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Job Description
This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Public Defender’s Office. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.
Current vacancy is with the Public Defender’s Office located in Porterville/Visalia. The anticipated life of the list is six months.
Typical Duties- Investigate crimes by gathering, assembling, preserving and reporting facts and evidence.
- Locate, contact and interview witnesses and other persons who may provide information pertinent to the case.
- Visit scenes of alleged crimes or other places to ascertain and evaluate physical, material and environmental factors for use in court as supporting evidence.
- Examine and obtain records.
- Photograph and sketch alleged crime scene.
For a full list of duties for this position, please click here .
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.
Education:- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade (12th) supplemented by college coursework in criminal justice, paralegal studies, or related field
Experience:- Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in investigations conducting field work or in law enforcement performing criminal investigations.
Knowledge of:- Investigative practices, procedures and techniques.
- Frequently charged sections of the Penal Code.
- Legal documents and codes.
- Laws of arrest, search and seizure.
- Resources available in locating individuals.
- Basic math sufficient to calculate time and distance.
- Interviewing and canvassing techniques.
Skill/Ability to:- Work and communicate effectively with people of various educational and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
- Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of a computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
- Independently plan and conduct investigations under pressure of deadlines.
- Locate persons not wishing to volunteer information.
- Organize, assemble, analyze, and evaluate information to formulate conclusions and make recommendations.
- Collect and evaluate evidence.
- Read and understand legal documents and codes.
- Retain and recall facts pertaining to cases to give accurate testimony in court.
- Communicate verbally with persons of various socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.
- Interview to obtain needed information.
- Prepare clear, concise and accurate reports using correct grammar and punctuation.
- File alphabetically and numerically.
- Accurately and legibly record information.
- Follow and give verbal and written instructions.
- Deal effectively with people in various emotional states.
- Establish effective working relationships with fellow employees and others.
- Give accurate testimony in court.
License or Certificate:- Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:- Gun types and ballistics information.
- Observation and surveillance techniques.
- Various legal codes such as Business and Professional, Penal, Vehicle, Health and Safety and Civil Codes pertinent to cases.
- Court procedures to provide assistance to attorneys in case preparation.
- Government record-keeping systems to research information.
Skill/Ability to:- Recognize and identify drugs and narcotics.
- Speak Spanish or other second language as required.
License or Certificate:- Possession of, or ability to obtain, certification in criminal defense investigations through the Defense Investigator Training Academy.
Additional Information
Conditions of Employment
Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
College Cost Reduction Access Act
This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Bargaining Unit 3
The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.
Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision and life). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).
Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).
Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.
Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.
Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.
Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.
Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.
Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.
Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.
To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/
The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.
Closing Date/Time: 11/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Tulare - HR&D
Show moreThe mission of Tulare County Human Resources and Development is to attract, retain, and develop a highly skilled workforce. We provide a wide array of services to our department and agencies including training, payroll processing, employee/labor relations, employee records, wellness programs, and benefits administration. Our dedicated staff supports 20 County Departments and over 5,100 employees in more than 800 job classifications.
Tulare County employees enjoy generous benefits, including a choice of excellent health plans, vacation, paid time off and retirement packages. Working for Tulare County is like working with family. You are encouraged, supported and given flexibility to balance your work life and your private life. You'll have an opportunity to begin or enhance a meaningful career where what you do matters.
To view jobs specific to the Health and Human Services Agency click here.
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