Background Investigator - YCSO (Countywide)

Role

Under close supervision, performs investigative work of moderate difficulty in a public safety environment.

Major Duties, Responsibilities

• Conducts background investigations of candidates for employment with the Sheriff's Office.
• Compiles investigative reports and completes research. Requests documents from applicants, law enforcement agencies, military, family members, personal references, neighbors, and employers.
• Commutes to other law enforcement agencies within Arizona to review applicant files who work or have worked for other law enforcement agencies.
• Schedules polygraph appointments and medical appointments.
• Conducts thorough background interviews with all applicants in the background process.
• Ensures files are audited by Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training to ensure all information has been checked and completed to Arizona Peace Officer standards.
• Prepares background reports to be approved by Command Staff and notifies applicants of findings either by mail or by phone.
• Handles all onboarding paperwork and assists with some onboarding HR requirements.
• Compiles investigative reports and makes recommendations pertaining to candidates for employment with the Sheriff's Office.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience, to include two (2) years in a law enforcement environment.

Additional Requirements:

Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license.

All persons applying for employment with the Sheriff’s Office shall be required to meet the following general qualifications: integrity, honesty, dependability, industry thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, and courtesy.
All persons will be required to complete a thorough background investigation to include, but not limited to polygraph, psychological, and physical fitness test.
All persons must successfully complete a minimum six (6) month probation period.

Other Skills

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Laws, rules, and regulations governing the public safety hiring process.
• Interview and investigative practices.
• Confidentiality of information as pertaining to a public safety agency.
• Proper interviewing and investigative techniques.
• Business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and composition.
• Clerical office practices and procedures.
• Research techniques and report writing.
• Current Microsoft Office software.
• Filing and recordkeeping.

Skill in:

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and communicating orally in a face-to-face setting and by telephone with public and employees.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Organization and adherence to detail.

Ability to:

• Conducts and compiles personal professional background investigations for public safety candidates by interviewing employers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, members of the candidates' family and personal references.
• Prepares reports on findings.
• Makes recommendations as to background findings.
• Comprehend and disseminate written material accurately.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other departments, representatives of other organizations, County officials, and the public.
• Keep management informed of key operating issues affecting the department.
• Remain current in knowledge required to perform assigned duties.
• Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion always.
• Act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

Work Environment:

The work environment is associated with an office and requires travel from site to site. The work area is adequately lighted, heated or cooled and ventilated.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Sufficient vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech ability to communicate effective in-person and telephonically. Capable of frequent repetitive movement of arms, fingers, and wrists. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Additional Job Information:

FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 6
Classification: Classified
Safety Sensitive: No

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Yavapai County Government offers a comprehensive employee benefits package to
Full-Time employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes but is not limited to:

• 10 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Annual Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Care Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Plans
• Sick Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

ELECTIVE COVERAGE

• 457 Deferred Compensation Program
• Dependent Health Care Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)

PLEASE NOTE

• Part-Time , Temporary and Seasonal employees accrue Sick Leave based on hours worked.
• Part-Time employees have limited benefits available.
• Temporary and Seasonal employees are not eligible to accrue Annual Leave.

Click here to view our benefits summary.

Closing Date/Time: 1/30/2026 5:00 PM Arizona

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• Yavapai County

• 928-771-3252

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