Defender Investigator

Posting Date

07/08/26

Application Deadline

07/12/26

Pay Range

Anticipated Hiring Range: $29.95 - $38.63 hourly
Full Pay Range: $29.95 - $48.00 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

Behind every strong defense is a dedicated team working to protect the rights and dignity of individuals in our community. As an Investigator, you will play a critical role in supporting quality legal representation by uncovering facts, gathering and analyzing evidence, and collaborating with attorneys and staff to develop defense strategies that make a meaningful difference in clients’ lives.

If you are a curious and driven professional who enjoys investigative work, solving complex problems, and contributing to a mission-driven environment, this is an opportunity to use your skills to help ensure every individual receives fair and effective representation. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact through your investigative skills and support the pursuit of justice, apply today!

About Us

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, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options

• 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

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive

• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck 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 criminal investigative experience

• High school diploma or GED

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

• Hybrid or alternative work schedule options are available after training based on business needs

• Valid Arizona driver’s license upon hire

• 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 [email protected] to initiate the interactive process.

Apply Now!