Find The RightJob.
Public Defender Investigator Trainee-26573102
San Diego County's Department of the Public Defender
is seeking qualified candidates for the position of
Public Defender Investigator Trainee
Interviews will be held the week of May 4, 2026. Job offers will be made the week of May 25, 2026.
This is a series recruitment that will close on March 28, 2026.
This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $65,540.80 annually . County employees are subject to the
County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5
Future Salary Increase
Hiring Timeline and Dates
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
Minimum Qualifications
College-level course work equivalent to an associate's degree (60 semester units) from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in criminal justice, political science, sociology, or a related field.
Note: Oral and written Spanish/English bilingual fluency, and competent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, keyboarding and the internet, are highly desirable.
For your education and/or certifications to be considered, you must attach a copy of your degree, transcripts, diploma, foreign equivalency report and/or certifications to your application. Please submit only the documents required. Additional documentation, such as awards, letters of recommendation, unsolicited certifications, etc. will not be added to your application file.
Additional information please visit Public Defender Investigator Trainee job classification.
The Department of Human Resources will remove personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Desirable Traits
Communicates Effectively, Knowledge Worker, Customer Focused, Values and Respects Others, Drives to Excel, Teamwork and Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Demonstrates Ethical Behavior, Supportive of Change, Flexible, and Ability to Multi-task.
Conditions of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
Qualified applicants will be placed on a twelve (12) month employment list based on scores received from the supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov).
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers . The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county , city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
is seeking qualified candidates for the position of
Public Defender Investigator Trainee
Interviews will be held the week of May 4, 2026. Job offers will be made the week of May 25, 2026.
This is a series recruitment that will close on March 28, 2026.
This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $65,540.80 annually . County employees are subject to the
County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5
Future Salary Increase
- June 2026 – 4.80% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + 1.30% Market Adjustment)
-
June 2027 – 4.30% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the- Board + 1.30% Market Adjustment)
Hiring Timeline and Dates
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins week of May 25, 2026. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
-
Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date
Minimum Qualifications
College-level course work equivalent to an associate's degree (60 semester units) from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in criminal justice, political science, sociology, or a related field.
Note: Oral and written Spanish/English bilingual fluency, and competent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, keyboarding and the internet, are highly desirable.
For your education and/or certifications to be considered, you must attach a copy of your degree, transcripts, diploma, foreign equivalency report and/or certifications to your application. Please submit only the documents required. Additional documentation, such as awards, letters of recommendation, unsolicited certifications, etc. will not be added to your application file.
Additional information please visit Public Defender Investigator Trainee job classification.
The Department of Human Resources will remove personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Desirable Traits
Communicates Effectively, Knowledge Worker, Customer Focused, Values and Respects Others, Drives to Excel, Teamwork and Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Demonstrates Ethical Behavior, Supportive of Change, Flexible, and Ability to Multi-task.
Conditions of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
Qualified applicants will be placed on a twelve (12) month employment list based on scores received from the supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov).
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers . The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county , city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
© 2026 Qureos. All rights reserved.