District Attorney Chief Investigator

Job Description:

District Attorney Chief Investigator

Description

Definition & Distinguishing Characteristics

The Colusa County District Attorney’s Office is seeking a skilled and experienced District Attorney Chief Investigator to oversee complex criminal and civil investigations. This Peace Officer-level position involves supervising and evaluating investigative staff, conducting high-level criminal and civil investigations, and supporting trial preparation. The Chief Investigator will work closely with the District Attorney, offering leadership in the Bureau of Investigations. The role also includes managing sensitive investigations, collaborating with public agencies, and ensuring the office is in compliance with legal standards.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities, experience in criminal investigations, and the ability to make independent judgments. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the safety and justice of Colusa County while supervising a team dedicated to upholding the law. To learn more about this position, please check out the job description pages HERE .

What's this Job All About?
The District Attorney Chief Investigator plays a crucial leadership role in the Colusa County District Attorney’s Office by overseeing and directing investigations into complex criminal and civil cases. This position involves managing a team of two (2) investigators, coordinating high-profile cases, and ensuring the thorough preparation of legal materials for prosecution. The Chief Investigator also works closely with other agencies, provides expertise in sensitive investigations, and helps guide the office’s strategic approach to law enforcement. It's a dynamic role that combines oversight, critical decision-making, and hands-on involvement in high-stakes legal matters.

What are the benefits?

• A beautiful, safe community in which to work and serve
• A job with WORK-LIFE BALANCE
• A LIFETIME PAYCHECK (3% @ 50 for Classic Members and 2.5% @ 57 for New Members)
• Amazing health care BENEFITS at NO COST to you - Unless you choose a premium health care plan.
• Authentically kind and engaged leadership who truly enjoy developing staff
• 457 Deferred Compensation
• Management Leave: Forty (40) hours
• PAID vacation, PAID holidays (13), and PAID sick leave
• Vacation Parity! - Previous service with a public agency counts towards vacation accrual at Colusa County (Includes cities, counties, districts, military and similar entities.) To learn more about vacation parity please see our benefit summary.)

Supervision & Examples of Duties

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives general direction from the District Attorney.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Exercises direct supervision over DA Investigators

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
A minimum of two years' experience as a full-time paid District Attorney Investigator or Inspector or a minimum of five years of journey level experience as a full-time law enforcement investigator/detective; and currently employed or employed within the past twelve months as a Peace Officer within the State of California as defined in Sections 830.1 and 830.2 of the California Penal Code.

Training:
Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in criminal justice or a related field.

Substitution:
Additional years of experience may be substituted for the required education on a ratio of two (2) years for the equivalent of 30 college semester units, for a maximum of two years. Additional education may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis for a maximum of one (1) year.

Special Requirements:
Possession of an Advanced Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Possession of a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

Proof of completion of the 80 hours District Attorney Investigation and Trial Preparation Course required by POST.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for, and has applied for, citizenship at least one year prior to application (Government Code 1031 and 1031.5)

Applicants must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including medical and psychological examinations; must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and off-hours as necessary; occasionally travel out of County and frequently travel throughout the County.

Supplemental Information

The salary range above consists of 15 steps. Steps 1-6 are annual merit steps with approximately 5% difference between each step, based on successful performance. Steps 7-15 are additional merit steps, requiring 2 years of satisfactory performance at the previous step. Steps 7-14 provide 2.5% increases, while Step 15 offers a 5% increase. The final salary offered will depend on the applicant's experience and qualifications, ranging from steps 1 to 15.

Colusa County offers an excellent benefit package. For a summary of current benefits, please click here: 2025 Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 3/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$87,912.00 - $144,144.00 Annually