*Department Promotional* Sheriff's Investigator - Sheriff's Office - Government Jobs : Job Details

When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, you aren't just another employee, you are family. Our family is growing and we want YOU to join! We are looking for people who like to stay busy, can multitask and have excellent communication skills while still being able to understand and maintain confidentiality standards.

Please note: This is a department promotional recruitment. Department promotional recruitments are only open to permanent status County employees that are currently employed within the vacant positions department.

What you'll do: Under general supervision, investigates the more difficult and complex criminal cases for the Sheriff's Office, obtains and analyzes information to prepare cases; arrests suspects; works with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal activities of regional, state and national significance; performs related work as assigned.

Where you'll do it: Humboldt County Sheriff's Office 826 4th Street Eureka, CA 95501

Distinguishing characteristics: This is the skilled peace officer investigative class, competent to perform a broad range of investigative activities. Incumbents receive specialized training in investigative techniques and apply those techniques in the resolution of complex criminal investigations. This class is distinguished from Sheriff's Sergeant in that the latter plans, organizes and supervises the work of Deputy Sheriffs and may direct investigation of more immediate scope.

• Directs and conducts investigation of felony and high-level misdemeanor cases.
• Coordinates and directs the activities at a crime scene to protect and preserve needed information and evidence; analyzes the crime scene, identifies and seizes evidence; sets up crime scene security; organizes and conducts searches and locates suspicious conditions.
• Interviews relevant witnesses, victims, suspects and other leads to obtain an accurate account of events, participants and properties involved in an assigned case.
• Directs the work of evidence technicians in the collection and preservation of evidence; takes photographs, creates crime scene drawings and takes accurate measurements.
• Develops an investigative strategy to solve crimes; interviews and follows up on leads; develops suspect profiles; researches public records; develops sources of information; travels as necessary to pursue investigations.
• Conducts surveillance; videotapes activities and conducts search and seizure activities to seize evidence; coordinates investigations with other law enforcement agencies such as FBI, Customs, Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies.
• Prepares search warrants and affidavits in support of searches; completes searches and gathers additional evidence.
• Works with the District Attorney's office in the preparation of cases for trial; testifies in court as necessary.
• Operates a variety of cameras, listening devices, telephoto equipment, etc. to observe suspects and record evidence.
• Reviews a variety of journals and government publications to monitor new and/or changing laws, regulations and techniques relating to criminal investigations.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods and equipment in crime detection and criminal investigations.
• Rules of evidence and the laws governing custody of suspects.
• Methods of tracing and locating individuals who have disappeared.
• Law enforcement terminology and concepts.
• Federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing rules of evidence and criminal investigations.
• Methods and techniques of interviewing.
• Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work.

Skill in:

• Investigating and analyzing crime scene and other evidence.
• Formulating and evaluating possible solutions based on limited evidence and information.
• Developing sound investigative approaches to problems.
• Interviewing and obtaining information from witnesses, suspects and others.
• Establishing contacts from which evidence can be obtained.
• Exercising sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, records and other written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other requirements: Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must possess a valid P.O.S.T basic certificate and maintain firearms qualification. Desirable education and experience: Two years of sworn law enforcement experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Deputy Sheriff II.

Additional information

How to apply

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

Selection procedure

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the 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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-###-#### or [email protected].

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways oftentimes, outside of formal institutions and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position. If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Reasonable accommodations

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which