Job Description

Full job description

Department Information

Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate.


We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.


The posted salary reflects a range for the job classification in the OSPD’s step and grade compensation structure. Candidate will be placed in the grade based on qualifications and may include credit for job relevant years of experience



How to Apply:


Please e-mail your résumé and cover letter outlining your interest in, and how your skills and experience meet
the qualifications for, this position to Mandy Scoular, Office Manager, mandy.scoular@coloradodefenders.us
by December 18, 2024, 11:59 p.m . (Mountain Time).


Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.


Resumes must include dates of employment but, you may redact or remove any information that will identify your age, date of birth or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.



BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR OSPD:

• 6 Health Plans- Cigna & Kaiser options
• Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans
• Dental Insurance
• State Paid Life Insurance
• State Paid Short-Term Disability
• FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
• HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 11 paid holidays
• Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
• Colorado PERA
• 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

For more information on benefits please visit For additional information on PERA visit


Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at:

Description of Job

We are currently accepting applications to fill one Criminal Defense Investigator positions at the Colorado State Public Defender’s Sterling trial office . This is a full-time, entry-level Investigator position. Investigators serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality. Public Defender Investigators perform duties and assume responsibility for case assignments under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney, while also receiving direct supervision and training from the Chief Investigator.


Individuals in the position develop their investigative skills through on-the-job training and formal instruction, and apply those skills as a member of defense teams working on misdemeanor, juvenile and felony cases. The primary job duties of an investigator include locating, interviewing and coordinating witnesses; locating and obtaining documents and other information; serving subpoenas; providing insight and recommendations to attorneys on defense strategy; writing reports; preparing exhibits; and, testifying at trial. Investigators may occasionally assist on cases in other offices and perform other duties as assigned.


It’s critical for Investigators to be organized, detail oriented, and able to work independently and take the initiative. They also must utilize strong interpersonal skill to be able to effectively interact with colleagues, clients (who may be incarcerated), clients’ families, and other individuals within the criminal justice community.


Investigators review discovery and records, which may include visual depictions of evidence, examining physical evidence and viewing crime scenes; and, maintain and utilize equipment for conducting investigations including, but not limited to, audio recording devices, cameras, magnifying tools, measurement devices, and maps.


Investigators utilize standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, internet browsers, e-mail, and Adobe Acrobat; multimedia technology; and, audio/visual software and equipment.


Positions require travel frequently within, and occasionally outside, the State of Colorado, including occasional overnight travel; and, occasional work outside normal business hours. Investigators are responsible for transporting themselves and their files to court, jails, sites of investigations and other offsite work locations, as required.


In all aspects of the work they perform, Investigators must demonstrate compassion for our client and a commitment to their representation.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

QUALIFICATIONS: (Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.)



Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, social sciences or other degree directly related to the investigative field.
• Equivalent education, training or experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform at this level may substitute for education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in indigent criminal defense, or other experience serving an indigent population;
• Bilingual, Spanish-speaking skills.

Conditions of Employment :

• Must be 18 years of age or older;
• No felony convictions (“conviction” includes any plea or finding of guilt, a plea of nolo contendere, as well as disposition of a deferred sentence or deferred judgement);
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and access to a working vehicle.

Supplemental Information

The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact Ashley Caudle at, ashley.caudle@coloradodefenders.us.

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Local area, Night shift,

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