Public Defender Investigator - Stevens Point Trial Office

Wisconsin State Public Defender; Stevens Point (WI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Wisconsin State Public Defender in Stevens Point seeks a Public Defender Investigator to plan and conduct investigations for staff trial attorneys. You engage with diverse communities, draft clear reports, and support trial preparation with exhibits and subpoenas.

The role emphasizes integrity, courtroom readiness, and dedication to indigent defense. The position offers a structured public sector environment with robust benefits.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in drafting detailed, clear investigative reports using standard word processing software.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Criminal legal system or equivalent experience.
• Strong commitment to the mission and values of indigent defense.
• Experience in professional criminal investigations and trial prep is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct investigations for staff trial attorneys.
• Assist in trial preparation, including exhibits and subpoenas.
• Provide testimony support as required and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Report drafting

Investigative interviewing

Criminal justice knowledge

Diversity & inclusion communication

Court testimony readiness

Job description

Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your investigator skills to the Office of the State Public Defender (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Public Defender Investigator to work in our Stevens Point Trial Office.

What We Offer:

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including access to the region's best health plans, and generous paid time off starting with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave so that you can truly have work/life balance! SPD employees also enjoy participation is one of the nation's top-rated pension plans. Additionally, if you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. To learn more about the value of SPD's total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator.

Why Work With Us?

At SPD, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture, where everyone is encouraged to bring their "whole self" to work. Professional development is encouraged and supported, and we offer a wide variety of training opportunities to help you grow in your career. Our leadership's goal is to provide a work environment dedicated to ensuring that each and every staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team. We encourage all applicants to read about the SPD's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here.

Who We Are:

SPD provides legal representation for persons who are accused of crimes or are defendants in certain specified civil matters, and who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission of the SPD is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity and compassion, as they are at the center of everything we do. To learn more about the various career paths and opportunities at the SPD, click here.

Where We're Located:

This position will work in our Stevens Point Trial Office located at 1265 Main St., STE 201, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

Position Summary

The PDI plans and conducts investigations for staff trial attorneys.

Salary Information

The starting salary for the PDI will be between $22.95 and $28.00/hour and is in pay schedule-range (07-04) and the starting salary for the PDI-Senior will be between $28.24 and $46.59/hour and is in pay schedule-range (07-03). Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A one-year probationary period will be required.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement) for a position assigned to the stated pay range or counter-part pay range, should complete the application process as described below by the stated deadline.

Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

Job Details

Background Check:

We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.

Eligibility to work in the US:

The SPD does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Veterans:

The State of Wisconsin offer a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Wisconsin's driver's license:

Possession of a valid WI driver's license must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Ability to testify:

In an effective manner in court procedures. Testifying in an effective manner requires candidates and employees to have no criminal convictions that may allow impeachment of testimony.

Qualifications

LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS & RESUME: You must submit both documents in order to be considered. It is important that you clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your letter of qualifications and/or resume.

Minimum Qualifications (Required - Candidates Must Have Experience And/or Training Relevant To These Areas In Order To Be Considered For This Position):

• Proficiency in drafting detailed, clear investigative reports using standard word processing software
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds
• Criminal legal system or equivalent
• Strong commitment to the mission and values of indigent defense

A well-qualified candidate will also have experience and/or training in the following areas:

• Conducting professional level criminal investigations (e.g. interviewing citizens in the community, knocking on doors of neighboring homes/businesses to obtain information, viewing scenes in the community, tracking down images from surveillance footage, etc.)
• Assisting in trial preparation (e.g. preparing exhibits, serving subpoenas, providing testimony, etc.)
• Knowledge of criminal, juvenile and/or mental health justice systems