Investigator Specialist I

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Atlanta’s Office of the Public Defender seeks an Investigator Specialist I to support defense teams in criminal, traffic, and code enforcement cases. You will gather evidence, interview witnesses, preserve records, and prepare case files for attorneys while complying with court rules and GCIC procedures.

Join a collaborative unit that values thorough investigations, accuracy, and timely reporting; you will testify when needed and contribute to defense strategies protecting client

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED as the minimum education; five years of skilled investigation experience; 1–2 years of community involvement experience.
• Must have and maintain a Valid Georgia Driver's License; GCIC certification; DUI Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certificate.
• AI Basics Certification, Project Management Certification, First Aid/CPR, PIC, Trauma-informed Care, NCIC certification, Motivational Interviewing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations in criminal, traffic, and code enforcement cases.
• Collect and preserve evidence including photographs, video evidence, 911 calls, medical records and public records.
• Serve subpoenas and other legal documents in accordance with court rules.
• Interview witnesses and others; prepare investigative reports and summaries for attorneys.
• Maintain records and case management; testify in court as needed.

Skills

Penal codes knowledge

GCIC proficiency

Court procedures

Strong communication

Report writing

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GCIC

Court Case Management System

Job description

Job Description

Office of the Public Defender

Investigator Specialist I

Posting Expires: September 24, 2026

Salary: $51,035 - $63,250/annually

General Description and Classification Standards:

The Public Defender Investigator Specialist plays a critical role in the defense of individuals charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford private legal counsel. The position involves conducting independent confidential and thorough investigations in support of the defense team.

The Investigator Specialist gathers information and documents for analysis to assist attorneys in developing defense strategies and protecting client’s constitutional rights.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

Responsible for conducting investigations in criminal, traffic, and code enforcement cases. Assists defense attorneys by participating in investigations connected with criminal cases before the municipal court; Collect and preserve evidence including photographs, video evidence, 911 calls, medical records and public records. Serves subpoenas and other legal documents to individuals in accordance with court rules and procedures. May prepare diagrams and photographs or trial exhibits in anticipation of trial. Conduct field investigation related to locating and interviewing witnesses, victims, law enforcement, and others related to the case. Maintains records on all investigations; this includes the contacts made, findings of evidence, collected statements, description of scenes, analysis of cases and other information relevant to the defense; prepares investigative reports and summaries for attorneys and case files and case management system. Performs administrative work in the unit related to client case management. Maintains video evidence management files and other media files. Performs other related duties as required. Use available technology and its application to gather evidence and develop defense cases. Values teamwork and demonstrates the willingness to collaborate with other team members. Testify in court as needed regarding investigative work and findings. Assists and participates in training, workshops, seminars, meetings, and events which may occur outside normal hours of operation.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of penal codes, welfare and institutional codes, and court procedures to ascertain investigative needs; Fundamental knowledge of conducting investigations. Strong communication and relationship skills and can build partnerships with key stakeholders Demonstrates ability to work in a deadline driven environment and ability manage multiple priorities. Resourceful when collecting and developing facts and other pertinent data. Demonstrates proficiency in the use of GCIC; Court Case Management System; ability to objectively analyze and evaluate facts, evidence and related information. Able to obtain cooperation and confidence of others. Skills to analyze and evaluate data collected during investigations; interact and communicate orally in a courteous and effective manner with law enforcement officials and members of the public; communicate effectively in writing, including preparation of records and reports; plan, organize, assign and review the work of other investigative personnel including the preparation of records and reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Education and Experience -
2. High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
3. Five (5) years of skilled investigation experience and 1-2 years of community involvement experience.
4. Licensures and Certifications -
5. Must have and maintain a Valid Georgia Driver\'s License.
6. Must obtain and maintain GCIC certification.
7. Must have and maintain DUI Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certificate.
8. AI Basics Certification, Project Management Certification, First Aid/CPR, PIC, Trauma-informed Care, N.C.I.C certification, Motivational Interviewing.

Preferred Requirements:

1. POST certification, undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice or related field, and
2. Three to Five years of skilled investigation experience and
3. One to two (1-2) years of experience in community prosecution.

Lifting Requirements:

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran\'s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.