Investigator

United States Courts; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 76,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits under FERS

FEHB health insurance

FEDVIP dental/vision insurance

FEGLI life insurance

Excepted service

Job summary

Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas in San Antonio, TX, is seeking an Investigator to support case development and discovery in criminal litigation. The role emphasizes interviewing witnesses, handling evidence, and coordinating with attorneys and experts in a defense team setting.

The position requires a high school diploma, several years of investigator experience, fluency in English and Spanish, and willingness to travel including nights/weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of general experience in litigation support.
• Three years of specialized experience as an investigator performing progressively responsible investigative duties.
• Knowledge of investigative principles, practices, methods and techniques for team-based litigation planning.
• Knowledge of court rules and Federal Criminal and Civil Rules of Procedure.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills to gather, maintain, and manage documents for cases.
• Ability to obtain and verify documents, interview clients and witnesses, report findings for trial preparation.
• Experience with investigations involving sentencing mitigation.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Valid driver’s license, insurance and own vehicle (mileage reimbursed).
• Willing to travel, including night and weekend work.
• Commitment to providing representational support to indigent defendants.
• Background check including FBI fingerprint and name check.

Responsibilities

• Forming trusting relationships with clients.
• Locating and interviewing witnesses and locating/retrieving documents and evidence.
• Serving subpoenas and coordinating witnesses for hearings and trial.
• Photographing and videotaping crime scenes and evidence.
• Interpreting and translating as needed to support attorneys.
• Using computer software to access databases and graphics for litigation.
• Preparing declarations and affidavits.
• Testifying in court as required.
• Reviewing discovery and case documents, including forensic data.
• Working as a member of a defense team and supporting sentencing mitigation.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview of the Position The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position Investigator, to be stationed in the San Antonio office.

Location San Antonio, TX

Opening and Closing Dates 10/05/2026 - Open Until Filled

Appointment Type Permanent

Salary $75,776 - $127,624

Position Description

The Investigator plays an integral role in the development and work-up of a client's case. Related duties include:

• Forming trusting relationships with clients.
• Locating and interviewing witnesses.
• Serving subpoenas.
• Photographing and videotaping crime scenes and evidence.
• Locating and retrieving documents and other tangible evidence.
• Talking to clients, family members, working with experts and addressing medical issues.
• Use computer software for word-processing and accessing databases and graphics to assist attorneys in developing evidence for use in litigation.
• Keep current on new developments in litigation support technology, recommend additions and modifications to current tools.
• Testify in court as required.
• Interpreting and translating.
• Working member of a defense team.
• Review and analyze, discovery, case documents, including forensic data.
• Conduct background investigations.
• Identify and work with experts.
• Coordinate witnesses for hearings and trial.
• Prepare declarations and affidavits.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of general experience in litigation support.
• Three years of specialized experience as an investigator performing progressively responsible investigative duties.
• Comprehensive knowledge of investigative principles, practices, methods and techniques to assist in a team approach for planning and developing litigation strategy in criminal cases.
• Knowledge of court rules, local practices, and the Federal Criminal and Civil Rules of Procedure in analyzing litigation support requirements
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• A high level of organizational skills to gather, maintain, and manage documents and information for assigned cases.
• Ability to obtain and verify documents and evidence, interview clients and witnesses, report findings, and assist attorneys in preparing for trial and sentencing.
• Experience with investigations involving sentencing mitigation.
• Must be fluent in both English and Spanish.
• Possess a valid drivers license, insurance and own/operate a personal vehicle for business purposes (mileage is reimbursable).
• Be able to travel, including night and weekend work.
• Have a strong commitment to providing first-rate representational support to indigent persons in proceedings under federal criminal law.
• Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including, but not limited to an FBI fingerprint and name check.

Employee Benefits

• Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System.
• Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB).
• Optional participation in Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
• Optional participation in Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Position is excepted service, without competitive civil service tenure.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.