District Attorney Investigator (Drug Recognition Expert)

OCERS; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Drug Recognition Expert Investigator to tackle drug-impaired driving cases. This role involves not only investigating but also educating law enforcement on maintaining DRE certification. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience and certifications, along with strong communication and teaching skills. Join a dedicated team committed to enhancing public safety and ensuring thorough investigations in Orange County. If you are a self-motivated professional with a passion for justice, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Current DRE Certification and 3-5 years as a DRE Instructor.
• Knowledge of courtroom procedures and investigative methods.

Responsibilities

• Work as a case agent on drug-impaired driving cases.
• Serve as an instructor for state-wide DRE certification.

Skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Judgment and common sense

Teaching and organizational skills

Knowledge of drug trends

Education

California P.O.S.T. certificate

Graduated from a P.O.S.T. certified academy

Tools

DRE Card

DRE Instructor Card

DRE Rolling Log

Job description

DISTRICT ATTORNEY INVESTIGATOR (DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERT)

SALARY INFORMATION
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:

Effective June 27, 2025 – 4.00% increase

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The eligible list established through this recruitment will be used to fill current and future Limited-Term District Attorney Investigator (Drug Recognition Expert) positions. A Limited-Term position is a position that has no anticipated long-range funding or has uncertain future funding.

APPLICATION PERIOD
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (P.S.T.) on the day the County's needs are met.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time.

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY: The Office of the Orange County District Attorney - Public Administrator (OCDA-PA) represents the People of the State of California in criminal and civil proceedings in the Superior Court of California and appellate courts of the state. The mission of the OCDA-PA is to enhance public safety and welfare and to protect and respect crime victims and to create security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws in a just, honest, efficient and ethical manner. THE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION:
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office –Bureau of Investigation supports the prosecutorial and law enforcement endeavors of the District Attorney. It provides a wide range of policing services tasked with suppressing crime and ensuring all criminal cases filed in Orange County are thoroughly investigated.

THE OPPORTUNITY:
The District Attorney-Public Administrator is seeking a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Investigator to work as a case agent on drug-impaired driving related cases. A DRE Investigator will also serve as an instructor for all state-wide agencies so that officers can maintain their DRE certification. The Bureau is seeking individuals who are:

• Self-motivated
• Effective communicators
• Team players able to successfully partner/work with District Attorney legal staff, local and State police agencies, forensic toxicologists, and concerned federal agencies

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING:

• Current DRE Certification
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience as a DRE Instructor
• First-hand experience with administering a DRE school, including curriculum planning and instructor identification and scheduling
• Familiarity with the OCDA – DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) Collaborative Grant program and objectives, including having taken or taught DRE courses regarding the grant model
• Prior experience testifying in court as a DRE
• Knowledge of current drug trends, Pharmacokinetics of alcohol and drugs, updates in philosophy or practice from NHTSA and the DRE Technical Advisory Panel
• Superior teaching and organizational skills
• Approachability and flexibility
• Exceptional judgment and common sense
• Ability to apply forward-thinking and creative thought with high ethical standards
• Thorough knowledge of courtroom procedures as well as investigative techniques and methods

Special Qualifications

• Possess a valid state of California P.O.S.T. certificate (basic, intermediate, advanced, supervisory or management).
• Graduated from a state of California P.O.S.T. certified peace officer regular basic course academy
• Modular format (reserve) training will not be considered
• Drug Recognition Expert Card
• Drug Recognition Expert Instructor Card
• Drug Recognition Expert Rolling Log

All applicants who have filed an application, must scan, upload, and attach their California P.O.S.T. certificate (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, or Management) as well as their DRE Card and DRE Rolling Log to the application.
[Failure to immediately attach your certificates may result in an incomplete application which may not be accepted]
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Please click here for the minimum qualifications for the District Attorney Investigator.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL and ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. Click here to read a description of the physical and mental abilities which are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed in the announcement for any questions or to request an accommodation during the testing/selection process.