District Attorney Investigator I/II
County of Ventura
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
County of Ventura is hiring District Attorney Investigator I/II to conduct criminal, civil, and special investigations, gather and analyze evidence, and assist in presenting cases. The role requires handling interviews, writing detailed reports, and potentially testifying in court.
Advancement depends on education, POST certification, and performance within a structured recruitment process. Open to candidates willing to work in Ventura County, with a comprehensive benefits package including
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field or equivalent education/experience.
- Experience in criminal investigations and working with law enforcement agencies.
- Knowledge of California Rules of Evidence and trial procedures (II level).
Responsibilities
- Conduct criminal, civil, and special investigations of average to complex difficulty.
- Gather, preserve, and analyze evidence; prepare reports for court proceedings.
- Interview and interrogate witnesses and suspects; coordinate witness appearances.
- Testify in court and support attorneys during trials and grand jury proceedings.
Skills
Education
Job description
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office serves as the public prosecutor for more than 850,000 residents across Ventura County, working every day to protect the community and uphold the rule of law. Under the leadership of District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, a dedicated team of 320 professionals, including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and skilled support staff, the office works collaboratively to seek justice, strengthen public safety, and advocate for those impacted by crime. Each role within the organization plays a vital part in ensuring cases are handled with care, professionalism, and a commitment to doing what is right.
Guided by a mission rooted in fairness and integrity, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office is committed to the pursuit of truth and justice while ensuring victims are protected and supported throughout the legal process.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion in the office’s culture and climate, hiring, training, opportunities for advancement, and its relationship with the communities it serves.
The Bureau of Investigation (BOI) employs 60 investigators who provide professional investigative support in criminal and civil matters to prosecutors handling cases in those areas and play a critical role in preparing cases for prosecution. The Bureau is staffed with a chief investigator, a deputy chief investigator, 3 commanders, 8 supervising district attorney investigators, district attorney investigators, and investigative assistants.
Investigators serving within the Bureau are highly experienced and trained sworn peace officers who have been recruited from law enforcement agencies throughout California. Bureau investigators are available 24 hours a day and utilize the most advanced equipment to complete their assignments. Investigators within the Bureau may be called upon by colleagues throughout the state and have been recognized as experts in a wide range of investigations from homicide to complex white‑collar fraud schemes.
The Bureau of Investigation has three divisions: the Major Crimes Division, the Major Fraud Division, and the Administrative Division. The Major Crimes Division includes units that investigate major crimes, homicides, sexual assaults, officer‑involved shootings, and domestic violence. The Major Fraud Division investigates child exploitation, financial crimes, child abduction, real estate fraud, consumer and environmental protection cases, workers’ compensation fraud, and automobile insurance fraud. The Administrative Division includes the Cyber Forensics Unit and Government Fraud Unit, and handles various responsibilities, including training, background investigations, internal investigations, public integrity investigations, recruitment, and policies and procedures.
The salary range for this position is $101,887.46 to $172,158.33 annually, DOQ.
- General Salary increases (GSI) - 3.5% effective December 20, 2026, and December 19, 2027.
- Market-Based Adjustments (MBA) - 1.00% effective January 3, 2027, and 1.50% January 2, 2028.
- Educational Incentive - 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on the completion of an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree or, if qualified, for POST certification; plus other premium/incentive/bonus payments.
- Annual Leave - A candidate selected for this position will earn up to 160 hours of annual leave per year, increasing to 200 hours after 5 years of service.
- Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 2.5% match on your 401(k) contributions.
- Health Plans - Biweekly contribution towards a flexible benefits program (including medical, dental, and vision insurance options).
- Wellness Program - Virtual fitness classes, wellness profile, health coaching, health club discounts and online health education with opportunities earn Wellthy Rewards.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - provides professional and confidential mental health counseling support for employees and their immediate family, if needed.
- Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre‑tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses.
- Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined benefit pension plan. If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems such as CalPERS.
- Bilingual Incentive - Proficiency levels by exam are $1.38 per hour (Basic) and $2.81 per hour (Advanced).
- Holidays - 12 paid days per year and a scheduled floating holiday.
- Uniform Clothing Allowance - An allowance of $1,106 on November 1st of each year.
- Textbook and Tuition - Up to a maximum of $2,000 per fiscal year in accordance with the memorandum of agreement.
Under immediate to general supervision, depending on the level in the series, assists in obtaining, preserving, and reporting admissible evidence for presentation in cases prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office; performs difficult criminal and civil investigations for the District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Office, Municipal Police Agencies, and the Grand Jury; and performs related work as required.
District Attorney Investigator I incumbents are given assignments which allow them to train for the more difficult assignments performed by the District Attorney Investigator II incumbents.
District Attorney Investigator II differs from District Attorney Investigator III in that incumbents in the latter classification perform more difficult investigations and act as lead persons.
NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, an incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further exam upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.
District Attorney Investigator I: $101,887.46 - $151,215.31 annually
District Attorney Investigator II: $122,797.76 - $172,158.33 annually
These salary amounts will be adjusted due to the 3.5% General Salary Increase (GSI) effective December 20, 2026 and the 1.0% Market-Based Adjustment (MBA) effective January 3, 2027.
OPENING DATE: Monday, September 28, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.
APPLICATION REVIEW: Applications will be reviewed on a bi‑weekly basis beginning the week of October 5, 2026.
- Conducts criminal, civil, and special investigations of average difficulty for the District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Office, Municipal Police Agencies, and the Grand Jury; gathers, preserves, and analyzes evidence and prepares reports.
- Conducts field investigations, surveillances; searches crime scenes; interviews and interrogates complainants, suspects, witnesses, and other persons to obtain statements, documents, and related factual evidence.
- Assists attorneys in the preparation and presentation of cases during court or Grand Jury proceedings. Serves subpoenas; coordinates the appearance of witnesses at trial and explains court procedures.
- Testifies in court and other legal proceedings regarding evidence and investigative findings.
- Investigates the personal background of complainants, suspects, witnesses, and employee applicants.
- Arrests suspected criminals; writes and serves search/arrest warrants, and other court processes.
- Operates technical investigative equipment such as audio recorders, cameras, and electronic sound equipment.
- Acts as a liaison and coordinates investigative activities with law enforcement officers from various agencies.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
This Level In The Series May Be Assigned Tasks Performed By The District Attorney Investigator I In Addition To The Following
- May plan and conduct more difficult and complex criminal, civil and special investigations for the District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Department, Municipal Police Agencies the Grand Jury; gathers, preserves, and analyzes evidence and prepares reports.
These are minimum entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
Some experience in criminal investigation which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities can be obtained by completion of a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited college or university; and at least one (1) year of criminal investigation experience in a government law enforcement agency. Additional investigative experience in a government law enforcement agency may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four (4) years.
District Attorney Investigator IIConsiderable experience in criminal investigation which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities can be obtained by completion of a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited college or university; formal training in the California Rules of Evidence and in evidence accumulation and presentation at trial and at least two (2) years of criminal investigation experience in a government law enforcement agency. Additional investigative experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of four (4) years.
- Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at time of appointment as a District Attorney Investigator;
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law;
- Possess and maintain a valid California driver license and POST certificate;
- Attach a legible copy of your Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and/or Supervisory California P.O.S.T. certificate.
- Must be willing to work at any of the District Attorney’s Office locations throughout the County and must be able to work any shift including nights, weekends, and holidays, if needed.
- May be required to work under adverse conditions and must be prepared to successfully respond to unexpected and occasionally life‑threatening events.
- Must have strength, endurance, and physical agility to restrain rebellious and/or violent offenders.
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
Some (I) to considerable (II) knowledge of the: substantive and procedural California Criminal, Civil, and Juvenile laws, and the modern techniques and practices of criminal investigation; laws of arrest, search and seizure, warrant and subpoena service, rules of evidence, and the admissibility of confessions and witnesses' statements; functions and extent of authority of the District Attorney's Office; resources and techniques available in public and private criminal scientific laboratories and the latest medical‑legal techniques in criminal investigation.
Some (I) to considerable (II) knowledge of: community‑based policing and collaborative problem solving between community residents and law enforcement.
Skill and ability to: gather, analyze, correlate and evaluate observed facts and evidence; work effectively with co‑workers, members of the public and members of other law enforcement and government agencies; to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to: have accurate recall of investigated witnesses and situations; use good judgment and maintain a high level of mental alertness in the course of completing assigned work; establish and maintain effective relations with members of the Office, other agencies, the law enforcement community, and the public, including community policing, collaborative problem solving, and identifying/avoiding bias.
Knowledge and ability to: read and comprehend various written materials including legal documents.
Knowledge, skill and ability to: operate vehicles and electronic equipment.
Knowledge, skill and ability in: the use and care of firearms.
FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
Applicants will be reviewed on a bi‑weekly basis beginning the week of October 5, 2026.
Applicants must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
NOTE: If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an oral examination may not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.
Once the eligible list is established, applicants may be invited to a selection interview for further continuation in the process.
Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of six (6) months.
- In-Depth Background Investigation
- Psychological Examination
- Medical Examination
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
- Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
- Retirement FAQ's
- Memorandum of Agreement
01. You must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment as a District Attorney Investigator. Are you at least 21 years of age or soon to be turning 21 years of age at the time of hire?
02. Do you currently possess a valid California driver's license at the time you are submitting this application?
03. Each peace officer must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. Can you provide proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law?
04. Do you possess a current active California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate acquired by graduating from a California POST-certified training academy as described in the regulations of the Commission on Peace Officer's Standards and Training?
05. Check the California law enforcement organization in which your POST Certificate was received in Question 3.
06. Did you upload a legible copy of your certificate with your application, as required? If not, please email a copy to DAOHR@venturacounty.gov.
07. Are you fluent in any language other than English?
08. If you answered yes to the previous question, list the language(s) you are fluent in, and state your comfortability and/or experience conducting investigations in languages other than English. If you are not bilingual, type "none."
09. Explain in detail your experience within investigative units. In your response, include the following:
- The agency you gained the experience.
- The investigative units worked in.
- The dates you started within the assignment, and if applicable,
- The dates the assignments ended.
10. Describe in detail your experience writing search warrants. Include in your answer:
- The types of search warrants you have authored.
- The date your most recent search warrant was offered.
11. Describe your experience in collecting, analyzing, and correlating evidence, interrogating witnesses/suspects, and preparing investigative reports. If you do not have this experience, type “none.”
12. Explain your philosophy on your role within the community as a peace officer in terms of community interaction and collaborative problem‑solving.
13. List any training you have participated in identifying implicit or explicit bias toward race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. If you have not had any such training, please type "none."
14. In an attempt to focus on our recruitment efforts, we are interested in finding out how you learned that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office was accepting applications for District Attorney Investigator.
- Social Media (Instagram, Facebook)
- Government Jobs Website
- Ventura County Website
- A county employee
- A friend or relative
- Other
15. I have read and understand the California POST selection standards, and the established standards of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. I believe I currently meet these standards and the established standards to be a District Attorney Investigator.
16. By entering your full name below, you certify that you have read and understand the job announcement and selection requirements for District Attorney Investigator. You understand that the selection process includes a thorough background investigation. Following a conditional job offer, you will be required to complete medical and psychological examinations. You understand that falsification of information, withholding of material facts, or failure to meet established standards may result in disqualification. You certify that all information you provide is true and complete.
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