Investigator, Trial Division

Investigator, Trial Division

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16781

Department

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date

06/04/2026

Closing Date

6/14/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Position Overview:

The Harris County Public Defender's Office is committed to providing high-quality, client-centered representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford counsel. Our investigators play a critical role in building strong defenses, uncovering facts, and supporting holistic, team-based advocacy for our clients. Investigators work closely with attorneys, mitigation specialists, and support staff to ensure thorough and effective representation at every stage of a case. Working collaboratively with attorneys and other investigators, the Investigator is responsible for conducting comprehensive investigations in criminal defense cases involving individuals accused of crimes in Harris County, Texas. Investigators receive case assignments and develop investigative strategies in coordination with defense counsel to support case preparation and trial advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Duties include locating, interviewing, and assessing witnesses, conducting background investigations, drafting affidavits and investigative summaries; collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence; and maintaining consistent communication with attorneys regarding investigative findings and case developments.

• Investigators are also responsible for researching social media platforms, obtaining and reviewing cell phone records, coordinating forensic cell phone extractions, organizing and charting relevant digital evidence, and serving subpoenas as needed.

• The Investigator conducts field investigations, including visiting alleged crime scenes, canvassing neighborhoods and businesses, photographing and video-recording scenes, taking measurements, and locating and securing surveillance footage.

• Additional responsibilities include retrieving discovery materials from law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories, traveling locally and out of town to interview witnesses, and visiting jails, prisons, mental health facilities, and other institutions to meet with clients and witnesses.

• Investigators regularly interact with clients and their family members and assist attorneys with witness preparation, trial preparation, and jury selection.

• This position requires the ability to testify in court regarding investigative findings and procedures and to perform other duties as assigned or needed in support of the offices mission and operations.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (or equivalent accrediting body) is required.

Or

• In lieu of a bachelors degree, four (4) years of investigative experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Effective organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills are required to successfully manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Ability to travel locally and out of town as needed in support of investigative responsibilities.

Licensure:

• A valid driver's license is required. Candidates must obtain a valid Texas driver's license prior to the date of hire.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Fluency in the Spanish language in speaking, reading and writing.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time | 40 hours per week
• Some weekend or nighttime hours may occasionally be required.
• Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

Salary:

• Depends on qualifications

• Based on 26 pay periods

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Which of the following best describes your verifiable years of investigative experience? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years but less than four (4) years
• Four (4) years or more
• I do not have this experience.

03

Are you bilingual in English and Spanish? If yes, do you consider yourself fluent?

• Yes, I am fluent in both of these languages
• No, I am fluent in only one of these languages
• No, I am not fluent in either one of these languages

04

This role requires a Valid Drivers License (Texas upon hire) Do you have a Valid Drivers License?

• Yes, I have a Valid Texas Drivers License
• Yes, I have a Valid Drivers License but understand I must obtain a Valid Texas Drivers License prior to start date
• No, Im not interested

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx