Sr Investigator

Sr Investigator

Salary

$74,410.79 Annually

Location

Waukegan, IL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

03076

Department

Public Defender

Opening Date

08/12/2026

Closing Date

9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits

General Description

Lake County is seeking a candidate to perform work of moderate difficulty in criminal defense investigation and in the preparation of reports regarding investigative findings.

The work involves the application of specialized knowledge and abilities in the investigation of crime, including the gathering of evidence, locating witnesses, interviewing witnesses and general assistance to the Public Defender in the preparation of cases.

Although the work is performed in accordance with established rules and procedures, the employee must exercise considerable independent judgment and maintain confidentiality. Supervision is received through observation of performance and review of written reports.

Essential Functions

interview clients, witnesses and law enforcement officials to obtain information to support the defense in a wide variety of major adult and juvenile criminal cases

• gather evidence to determine facts of each case (including exculpatory & mitigating facts)
• take photographs, make audio and video recordings, and process the results
• prepare physical and demonstrative exhibits for use in court
• drive to clients locations, court houses, crime scenes
• testify findings in court
• maintain confidential material
• The candidate will investigate each lead as required regardless of the location or time of day
• The candidate will obtain written statements and affidavits as appropriate to each case
• serve court process documents such as subpoenas
• operate a motor vehicle

Candidate will prepare written reports of investigations and otherwise assist the office in formulation of the defense theory

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• good knowledge of court proceedings and criminal investigation practices and techniques
• good knowledge of the "due process" clause of the 5th and 14th amendments of the U.S. Constitution
• some knowledge and understanding of Psychology/Sociology and interviewing techniques
• the ability to operate within the full scope of attorney/client privilege
• the ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies
• the ability to handle difficult situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and impartially
• The candidate must be able to secure the cooperation of others in difficult situations, interview effectively, and evaluate information obtained
• Candidate must be self-directed and work in a collaborative, energetic work environment, take leadership on priority issues, and engage in strategic thinking
• Candidate will perform arithmetic calculations, solve complex problems, deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form
• The successful candidate will have the ability to attend to details, exercise sound judgment, observe situations analytically and objectively, and to record them clearly and completely
• It is preferred that the individual in this position have experience working with socioeconomically disadvantaged clients and have the ability to work weekends and evenings if necessary

Psychological Factors:

• The psychological demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a candidate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Ability to effectively and professionally handle and respond to verbally abusive individuals or disparaging conduct.
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships.
• Ability to operate under continuous pressure.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Education Requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish fluently.
• Working knowledge of social media, computers, and office technology
• Possession of a valid Drivers License and State of Illinois driving privileges supplemented by a satisfactory driving record.
• Successful completion and satisfactory results of pre-employment screenings required which includes criminal background screening, motor vehicle report, physical exam, and drug screening required

Supplemental Information

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employeepage to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Here at the Health Department, we are proud to employ a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals focused on promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and collaboration, enabling each employee to perform at their maximum potential and to more effectively work with clients, patients, and employees. We offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Paid Time Off to support work-life balance
• IMRF Pension and 457 retirement plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement

You can find more details on our benefits on our website at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department/p/benefits.

Employer Lake County

Department Public Defender Address 15 S. County Street

Waukegan, Illinois, 60085

Phone 847-377-3360

Website http://www.lakecountyil.gov