Investigator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Health, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO from day one

South Dakota Retirement System

Job summary

Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking an Investigator to perform professional investigative work obtaining information about cases to support defense attorneys. You will interview witnesses, examine scenes, review reports and footage, and build timelines and visual exhibits to illuminate the facts.

You will work closely with attorneys to craft precise case strategies, while upholding fairness and ensuring every client receives thorough, compassionate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, political science, or related field
• Pre-employment background check required
• Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation for field travel
• Knowledge of South Dakota law and law enforcement policies
• Knowledge of criminal investigation methods including gathering, preserving, and presenting evidence
• Knowledge of interviewing methods and techniques
• Ability to work with witnesses in the criminal justice system
• Cultural mindfulness in communications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with technology and related software systems

Responsibilities

• Interview witnesses and examine scenes to gather information
• Review reports and footage and build timelines
• Create visual exhibits to support defense arguments
• Surface evidence and verify information to strengthen cases
• Collaborate with attorneys to craft precise case strategies

Skills

Interviewing methods

Verbal and written communication

Cultural mindfulness

Team collaboration

Technology skills

Ability to work with witnesses

Professional appearance and demeanor

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, political science, or related field

Job description

This position is located in Sioux Falls, SD.

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.

How You Will Make an Impact

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.

A full job description with additional details is linked below: Investigator

What You Need to Succeed in this Role

• 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.

EEO Statement

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].