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Investigative Technician I/II

Shasta County

THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE

ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR AUG 2025

SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENT” SECTION REGARDING

POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE

RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED

FINAL FILING DATE: JULY 25, 2025, AT 5:00 PM

SALARY INFORMATION

Investigative Technician I: $3,738-$4,770 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $21.56-$27.52 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

Investigative Technician II: $3,924-$5,009 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY*/ $22.64-$28.90 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

*Please refer to the appropriate Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding for potential future salary increases* Please visit https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/labor-agreements-mous.

ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY

Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

For over 20 years the Shasta County Public Defender’s Office has provided representation to those who are unable to afford an attorney. Our mission is to provide compassionate, holistic defense to those in need, ensuring that every client receives comprehensive legal representation tailored to their unique experiences, goals, and needs. We are dedicated to providing zealous, ethical, effective advocacy while protecting the dignity, rights, and humanity of each person we represent.

We serve diverse communities, including those most marginalized in our society, with unwavering commitment to justice. Each year, our office represents hundreds of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile offenses. We also handle an array of civil matters including guardianships, termination of parental rights, and conservatorship matters. Our role is to protect the constitutional rights of justice-involved individuals and to hold the government accountable, ensuring that fairness and due process are upheld in every case.

We foster a supportive and empowering environment where our attorneys and staff are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally. By investing in our team’s well-being and development, we create a culture of excellence, advocacy, and integrity. We are committed to building a sustainable criminal defense practice that serves our clients and our community for generations to come.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Investigative Technician plays a critical role in the defense team by supporting case investigation and litigation preparation. Duties include:

Serving subpoenas and coordinating witness appearances for court.
Photographing crime scenes and documenting physical evidence.
Reviewing and organizing voluminous discovery, including body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, text messages, social media records, and police reports.
Summarizing discovery materials for attorney review.
Interviewing clients, both in custody and in the community, and maintaining accurate records of those contacts.
Coordinating with other agencies, including mental health professionals, substance use disorder counselors, law enforcement, and community organizations.
Transporting witnesses or materials as needed to support trial preparation.

This position offers exposure to the inner workings of the criminal justice system and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of clients and their families.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Investigative Technician classification is distinguished by its focus on providing critical investigative and technical support to attorneys in the preparation of criminal defense cases. Unlike sworn investigators, Investigative Technicians do not carry firearms or perform field surveillance, but they are instrumental in gathering, organizing, and analyzing evidence in support of the defense function.

This position requires a high degree of initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to manage large volumes of digital and physical evidence. Incumbents must be comfortable interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including incarcerated clients, victims, witnesses, and professionals from various agencies. The role requires discretion, professionalism, and the ability to maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive legal materials and client information.

Work is often performed under time constraints and in coordination with attorneys, social workers, investigators, and support staff. Assignments may include fieldwork, courtroom support, and coordination of witness logistics. The Investigative Technician must demonstrate strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

The Investigative Technician I is the entry-level classification in the Investigative Technician I/II class series. The Investigative Technician I differs from Investigative Technician II in that duties performed are of a less complex nature and do not require the level of qualification, skill, and knowledge of that of the Investigative Technician II.

The Investigative Technician II is the journey-level classification in the Investigative Technician I/II class series. The Investigative Technician II differs from Investigative Technician I in that it performs duties of a more complex nature and requires a higher level of qualifications, skill, and knowledge. The Investigative Technician II differs from the Senior Investigative Technician in that the latter has lead responsibility over Investigative Technicians I/II and performs the most complex duties and higher-level functions.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be organized, professional, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced legal environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with attorneys, clients, and outside agencies. Experience with criminal justice, law enforcement, or social services is a plus. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a team committed to justice, fairness, and advocacy for those in need.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following within the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, or Public Defender’s Office:

Assists sworn and non-sworn investigators with generalized activities including, but not limited to, field and office interviews of clients, witnesses, and suspects; investigative field work; and execution of search warrants; assists with photography, searching for, collecting, and categorizing evidence at crime scenes for laboratory analysis; assists in collecting, identifying, developing, and preserving latent fingerprints; preserves, compares, and attempts to identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint, and glass fragments; takes and compares physical impressions to attempt to connect evidence with suspects; tags, marks, and stores evidence collected; refers evidence to criminal laboratory for chemical analysis; photographs crime scenes, suspects, and evidence including autopsies for criminal investigations; prepares photographs and crime scene sketches for court exhibits; prepares detailed written reports; may testify in court; attends post-mortem examinations; collects pathological samples and evidence for later clinical examination; receives training in the function and use of laser powered trace evidence detection equipment both in the lab and at crime scenes; assists with evidence management in the Property Unit; completes cell phone forensics; utilizes law enforcement databases (i.e. CLETS, NCIC, CJIS, CalPhoto) in order to provide data for cases and follow up investigations; generates reports in connection to both criminal and civil investigations including but not limited to hazardous waste audits, illegal dumping, child abduction, cell phone forensics, and evidence processing; serves subpoenas and other legal documents; accesses jail calls and visits; arranges for and transports clients and/or witnesses; learns to analyze and evaluate police, court, and other records and collect and verify documents, statements, evidence, and testimony; collaborates with other government agencies, law enforcement agencies, community groups, and Health and Human Services Agency staff; other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following as applicable to the assignment:

Investigative Technician I:

Knowledge of: The relationship of law enforcement to the community at large; methods of maintaining records including statistical records; report writing, interviewing and de-escalation methods/techniques; modern office procedures; application of computers and software; and other office equipment and technology to typical work tasks.

Ability to: Conduct interactive interviews; learn collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence at crime scenes; coordinate information obtained from a variety of sources and interpret such information; draw logical conclusions; apply fingerprinting methods to the tasks of identification; take clear photographs; use office equipment and computer programs typically found in an office environment; maintain records and files; follow oral and written instructions, and established protocols; maintain effective working relationships; write clear, concise reports; demonstrate tact and poise when dealing with difficult situations and individuals experiencing stress.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of twenty (20) semester or thirty (30) quarter units from an accredited college or university in Criminology, Administration of Justice, Police Science, or a closely related field.

Experience providing investigative support in criminal investigations in a law enforcement agency, or in a law enforcement position closely related to the assignments in a Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, or Public Defender’s Office may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Investigative Technician II:

Knowledge of: The relationship of law enforcement to the community at large; the techniques of collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence; current methods of fingerprint collection, identification and analysis and comparison; technological developments relative to the forensic function; issues pertaining to providing support in child abduction investigations; report writing, interviewing and de-escalation methods/techniques; methods of maintaining records including statistical records; modern office procedures; the application of computers and software, and other office equipment and technology to typical work tasks.

Ability to: Coordinate information obtained from a variety of sources and interpret such information; find relationships, and draw logical conclusions; conduct interactive interviews; apply modern fingerprinting methods to the task of identification; take clear photographs; use office equipment and computer programs typically found in an office environment; maintain records and files; follow oral and written instructions, and established protocols; maintain effective working relationships; write clear, concise reports; demonstrate tact and poise when dealing with difficult situations and individuals experiencing stress.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of twenty (20) semester or thirty (30) quarter units from an accredited college or university in criminology, administration of justice, police science, or a closely related field.

AND

One (1) year of experience equivalent to that of an Investigative Technician I in either the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, or Public Defender’s Office of Shasta County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

Have you completed twenty (20) semester or thirty (30) quarter units from an accredited college or university in criminology, administration of justice, police science, or a closely related field? If “Yes,” please list the courses and number of college units per class. If “No,” type N/A.
Do you possess one (1) year of experience equivalent to that of an Investigative Technician I in either the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, or Public Defender’s Office of Shasta County? Yes / No
Do you possess experience providing investigative support in criminal investigations in a law enforcement agency, or in a law enforcement position closely related to the assignments in a Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office or Public Defender’s Office? If “Yes,” please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties. If “No,” type N/A.
I acknowledge this position requires a valid California driver's license. Yes / No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Incumbents perform work inside and outside of buildings; work in the heat or in the cold; may work in the day or night; work independently or closely with others; employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf (Download PDF reader). If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flyer.
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California – General
Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 9.5% his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/employee-benefitsfor additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 5:00 p.m., on July 25, 2025. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

Veterans' Credit:Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515