Investigator/Process Server 2

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County is seeking a full-time Investigator Process Server for the Department of Assigned Counsel in Tacoma, WA. You will investigate all case types, interview witnesses, and prepare detailed reports under attorney guidance.

The role emphasizes attorney-client privilege, meticulous documentation, and collaboration with attorneys, courts, and agencies to support public defense services in Pierce County.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in investigative, law enforcement, criminology, or related field.
• Investigative report writing and defense investigation experience are required.

Responsibilities

• Receive and review reports of alleged client conduct and investigate, interview witnesses, gather documents, and coordinate with police, attorneys and related agencies.
• Investigate all case types as assigned by the department.
• Serve subpoenas and other required documents on witnesses.
• Write detailed written reports and assist in case development as outlined by attorney; may testify in court.
• Prepare and maintain case files and related documents.
• Use electronic discovery management system to assist clients with case information review.

Skills

Investigative report writing

Interview witnesses

Detail oriented

Education

Washington State Private Investigator license

Education/experience in police science, criminology, law and justice

Tools

Electronic discovery management system

Job description

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) and is not remote.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

As a highly skilled Investigator Process Server professional, you will be responsible for the investigation of all case types being represented by the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel. Clients are often in the most stressful situation of their lives and may have limited insight into their situation. Your role may act as a liaison between the appointed attorney and the client, which is crucial to maintaining a collaborative relationship and successful outcomes.

Why It's a Great Department:

The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that ensures eligible people receive professional and effective representation while efficiently utilizing public resources. The Department of Assigned Counsel has provided professional, high-quality representation to individuals in a variety of settings for 50 years. The Department of Assigned Counsel is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in Pierce County Superior Court, Pierce County District Court, Delinquency, as well as providing representation to indigent persons in matters of Involuntary Civil Commitment, Contempt, and RCW 71.01 Cases. The Department of Assigned Counsel also represents individuals in Tacoma Municipal Court.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Bring your investigative and report-writing skills, and you will succeed in this position. Understanding and applying attorney-client privilege is essential, as you will navigate sensitive situations on a regular basis. You must have the ability to investigate, review, and write complex reports accurately and in a timely manner; being detail-oriented is a must. Use effective verbal and written communication skills and work with team members to ensure all procedures are followed and work is completed professionally, with empathy, and to the professionally recognized standards.

Your Future in this Role:

In this position, you will develop professional networks with attorneys, courts, and agencies and strive to provide a high standard of investigative and processing work. Your work willdirectly impact your community, and it offers a great foundation for future positions within Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Receive and review reports of alleged client conduct, and proceed to investigate, interview witnesses, gather documents, and work with local police agencies, attorneys, and other related agencies.
• Investigate all case types as assigned by the department.
• Serve subpoenas and other required documents on witnesses as required.
• Write detailed written reports, recommend, and execute procedures for case development as outlined by attorney, gather evidence as required and may testify in court.
• Assist staff with the more difficult and complex cases.
• Interview clients, family members, witnesses, and other related parties involved in the case.
• Set up meetings and/or attend meetings with all parties involved in case.
• Take photographs, draw sketches, and prepare exhibits for trial preparation.
• Research and prepare social histories. Assist in mitigation investigation and report writing, as well asthree strikes social histories.
• Prepare and maintain case files, records, and related documents.
• Prepare finalized mitigation reports for the court as requested by attorney.
• Use electronic discovery management system to assist clients with case information review.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Any combination of education or experience in police science, criminology, law and justice, or related fields may substitute equally for the recruiting requirements.
• Three or more years of experience in investigative, law enforcement, criminology, or related field.
• Investigative report writing and defense investigation experience are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training and experience in mitigation and preparation of three strikes social histories, especially in Public Defense.
• Washington State Private Investigator license.

Special Requirements and/or Qualifications:

• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Washington State Driver's License.
• This position is subject to possible hazardous and hostile working conditions.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.