Public Defender's Investigator

Company Description

Public Defender’s Investigator (8142) – Public Defender’s Office

This is a Position-Based Test (PBT) conducted in accordance with CSC Rule 111A. Learn more about the City’s hiring process here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Appointment Type: Permanent Civil Service (PCS)

Application Opening: January 21, 2026

Final date to receive applications: March 5, 2026 by 11:45pm

Salary Range: $113,282 - $137,696 annually

Recruitment : RTF

This job announcement is being reposted to amend the language related to the California driver’s license requirement.

To apply please complete the two steps below:

IMPORTANT: In addition to your online application submission on Smart Recruiters, you MUST also complete the Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ).

Note: Your application will not be reviewed without a completed MQSQ.

Appointment Type: Permanent Civil Service (PCS)

Under supervision, this 8142 Public Defender’s Investigator position in the Public Defender’s Office is responsible for conducting comprehensive investigations to support the legal defense of Public Defender clients, including but not limited to those facing misdemeanor and felony charges in the adult and/or juvenile criminal legal systems, immigration, mental health, and post-conviction units.

• Client Meetings
  • Meet with individuals in the community, county jail, juvenile hall, state and local hospitals, and/or other applicable detention facilities.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold duty of loyalty to the client in all aspects of representation.
• Case Preparation and Investigation
  • Perform in‑depth investigations across a wide range of criminal and juvenile cases, immigration, mental health and/or post‑conviction cases.
  • Review case files, documents, electronic recordings, and all evidence to assist the attorney prepare for hearings and identify key information and inconsistencies.
  • Obtain needed records for potential use at hearings and trials.
  • Research and obtain relevant information to support the defense of the client.
  • Perform administrative tasks, as needed.
• Field Work
  • Visit crime scenes, develop leads, secure surveillance footage, retrieve video evidence from security cameras, and establish sources of information.
  • Locate and interview witnesses, crime victims, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals, mental health professionals, community advocates, and family members.
  • Transport witnesses and clients to/from court and other locations, as needed.
  • Serve subpoenas.
• Trial & Litigation Support
  • Collect and evaluate physical and material evidence; take photographs and measurements; conduct background checks.
  • Collaborate with attorneys to meet clients, review evidence and develop case strategy.
  • Assist in preparation for immigration hearings, post‑conviction matters and/or civil hearings for clients with mental health challenges.
  • Testify in court regarding interviews conducted, investigative findings, evidence integrity and other matters, as needed.
  • Provide support at court hearings and trials, as needed.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Maintain detailed records of investigation activities.
  • Draft comprehensive investigative reports for attorney review and potential use in court.
  • Draft other relevant reports for the case, as requested by the attorney.
• Additional Duties
  • Perform related duties as required.

Must be able to work full time within the regular office hours of 8:00am – 5:00pm, and to travel throughout San Francisco and the surrounding cities on a daily basis to conduct visits at varied times of the day.

⚠️
REQUIRED BEFORE APPLYING
⚠️

Applicants must fully meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing deadline unless otherwise stated:

• One (1) year (2,000 hours) of verifiable experience as a Public Defender’s Investigator, a licensed private investigator, or experience performing investigative work in a professional field (law, social justice, media/journalism, public health/welfare,…