience and proficiency in Digital Forensics performing hands-on forensic analysis of digital devices (PCs, networks, internal & external hard drives, cell phones, email, text messaging, etc.)
- Knowledge of Magnet Forensics or similar capturing software tool
- Strong interpersonal skills: working successfully with all levels of staff, , troubleshooting, and problem solving skills
- Emotional intelligence: reading body language, knowing when to apply pressure and when to ease off, managing emotions in difficult situations, self-awareness of personal strengths and limitations
- Excellent written & oral communication skills: summarizing complex ideas into easily understandable points (writing), presenting concise information succinctly and with authority (oral)
- De-escalations and trauma informed strategy skills
Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidates will be empathetic, poised, and professional. They will have worked as a forensic investigator and learned the skills necessary to conduct an end-to-end investigation with confidence. They will be comfortable with high profile cases, presenting findings to Executive Board members, and functioning as a subject matter expert at hearings, while also being nimble enough to conduct training, and file a persuasive written report.
Typical successful backgrounds for this position include:
- Forensic detectives
- Law enforcement investigators
- Private investigators
- Investigative experience that involves roles that do not go to trial and experience with proceedings that are administrative or that go before the Executive Ethics board.
- Military (Army/CID, USAF/OSI, Navy/NCIS, etc.)
- Federal detectives
- Internal investigators
About the Washington State Office of the Attorney GeneralThe Attorney General's Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes:
- Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
- Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
- Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
- And !
Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state's interest. If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO
Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds-- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in an inclusive, respectful environment.
One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for
Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019. Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2024 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.
Application Instructions
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
- A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
- A current resume detailing experience and education.
Read the Following Information Completely:
- Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
- You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
- The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in , completeness of the application material submitted, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
- A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
- All information may be verified and documentation may be required.
- The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests
Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.
The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may
contact the recruitment team at Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or
For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please
contact the recruitment team at If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.