Job Opening: Investigator, Miami-Dade County Public Defender

The Public Defender for the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida seeks an investigator for a fast-paced, client-centered office.

The Public Defender is an elected official who has a constitutional duty to provide legal representation to persons in jeopardy of losing their life or liberty who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Our office employs nearly 230 lawyers plus investigators, mitigation specialists, secretaries, and paralegals to assist with the more than 65,000 cases we handle each year. We recruit locally and nationally with just one goal in mind: Putting together a diverse team of outstanding men and women from all racial and ethnic backgrounds who are able to provide high quality representation to our clients.

Job Description

The investigator assists attorneys. The work includes crime scene investigation, locating and interviewing witnesses, and analyzing and evaluating data and evidence. Applicants must be willing to work with clients in adult jails and in juvenile detention facilities.

Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree
Experience in conducting investigations required
Excellent verbal, written, computer, and communication skills
Bilingual skills: English/Spanish and/or English/Creole preferred
Ability to communicate with persons of varying socioeconomic backgrounds
Ability to obtain information through interviews and observation
Must write clearly and concisely and prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations
Clean driving record, valid Florida Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance
Reliable vehicle, as travel is required.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary is $39,000. Depending on qualifications, educational background, and required relevant experience, qualified candidates may start at a higher salary.
Health insurance
Annual leave – 15 days per year
Sick leave - 12 days per year
Paid holidays – 13 days per year
$25,000 life insurance policy - paid by the State of Florida
Optional employee-paid supplement insurance plans available (additional life insurance, vision, dental, cancer, hospitalization, and disability)
State retirement benefits - vesting after 8 years in a pension plan or after 1 year for the investment plan
Deferred compensation – option of saving a portion of monthly salary in a tax-sheltered account
Free tuition for college courses on a space-available basis.

How to Apply

Complete an Application for Employment and submit your resume, in PDF format, to jobs@pdmiami.com.

Due to the volume of applications, please do not call or make inquiries via email.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your submitted application will be reviewed to determine compliance with application requirements, level of position-relevant work experience, education and training. After that review, you may be required to participate in a selection interview.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants will be considered irrespective of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or political affiliation.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

Veterans are encouraged to apply.