Public Defender Investigator Trainee-26573102
San Diego County Public Defender’s Office, San Diego, CA, United States
San Diego County's Department of the Public Defender is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Public Defender Investigator Trainee. Interviews will be held the week of May 4, 2026. Job offers will be made the week of May 25, 2026. This is a series recruitment that will close on March 28, 2026. The position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $65,540.80 annually. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.
Future Salary Increase
June 2026 – 4.80% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + 1.30% Market Adjustment)
June 2027 – 4.30% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + 1.30% Market Adjustment)
Responsibilities Public Defender Investigator Trainees perform a wide variety of investigations of suspected violations of criminal laws in preparation of criminal defense cases. Incumbents acquire a working knowledge of criminal investigations and perform the least difficult criminal investigations. Ideal candidates are expected to learn fast and adapt quickly to changing priorities and take on diverse responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
Minimum Qualifications
College‑level coursework equivalent to an associate's degree (60 semester units) from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in criminal justice, political science, sociology, or a related field.
Note: Oral and written Spanish/English bilingual fluency and competent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, keyboarding, and the internet, are highly desirable.
For your education and/or certifications to be considered, you must attach a copy of your degree, transcripts, diploma, foreign equivalency report and/or certifications to your application. Please submit only the documents required.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Hiring Timeline and Dates
Job Offer and Background Process begins week of May 25, 2026. Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Pre‑employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
Desirable Traits
Communicates Effectively
Knowledge Worker
Customer Focused
Values and Respects Others
Drives to Excel
Teamwork and Collaboration
Continuous Learning
Demonstrates Ethical Behavior
Supportive of Change
Flexible
Ability to Multi‑task
Conditions of Employment As part of the County of San Diego’s pre‑employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre‑employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation Qualified applicants will be placed on a twelve (12) month employment list based on scores received from the supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case‑by‑case basis. The County of San Diego is an employer of over 19,000 employees and is committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce.
Veteran's Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers. Military Skills Translator can help translate military experience into civilian experience.
Disaster Service Worker Under California Government Code Sections 3100–3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
The Department of Human Resources will remove personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision.
We strive to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Future Salary Increase
June 2026 – 4.80% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + 1.30% Market Adjustment)
June 2027 – 4.30% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + 1.30% Market Adjustment)
Responsibilities Public Defender Investigator Trainees perform a wide variety of investigations of suspected violations of criminal laws in preparation of criminal defense cases. Incumbents acquire a working knowledge of criminal investigations and perform the least difficult criminal investigations. Ideal candidates are expected to learn fast and adapt quickly to changing priorities and take on diverse responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
Minimum Qualifications
College‑level coursework equivalent to an associate's degree (60 semester units) from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in criminal justice, political science, sociology, or a related field.
Note: Oral and written Spanish/English bilingual fluency and competent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, keyboarding, and the internet, are highly desirable.
For your education and/or certifications to be considered, you must attach a copy of your degree, transcripts, diploma, foreign equivalency report and/or certifications to your application. Please submit only the documents required.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Hiring Timeline and Dates
Job Offer and Background Process begins week of May 25, 2026. Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Pre‑employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
Desirable Traits
Communicates Effectively
Knowledge Worker
Customer Focused
Values and Respects Others
Drives to Excel
Teamwork and Collaboration
Continuous Learning
Demonstrates Ethical Behavior
Supportive of Change
Flexible
Ability to Multi‑task
Conditions of Employment As part of the County of San Diego’s pre‑employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre‑employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation Qualified applicants will be placed on a twelve (12) month employment list based on scores received from the supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case‑by‑case basis. The County of San Diego is an employer of over 19,000 employees and is committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce.
Veteran's Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers. Military Skills Translator can help translate military experience into civilian experience.
Disaster Service Worker Under California Government Code Sections 3100–3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
The Department of Human Resources will remove personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision.
We strive to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
#J-18808-Ljbffr