Defender Investigator

Posting Date

04/29/26

Application Deadline

05/04/26

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. This 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 470 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

• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

• Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more!  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 assist in 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

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with bright lighting and requires prolonged periods in a stationary position, constant viewing of a computer monitor or screen, frequent computer use involving repetitive hand and wrist movements, and routine exposure to outdoor heat and sunlight

• 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

• 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 and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.

 

Apply Now!