Job Details for Investigator
| Court Name/Organization | Washington Eastern Federal Defenders |
| Overview of the Position | Investigators are integral members of the case and trial team; they maintain client and family relationships and prepare for hearings and trials. Investigators work closely with trial attorneys in determining scope, timing and direction of the investigation; assists attorneys at hearings and trials by evaluating testimony, coordinating witnesses and documents, serving subpoenas and notifying defense witnesses of court appearances. Anticipated start date mid-November 2026. |
| Location | Spokane, WA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 10/14/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | Not specified |
Position Description
Applicants should have investigative experience in the criminal justice field and possess good interviewing and report writing skills. Our cases are investigation-intensive and require substantial fieldwork, including witness interviews and crime scene investigation across a wide geographic area.
Investigators are integral members of the case and trial team; they maintain client and family relationships and prepare for hearings and trials. Investigators work closely with trial attorneys in determining scope, timing and direction of the investigation; assists attorneys at hearings and trials by evaluating testimony, coordinating witnesses and documents, serving subpoenas and notifying defense witnesses of court appearances.
Other duties include reviewing and analyzing discovery and other case documentation; ordering and gathering all records relevant to a case; locating people such as potential witnesses and experts; retrieving tangible evidence, personal property and relevant paraphernalia; computer analysis; and photographing crime scenes and evidence.
Qualifications
Must have at least six years total experience with three of those years demonstrated and documented investigative experience; some higher education may be substituted for experience. College degree is preferred. Must have comprehensive knowledge of investigative principles, methods and techniques; the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent facts; and exercise good judgment in a mature diplomatic manner.
The position requires strong time management skills and the ability to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines. The candidate should be a self-starter who is dependable, organized, detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Advanced computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat is necessary. Spanish language proficiency is preferred but not required. The candidate must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and travel as required.
We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, and commitment to ensuring that all people are treated fairly and respectfully, regardless of the allegation or circumstance.
General Experience
Applicants should have investigative experience in the criminal justice field and possess good interviewing and report writing skills. Our cases are investigation-intensive and require substantial fieldwork, including witness interviews and crime scene investigation across a wide geographic area.
Investigators are integral members of the case and trial team; they maintain client and family relationships and prepare for hearings and trials. Investigators work closely with trial attorneys in determining scope, timing and direction of the investigation; assists attorneys at hearings and trials by evaluating testimony, coordinating witnesses and documents, serving subpoenas and notifying defense witnesses of court appearances.
Specialized Experience
Other duties include reviewing and analyzing discovery and other case documentation; ordering and gathering all records relevant to a case; locating people such as potential witnesses and experts; retrieving tangible evidence, personal property and relevant paraphernalia; computer analysis; and photographing crime scenes and evidence.
Employee Benefits
- Health
- Vision
- Dental
- Life insurance/AD&D & long-term disability
- Flexible savings account
- 403(b) retirement plan
- 11 paid federal holidays
- 13 days of paid annual sick leave
- 13 days of paid annual vacation (the rate of paid vacation leave increases based on years of service)
Salary is paid semi-monthly (mid-month and end-of-month) via direct deposit.
Application Info
Please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references, to the following e‑mail: wae_employment@fd.org (subject line: Investigator-Spokane)
No telephone calls. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
The interview process will be discussed with selected applicants.
Current and future positions may be filled from this position announcement. Position subject to the availability of federal funding.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.