District Attorney Investigator

Location: California

CAREER DESCRIPTION

District Attorney Investigator within the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. This recruitment is open to the public and will establish an open eligible list to fill current and future vacancies.

APPLICATION PERIOD

Online applications accepted beginning Friday, November 7, 2025, and will close Monday, December 1 at 11:59 PM (PST). Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Administrator (OCDA‑PA) represents the people of the state of California in criminal and civil proceedings in the Superior Court of California and appellate courts. The mission is to enhance public safety, protect crime victims, and enforce laws in a just, honest, efficient, and ethical manner.

THE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

The Bureau supports the prosecutorial and law‑enforcement endeavors of the District Attorney, providing policing services tasked with suppressing crime and ensuring all criminal cases filed in Orange County are thoroughly investigated.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking results‑oriented investigators to collaborate with attorneys in the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws. A District Attorney Investigator performs challenging investigative work resulting in the apprehension and prosecution of persons suspected of felony or serious misdemeanor crimes.

Key Candidate Qualities

• Self‑motivated
• Effective communicator
• Team player able to partner with legal staff and law‑enforcement agencies

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING

• Detailed understanding of the criminal justice system including courtroom testimony.
• Thorough knowledge of rules of evidence, courtroom procedure, investigation techniques, methods, and procedures.
• Ability to apply forward thinking and creative thought with high ethical standards.
• Exceptional judgment and common sense.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Approachability, flexibility, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, innovation, and/or creativity in an investigator assignment.
• Superior interviewing, interrogation, and listening skills.
• Superior report writing skills.
• Experience writing search warrants.
• Extensive experience dealing with victims and witnesses of crime.
• Demonstrated past performance working with Deputy District Attorneys on investigations and prosecutions.

Special Qualifications

• Valid California P.O.S.T. certificate (basic, intermediate, advanced, supervisory, or management).
• Graduated from a California P.O.S.T. certified peace officer regular basic course academy.
• Modular format (reserve) training is not considered.

PLEASE NOTE

All applicants who have filed an application must scan, upload, and attach their California P.O.S.T. certificate(s) (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, or Management) to the application. Failure to attach certificates will result in an incomplete application, which may not be accepted.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants should review the required physical and mental abilities for this position and contact the recruiter with any questions or requests for accommodation.

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION

In addition to the monthly starting pay, candidates receive P.O.S.T. pay commensurate with certificate level. Up to $0.70 per hour may be available for bilingual skills. Educational incentive pay of $115.38 biweekly is available for employees holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.

RETIREMENT RECIPROCITY

Current members of accepted reciprocal systems who were in those systems before January 1, 2013 and have not retired may be eligible for the previous OCERS 3% at age 55 for safety members. Membership in the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is required.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The County offers a competitive benefits package including a choice of health plans, annual leave, paid holidays, a retirement plan with reciprocity to PERS, a deferred compensation plan, and up to $10,000 annual educational and professional reimbursement.

ORANGE COUNTY AMENITIES

• 24 parks and trails
• 17 beaches and harbors
• 7 historical sites

RECRU…