County Investigator

Washington County, Oregon; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 103,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County, Oregon is seeking a County Investigator to conduct impartial, thorough investigations into employee complaints and policy violations. The role requires strong knowledge of federal and Oregon employment laws, with experience in interviews, evidence collection, and risk assessment.

The investigator will draft detailed reports, tailor communications for legal review, and present findings to County Counsel and leadership.

Qualifications

• Education: bachelor’s degree with 2+ years related experience OR associate degree with 4+ years OR 6+ years total experience.
• Knowledge of federal and Oregon employment, civil rights laws and regulations.
• Ability to conduct impartial, confidential investigations and prepare legal review materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct impartial investigations into employee complaints and policy violations within established timelines.
• Gather and analyze evidence, interview parties and witnesses, and manage case files.
• Draft clear, concise investigation reports with factual findings and risk assessments.
• Prepare communications for legal review and leadership, and present findings to County Counsel.

Skills

Employment law knowledge

Investigative interviewing

Evidence gathering

Report writing

Risk assessment

Confidentiality

Communication with leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Management/Law/Related field

Associate degree in related field

Six years of professional experience

Job description

Note : This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Job Type: Regular

Pay Range: $102,548.88 - $130,849.08 Salary

Department: County Counsel

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

About the Opportunity:

This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications beginning the week of Monday, October 21st. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed.

The County Investigator serves as a trusted, highly skilled professional responsible for conducting thorough, impartial fact‑finding investigations on behalf of Washington County. This position requires in-depth knowledge of compliance practices, investigative methodology, and the application of federal and state employment and civil rights laws, as well as County policies. Operating in a sensitive, confidential, and advisory capacity, the County Investigator interviews parties and witnesses, gathers and analyzes evidence, and documents all relevant case information to support County decision‑making and litigation needs. As a subject matter expert in employment law, risk management and fair investigation standards, the County Investigator provides clear, well‑reasoned reports and presents findings to the Office of County Counsel to ensure legally sound outcomes.

Essential duties:

• Conduct impartial investigations into employee complaints, policy violations, tort claim notices, and other allegations, completing all work within established timelines.
• Perform all duties with utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
• Perform comprehensive fact‑finding activities including interviews, collection of evidence from various sources, management of investigation files in physical and electronic formats, and any other necessary investigative strategies.
• Draft clear, concise and comprehensive investigation reports with findings of fact and risk assessments.
• Draft and tailor communications for legal review, executive briefings, and leadership audiences.
• Present and discuss investigation findings, risks, and recommendations with County Counsel, managers, directors, and County leadership.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in risk management by identifying legal and policy violations and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local requirements.
• Collaborate with County leadership, Human Resources, and other departments to address emerging issues, develop action plans, and support compliance through civil rights and Access and Opportunity best practices.
• Testify in federal, state, local and administrative proceedings in‑person or via declaration or affidavit on facts, methods, and documentation related to investigations and findings as required.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of federal and Oregon laws, and regulations related to tort claims, disability rights, affirmative action, workplace fairness, and EEOC guidelines.
• Knowledge of best practices for investigating discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints, including documentation and resolution methods.
• Conduct impartial, confidential investigations, interview employees and witnesses effectively and with neutrality, and prepare organized case materials suitable for legal review.
• Write clear, objective, and comprehensive investigative reports and accurately represent information and data, delivering timely, high‑quality reports and analysis; verbally deliver information effectively and confidently in when necessary.
• Adapt information for varied audiences, collaborate effectively with managers, supervisors, and leadership.
• Ability to research, evaluate, and analyze policy violations and employment issues using critical thinking.
• Work independently, manage multiple, sometimes conflicting, priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or Management, Human Resources, Public Administration, Social Science, Law, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or other related degree program from an accredited institution of higher education; AND two (2) years of professional level experience related to the position's duties and responsibilities; OR
• An Associate Degree in Business Administration or Management, Human Resources, Public Administration, Social Science, Law, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or other related degree program; AND four (4) years of professional level experience related to the position's duties and responsibilities; OR
• Six (6) years of professional‑level experience related to the to the position's duties and responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

• DPSST Investigator Certification

Additional Requirements

Must successfully pass a thorough

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: County Investigator Job Classification