Open Until Filled
Priority Screening Date: February 2, 2026
Exam #: 26/34D23/01GM
All application materials must be received by the priority screening date of February 2, 2026, for a guaranteed review. Applications received after this date will be considered on an as needed basis until the position is filled.
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.
The Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to indigent persons charged with crimes in Monterey County, ranging from the simplest misdemeanor to complex capital cases. The guiding principle of the office is that each client is entitled to the best outcome legally attainable. Our attorney’s, investigators and support staff take great pride in providing a consistently high level of service. The Public Defender's Office seeks qualified applicants to apply for the position of Public Defender Investigator II.
The Public Defender Investigator II is the full working level class in the Public Defender Investigator series. Incumbents independently conduct investigations of the more complex and sensitive misdemeanor and felony cases referred to the Public Defender’s Office, such as murder cases. Incumbents must possess a working knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, court procedures, and departmental policies.
The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.
This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:
Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field trave
Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings.
BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
NOTES:
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As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
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Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
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If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
Application and Selection Procedures
Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty
or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Human Resources Department
Attn: Gabriela Munoz
168 W. Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: (831) 755-5899
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
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Responses to the Supplemental Questions
All application materials must be received by the priority screen date of February 2, 2026, for a guaranteed review. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application
To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses
must complete and
email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline to
[email protected]
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The County of Monterey is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. The County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact Gabriela Munoz, Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 755-5899, or
[email protected] .
