Criminal Investigator 1

State of Ohio • Marietta, OH

1d • $27 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking a Criminal Investigator 1 for the Washington County Office of its Trial Services Division. The investigator conducts criminal fact investigations involving possible non-capital felonies and misdemeanors and assists with preparing and presenting cases at all levels of litigation, including trials in Municipal, Juvenile, and Common Pleas Courts. The division provides client-centered representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges across Ohio.

The position involves regular travel throughout Washington County and time spent in the community, jails, and courthouses. The office includes six staff attorneys, four core support staff, and a supervising attorney. The position reports to the Office Director. The successful candidate will be passionate about working with a large team and assisting people facing the challenges of poverty. Professional or volunteer experience helping pursue a fair justice system is preferred.

This is a permanent, full-time classified position assigned to the State of Ohio OCSEA Pay Schedule, Pay Range 30. The listed hourly compensation is $26.54–$34.53. Starting pay is generally Step 1, with possible higher starting pay for candidates with exceptional qualifications. Employees advance to the next step after 180 days and annually thereafter; fiscal-year cost-of-living adjustments are also typical.

Requirements

• 12 months of training or 12 months of experience conducting investigations of complaints or possible violations of laws and rules or agency/company policies and procedures; or completion of associate degree program core coursework in law enforcement; or equivalent qualifications.
• Job skills include investigation, attention to detail, critical thinking, teamwork, and written communication.
• Final candidates must undergo a background check and a drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Professional or volunteer experience helping to pursue a fair justice system.
• Exceptional qualifications may be considered for a starting salary above Step 1.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the facts and circumstances of alleged offenses.
• Serve subpoenas.
• Interview clients.
• Review case materials.
• Use a variety of tools to locate, contact, and interview witnesses in the field.
• Locate, contact, and interview other suspects and family members as needed.
• Gather physical and documentary evidence.
• Prepare reports of interviews, findings, and timelines for use in trial.
• Gather documentation to support expert and lay witness testimony.
• View and diagram crime scenes.
• Assist in identifying records to introduce into evidence.
• Travel throughout Ohio and outside the state as necessary to locate and interview potential witnesses.
• Serve as a liaison to clients’ families, law enforcement, defense witnesses, and attorneys to transmit information.
• Meet regularly with the defense team to provide investigation updates and collaborate.
• Assist with mail, court runs, or filings.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree