Criminal Investigator - Environmental Crime Unit

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

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About The Position

The Oregon Department of Justice is recruiting a highly experienced Criminal Investigator for its Criminal Justice Division, based in either the Salem or Portland office. The assignment is in the Environmental Crimes and Cultural Resources Enforcement Unit (ECREU), which investigates environmental offenses—including air and water pollution, hazardous waste, fish and wildlife offenses, and pesticides—and assists in protecting cultural resources such as archaeological sites, artifacts, and other objects of cultural significance. Cases may be handled in a particular county or through specialized assistance to district attorneys statewide. Depending on agency needs, the investigator may also be assigned to other Criminal Justice Division units, including Internet Crimes Against Children, District Attorney Assist, Elder Crimes, and Financial Crimes.

The investigator works with DOJ Assistant Attorneys General, plans and conducts complex investigations, coordinates investigations with state, local, and federal agencies, and assists law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. This is a sworn police officer position represented by the Criminal Investigators Association. The employee will join the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) under the police officer designation.

The position includes a comprehensive medical, vision, and dental package, paid time off, competitive and equitable pay, and professional development opportunities. The position requires frequent travel away from home, potentially for weeks to months at a time.

Requirements

• Four years of recent (within the last ten years), full-time criminal investigative experience. Related college-level coursework or criminal investigation training in criminal law may substitute year for year for up to two years of the required experience.
• Possess an active Oregon DPSST Advanced Police certification or higher, or hold an equivalent certification from another state or the federal government and be able to obtain an Advanced Police certification within one year of hire.
• Maintain an appropriate Oregon State driver license for driving in normal and emergency situations.
• Maintain a qualifying score with duty firearm(s) and First Aid and CPR certification.
• Pass computerized criminal history and driver and motor vehicle services checks, a comprehensive background investigation and employment check, and the DPSST-required psychological and physical exams.
• Extensive knowledge of effective field investigation and covert investigation and surveillance principles and methods, and Oregon Revised Statutes.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize work, and meet time-sensitive deadlines, including with little notice and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying laws and policies and maintain confidentiality with sensitive case information.
• Ability to prepare and present findings and establish facts and evidence before grand juries, courts, and other adjudicative bodies.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including accuracy, attention to detail, clear and concise factual reporting, and correct English grammar.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from varied educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds and gain their confidence and cooperation.
• Proficiency with word-processing software and internet database use.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently away from home, as required, for weeks to months at a time.

Nice To Haves

• Experience investigating environmental crimes.
• Knowledge and experience using advanced electronic surveillance tools and techniques, such as pole cameras, tracking devices, communication interception, and cell-site mapping.
• Experience managing and motivating information contacts.
• Experience collecting physical evidence.
• Knowledge and skill operating photographic equipment for crime-scene and surveillance photography.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, direct, and conduct investigations within the investigative jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, independently or while directing experienced special agents or other personnel.
• Prepare and review search warrants and affidavits to ensure relevant items are encompassed by the warrant.
• Plan and organize crime-scene processing.
• Participate in covert investigative operations with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
• Preserve physical evidence and its chain of custody using effective evidence-handling practices.
• Conduct thorough interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Lead search teams and search persons, vehicles, structures, and areas using prescribed techniques.
• Obtain and serve arrest warrants, grand jury subpoenas, and Attorney General subpoenas; make arrests.
• Review and evaluate case evidence for completeness and value in preparation for grand jury proceedings or prosecution.
• Prepare comprehensive, factual reports and properly documented legal exhibits that are admissible in court and understandable to non-experts.
• Transport prisoners and protect selected witnesses whose personal safety has been threatened.
• Coordinate with medical and scientific personnel when investigative assistance is required.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local, state, federal, and out-of-state law enforcement agencies to facilitate criminal intelligence exchange.
• Use restraining devices and personal defense tactics.
• Operate photographic and surveillance equipment and use technical knowledge of wireless communication infrastructure and covert and other technical devices.
• Act as a statewide expert on investigative strategy and techniques involving wireless surveillance and tracking, covert monitoring, and electronic evidence collection.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental package.
• Paid time off.
• Competitive and equitable pay.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) membership under the police officer designation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed