Investigator

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.

POSITION DUTIES

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 3 years of general experience in litigation support.

• 3 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 driver's 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.

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.

HOW TO APPLY

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. Please look at the "How to apply" instructions on the job posting at: Employment Opportunities | Federal Public Defender - Western District of Texas. 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 October 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 Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.