Public Defender Investigator II: Field & Trial Support

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Ottumwa (IA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IPERS Retirement Package

Paid time off

Job summary

The State of Iowa - Executive Branch is seeking an Investigator 2 in Ottumwa to support public defenders with pretrial investigations, case review, and evidence collection. You will conduct fieldwork, interview clients and witnesses, and prepare reports and summaries used in defense strategy.

You will also coordinate with experts, manage trial witness logistics, and help marshal evidence and testimony while maintaining critical case databases and staying compliant with agency procedures.

Qualifications

• Graduation with a four-year degree in listed fields and one year of related investigator experience.
• Total five years of education and/or full-time experience as described in the minimum qualifications.
• Experience in the state executive branch with relevant investigator roles is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist public defenders in the pretrial investigation of assigned criminal defense cases.
• Obtain and review case information to determine investigative methods and use agency programs to manage cases and research sources.
• Conduct field investigations and surveillance, locate and interview clients, witnesses, and other persons.
• Prepare written reports, summaries and correspondence for use in defense evaluations and strategy.
• Collect, analyze, and preserve evidence including photographs, video, and articles; attend initial appearances and interviews.
• Coordinate with experts, manage witness liaison during trials, and aid in jury selection.
• May act as team leader to coordinate investigators; monitor cases for conflicts and maintain iDOCIT client information database.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Local Public Defender Supervisor.

Skills

Criminal investigations

Interview witnesses

Case documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, police science, accounting, finance, or law

Experience equivalent to one year as Investigator 1 or two years as Warehouse and Grain Dealer Examiner

Job description

The State of Iowa - Executive Branch is seeking an Investigator 2 in Ottumwa to support public defenders with pretrial investigations, case review, and evidence collection. You will conduct fieldwork, interview clients and witnesses, and prepare reports and summaries used in defense strategy.

You will also coordinate with experts, manage trial witness logistics, and help marshal evidence and testimony while maintaining critical case databases and staying compliant with agency procedures.