Investigator, OAG, Criminal Law Division

State of Idaho Opportunity

Closing Date: Open until filled.

Start Date: To be determined upon hire.

Salary: $44.60 to $49.06 hourly.

Benefits: State employee benefits which include low-cost health and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, 11 paid holidays, multiple retirement savings plans, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, and one of the nation’s best state retirement systems (PERSI). The Office is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Location: Boise, Idaho. As Idaho’s capital, Boise offers a rich variety of both cultural and recreational opportunities.

Primary Duties: Investigators in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit find, apprehend, and help prosecute those who use the internet or other technology to sexually exploit children. This is demanding, high-impact work in a fast-paced environment with frequent statewide travel.

Primary duties include reviewing tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, identifying, interviewing, and arresting suspects; obtaining and executing residential warrants; seizing phones, laptops, computers, and other electronic storage devices and searching them for child sexual abuse material; testifying in court; drafting detailed reports; educating the public on internet safety; and training law enforcement throughout the state.

The effective investigation of technology-facilitated crimes against children requires intellectual curiosity, technical adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning in a rapidly evolving digital and legal landscape.

In Idaho, tips on ICAC crimes have increased by more than 340% over the last five years. The sheer volume of our work means we need self-motivated investigators with a strong work ethic who thrive in high-volume environments, produce thorough and efficient work, and maintain professionalism under pressure. Successful candidates will demonstrate emotional resilience and a positive mindset.

Hazardous Duty Statement: This position requires viewing and analyzing digital content showing the sexual exploitation of children, including graphic and disturbing images and videos of children being raped, tortured, and abused. The employee must be able to manage the psychological and emotional impact of repeated exposure to such material as an essential part of the job. The Office of the Attorney General requires all its employees routinely exposed to such content to participate in a mental health resiliency program run by a certified clinician.

Minimum Qualifications: Current Idaho POST certification; minimum education of a high school diploma or equivalent; a total of at least five years law enforcement experience between patrol, detective, or similar role; above-average communication and interpersonal skills; a thorough understanding of laws, policies and rules of evidence applicable to Idaho law enforcement service; ability to work both independently and in a close-knit team environment with other investigators and prosecutors; enthusiasm for public service.

Must be able to pass a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check and maintain CJIS access.

Must possess valid state-issued driver’s license.

Must be able to drive and travel frequently, including with little or no advanced notice.

Must be willing to work flexible hours and be on-call as needed.

Any offer for employment is contingent upon the candidate’s completion of a satisfactory background investigation, which will include fingerprinting, a polygraph, and a psychological evaluation.

Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience investigating Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) cases or other technology-facilitated child exploitation offenses.

Familiarity with investigative tools and techniques for peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, the dark web, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and/or digital currencies (e.g., Bitcoin tracing in exploitation cases).

Demonstrated ability to conduct multiple investigations simultaneously in a thorough and efficient manner.

Knowledge of digital forensics principles, device examination tools (e.g., Cellebrite, Magnet AXIOM, or similar), or experience collaborating with forensic examiners.

Applications: E-mail resumes to Keri Ascherfeld at keri.ascherfeld@ag.idaho.gov . NOTE: You do not have to complete the standard application "apply now" process for this position. If you choose to do so, please also submit your resume to keri.ascherfeld@ag.idaho.gov to be considered for this position.

If you have questions, please call Keri Ascherfeld at 208-334-4545.

The Idaho Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer. This position is exempt from state classified service, and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. This is an at-will position.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact Human Resources at (208) 334-4128 or email ana.lara@ag.idaho.gov .

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.