Investigator

Minnehaha County; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 44,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO from day one

Sick leave

South Dakota Retirement System

Deferred compensation plan

Job summary

Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office seeks an Investigator to perform professional investigative work, collecting information to assist defense attorneys. You will interview witnesses, examine scenes, and review reports to support thorough, just defense strategies.

This role connects with clients and communities, upholding fairness and due process. You will build timelines, create visual exhibits, verify facts, and collaborate with attorneys to strengthen cases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, political science, or a related field and at least one year of experience as an investigator or paralegal.
• Knowledge of South Dakota law and law enforcement policies.
• Ability to interview witnesses, verify information, and present findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Interview key witnesses and examine scenes or reports to gather information.
• Build timelines and create visual exhibits to support defense strategies.
• Verify information, uncover details, and challenge unsupported claims.
• Work with attorneys to craft precise, informed case strategies.
• Communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, and colleagues with professionalism.

Skills

Interviewing

Evidence gathering

Verbal communication

Written communication

Cultural mindfulness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Investigator

The Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office invites applications for an Investigator to perform professional investigative work obtaining information about cases in order to assist defense attorneys in the Public Defender’s Office.

This position offers a rewarding opportunity to be involved with your community. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; PTO available from day one; an extended sick leave program; inclusion in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS); and a deferred compensation plan.

The hiring range is $32.16/hour - $35.45/hour with full earning potential up to $47.65/hour.

Step into a role where your work truly changes outcomes. As an investigator, you become the driving force behind a fair and thorough defense, bringing clarity to complex situations and giving every client a voice. You’ll connect with people in challenging moments, earn their trust, and uncover the details that reshape case strategy. Whether interviewing key witnesses, examining scenes firsthand, or catching new details in reports and footage, your insights will directly influence justice.

You’ll build timelines that reveal the truth, create compelling visual exhibits, and surface evidence that strengthens the defense. Your determination to find reluctant witnesses, verify information, and challenge unsupported claims ensures every case is grounded in facts, not assumptions. Working side by side with attorneys, you’ll help craft strategies that are precise, informed, and equitable. In this role, your impact is unmistakable. You advance the mission of justice by ensuring every client, regardless of background, receives a complete, diligent, and compassionate investigation.

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, political science, or a related field and at least one year of experience as an investigator, in law enforcement or public defense, or as a paralegal, or closely related area.
• Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license or be able to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel.
• Working knowledge of South Dakota law and law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques of criminal investigation including gathering, preserving, and presenting evidence.
• Knowledge of effective interviewing methods and techniques.
• Ability to work effectively with witnesses of the criminal justice system.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural mindfulness in all communications.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal directions.
• Knowledge of and skill in using technology and related software systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with coworkers, other agencies, and the public.
• Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at [phone].