District Attorney investigator

The Position

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium. The current vacancy is in Ukiah.

Under general supervision, primary responsibilities are to conduct criminal and civil investigations related to District Attorney’s cases; follow required procedures to prepare, obtain and serve arrest and search warrants; and assist other law enforcement agencies with criminal investigations.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct criminal and civil investigations, which include interviewing witnesses, conducting surveillance, following up on potential leads, collecting and processing evidence, and preparing various court documents.
• Interview defendants to obtain information concerning each case.
• Visit crime scenes to ascertain and evaluate physical, material and environmental factors relevant to case investigations; investigates location of evidence; photographs crime scenes evidence and/or defendants.
• Prepare and serve subpoenas for witnesses or information/documents; provides instructions and directions to witnesses.
• Conduct computer and other file searches to locate transient clients and witnesses.
• Secure, review and analyze police reports, written statements, depositions and other pertinent case material; examine various records and documents to secure information concerning alleged crimes and civil wrongs.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
• Present investigation and evaluations to and consult with attorneys regarding case strategy in preparation for trials.
• Prepare court presentations and other demonstrative aids such as diagrams of crime scenes, photo enlargements and composites and/or other presentations using computer software; operates audio-visual equipment during trials.
• Manage witnesses by arranging for transportation, lodging, meals and protection if necessary.
• Interpret and explain the provisions of law as they pertain to the conduct of investigations and the ensuing court process.
• Testify in court as a case witness or an expert witness.
• Prepare and serve arrest warrants; transport arrestees to appropriate location as needed.
• Act as liaison between attorneys, witnesses, experts and various agencies; assist other agencies in major criminal investigations as needed.
• Confer with law enforcement and/or other appropriate representatives.
• Conduct polygraphs examinations on witnesses and suspects.
• Perform specialized assignments such as California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System agency terminal coordinator, bomb technician or others.
• Attend and/or conduct various internal and external meetings.
• Compare latent prints and perform handwriting analysis for cases and for outside agencies as needed.
• Organize and maintain records and files.
• Recover and return stolen property.
• Maintain custody of evidence; request laboratory work on evidence.
• Maintain knowledge of current and/or new case law and statute amendments affecting investigative responsibilities.
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending relevant seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• May participate in jury trial selection.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college in Criminal Justice or a related field (such as law enforcement, forensic or police science, Criminology); and three (3) years of law enforcement experience that is equivalent to a patrol deputy OR one (1) year of criminal investigative experience with a law enforcement agency;

OR

A combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

POST Basic Certificate

Valid Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Departmental procedures, rules, regulations and the limitations of departmental authority.
• Practices and methods of criminal investigation and identification.
• Techniques used in locating people.
• Basic crime scene management and preservation of evidence.
• Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in:

• Using law enforcement techniques, to include interviewing and interrogation; collection and preservation of evidence; arrest control; and effective courtroom testimony.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Ability to analyze situations and take quick, effective and reasonable courses of action, giving due regard to the surrounding hazards and circumstances of each situation.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to write comprehensive reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an application appraisal exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: 4/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

• 

• County of Mendocino

• 707-234-6600

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