Criminal Investigator 1

Work Location: Marietta, Ohio, United States | Contact: Christina Black, christina.black@opd.ohio.gov | Schedule: Permanent Full‑Time, 7:30 am–4 pm | Union: OCSEA (Classified)

About the role

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is the state agency responsible for providing legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Its mission is Advocating. Fighting. Helping. and its vision is A Fair Justice System. Core values are Compassion, Dignity, Equity, Integrity, Service, and Community.

OPD is seeking a Criminal Investigator 1 to serve in the Washington County Office of the Trial Services Division. The division provides client‑centered representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges across Ohio counties. The investigator will conduct criminal fact investigations of possible non‑capital felonies and misdemeanors and assist in preparing and presenting cases at all levels of litigation, including trials in Municipal, Juvenile, and Common Pleas Courts. The position requires regular travel throughout Washington County and time spent in the community, jails, and courthouses. The office has six staff attorneys, four core support staff, and a supervising attorney; the investigator reports to the Office Director.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the facts and circumstances of the alleged offense.
• Serve subpoenas.
• Interview clients.
• Review case materials.
• Locate, contact, and interview witnesses in the field using a variety of tools.
• Locate, contact, and interview other suspects and family members as needed.
• Gather physical and documentary evidence.
• Prepare and complete reports of interviews, findings, and timelines for use in trial.
• Gather documentation to support the testimony of expert and lay witnesses.
• View and diagram crime scenes.
• Assist in identifying records to put into evidence.
• Travel throughout Ohio and outside the state as necessary to locate and interview potential witnesses.
• Serve as a liaison to clients’ families, law enforcement, various defense witnesses, and attorneys to transmit information.
• Meet regularly with others on the defense team to provide updates on investigation and to collaborate with team members.
• Assist with mail, court runs, or filings.

Qualifications

Minimum Class Qualifications (one of the following):

• 12 months of training or 12 months of experience in conducting investigations of complaints or possible violations of laws, rules, or agency/company policies and procedures.
• Completion of an associate degree program core coursework in law enforcement.
• Equivalent of the Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Note: Positions in the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation may require proficiency demonstrations to determine Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment.

Skills

• Investigation
• Attention to Detail
• Critical Thinking
• Teamwork
• Written Communication

Pay

The Criminal Investigator 1 position is assigned to the State of Ohio's OCSEA Pay Schedule, Pay Range 30. Starting pay is at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Steps advance after 180 days and annually thereafter, with typical fiscal‑year Cost of Living Adjustments.

StepHourlyAnnually Step 1$26.54$55,203 Step 2$27.56$57,325 Step 3$28.76$59,821 Step 4$30.10$62,608 Step 5$31.47$65,458 Step 6$32.84$68,307 Step 7$34.53$71,822

Schedule

• Permanent Full‑Time
• Work Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

Benefits

Eligible full‑time employees receive the State of Ohio benefits package, which includes:

• Medical coverage
• Free Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off: vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Benefits eligibility depends on a number of factors; the agency contact can provide specific information for this position.