Job Details for Investigator
| Court Name/Organization | Texas Western Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position Investigator, to be stationed in the San Antonio office. |
| Location | San Antonio, TX |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 10/05/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $75,776 - $127,624 |
Position Description
The Investigator plays an integral role in the development and work-up of a client's case. Related duties include:
- Forming trusting relationships with clients.
- Locating and interviewing witnesses.
- Serving subpoenas.
- Photographing and videotaping crime scenes and evidence.
- Locating and retrieving documents and other tangible evidence.
- Talking to clients, family members, working with experts and addressing medical issues.
- Use computer software for word-processing and accessing databases and graphics to assist attorneys in developing evidence for use in litigation.
- Keep current on new developments in litigation support technology, recommend additions and modifications to current tools.
- Testify in court as required.
- Interpreting and translating.
- Working member of a defense team.
- Review and analyze, discovery, case documents, including forensic data.
- Conduct background investigations.
- Identify and work with experts.
- Coordinate witnesses for hearings and trial.
- Prepare declarations and affidavits.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Three years of general experience in litigation support.
- Three years of specialized experience as an investigator performing progressively responsible investigative duties.
- Comprehensive knowledge of investigative principles, practices, methods and techniques to assist in a team approach for planning and developing litigation strategy in criminal cases.
- Knowledge of court rules, local practices, and the Federal Criminal and Civil Rules of Procedure in analyzing litigation support requirements
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- A high level of organizational skills to gather, maintain, and manage documents and information for assigned cases.
- Ability to obtain and verify documents and evidence, interview clients and witnesses, report findings, and assist attorneys in preparing for trial and sentencing.
- Experience with investigations involving sentencing mitigation.
- Must be fluent in both English and Spanish.
- Possess a valid drivers license, insurance and own/operate a personal vehicle for business purposes (mileage is reimbursable).
- Be able to travel, including night and weekend work.
- Have a strong commitment to providing first-rate representational support to indigent persons in proceedings under federal criminal law.
- Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including, but not limited to an FBI fingerprint and name check.
Employee Benefits
- Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System.
- Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB).
- Optional participation in Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
- Optional participation in Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
- Position is excepted service, without competitive civil service tenure.
Application Info
Qualified persons may apply by sending a letter of interest (mentioning announcement 27-01), a résumé, references, and representative writing sample. Experience should be described in detail. Send all required documents in a single PDF document named with applicant’s “last name, first name-Announcement 27-01 SA Investigator” by email to TXW_Employment@fd.org. Electronic submissions sent directly to the Defender will not be considered. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodations, which are decided on a case-by-case basis. To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact Personnel Administrator Michelle Higgins at 210-981-2081. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. Position announced Oct. 5, 2026, subject to the availability of funds; open until filled. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.