THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY:
The Office of the District Attorney represents the People of the State of California in all criminal and civil proceedings, serves the court and criminal justice system, and the Orange County Grand Jury. The mission of the Office is to enhance public safety and welfare and create a sense of security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws in a just, honest, efficient and ethical manner. The Office consists of four major divisions: Legal, Investigative Bureau, and Administration & Public Affairs.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Office of the District Attorney is seeking results-oriented investigators to collaborate with attorneys in the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws. A District Attorney Investigator- Vehicular Homicide Investigator performs challenging investigative work resulting in the apprehension and prosecution of persons suspected of committing felony and serious misdemeanor crimes. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Investigate and reconstruct traffic-related crimes
• Keep abreast of current literature, technical papers and scientific studies related to collision reconstruction, vehicle dynamics, occupant kinematics, human factors, collision forensics and related fields
• Collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to document physical evidence of traffic homicides including scene evidence, vehicle damage, electronic data and video evidence
• Prepare drawn-to-scale diagrams depicting collision scenes, physical evidence, vehicle motion analysis and collision dynamics
• Conduct database research on a variety of public information database systems
• Review files and understands how to proceed with the investigation of a case
• Prepare clear and comprehensive reports of findings, through effective and strong communication skills
• Testify in court regarding the facts of a case
• Work on a variety of traffic-related cases including vehicular homicide, hit-and-run, felony driving under the influence causing injury and fraud

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
Knowledge:

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice System
• Thorough knowledge of rules of evidence, chain of custody, courtroom procedure, investigation techniques, methods, and procedures, and the role of a District Attorney Investigator
• Thorough knowledge of industry accepted principles investigating and reconstructing traffic-related crimes
• Thorough knowledge of validated collision reconstruction principles including conservation of linear momentum and energy from deformation analysis
• Knowledge of Newtonian Mechanics and scientifically accepted equations of motion to perform time-position analysis
• General knowledge of motor vehicles, particularly with operational systems including steering, throttle and braking components
• Understanding of the limitations of various methodologies and the circumstances under which each is unlikely to yield reliable results

Judgment and Decision Making: 

• Ability to review the collision reconstruction work of opposing experts and identify the methodologies used and validity of the stated opinions and conclusions
• Ability to apply forward thinking and creative thought with high ethical standards
• Exceptional judgment and common sense

Collaboration and Teamwork: 

• Approachability, flexibility and organizational skills
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, innovation and/or creativity in a law-enforcement career

Effective Written and Verbal Communication: 

• Ability to speak clearly and testify in court regarding the facts of a case
• Strong research, analytical and writing skills
• A detail-oriented approach to investigative work
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Superior interviewing, interrogation and listening skills
• Superior report writing skills

Specialized Experience & Certificates: 

• Certificates of completion for California P.O.S.T. approved courses in Basic Traffic Collision Investigation, Intermediate Traffic Collision Investigation, Advanced Traffic Collision Investigation, Traffic Collision Reconstruction, Crush Analysis/Vehicle Dynamics, Auto vs. Pedestrian/Bicycle, and Motor Vehicle Inspections
• Experience in traffic investigations as a case agent including crimes such as hit-and-run, driving under the influence causing injury, vehicular homicide and vehicular murder
• Experience in reviewing the collision investigation and reconstruction work of others and the ability to critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of an investigation
• Experience with motor vehicle Event Data Recorders (EDRs) and familiarity with the general nature of retrievable data
• Experience testifying and/or teaching in the fields of collision investigation, motor vehicle / commercial vehicle inspections or other traffic-related subject
• Ability to organize large complex cases
• Experience testifying as an expert witness in collision investigation and reconstruction

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five (5) years of experience as a law enforcement officer in accordance with California Penal Code Section 830.1 or its equivalent including two (2) years of experience performing investigations of felony and high misdemeanor crimes
• Be a citizen of the United States or qualify for Peace Officer status under California Government Code Section 1031.5; be at least 20 years of age; not have been convicted of a felony
• Be free from any physical, emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect exercise of peace officer powers, as determined by a licensed examining authority in accordance with California Government Code Section 1031
• Have graduated from high school, attained a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test or passed a California high school proficiency examination
• Pass a background investigation conducted in compliance with California Government Code Section 1031, to the satisfaction of the Office of the District Attorney
• Possess a current and valid California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Certificate or Basic Course Waiver as of date of appointment
• Possession of a valid California Driver License by date of appointment

Please click here for further details on the District Attorney Investigator job classification.
NOTE:
Two years (2) of experience with the federal government as defined in the federal job series 1811 is equivalent to the two (2) years of experience performing investigations of felony and high misdemeanor crimes required in the minimum qualifications above.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical and Mental Characteristics: Ability to perform active law enforcement role, body strength sufficient to effect arrest and control of suspects; independent body mobility to effectuate arrest, drive a vehicle, perform various law enforcement related searches, access a standard office; vision sufficient to read typed and handwritten documents, to read computer screen and to drive a vehicle; manual dexterity to accomplish handgun qualification, to operate police vehicles and radios, operate a computer keyboard to complete reports and do informational queries; stamina to enter, drive and exit a vehicle several times in one day, in all forms of weather conditions, ability to speak and hear well enough to converse in person and on the phone.
Mental stamina for complex problem solving and dealing with stressful situations; ability to recall and recreate detailed conversation or events, interpret and apply oral/written instructions; remain alert and coherent to take action or to decide alternative courses of action under routine, highly stressful, or environmentally difficult conditions
Environmental Conditions: Will be required to work office and field investigative assignments, use personal vehicle for travel (with mileage reimbursement), conduct field investigations, interview hostile or uncooperative individuals, conduct fixed and moving surveillance, travel outside of Orange County.
COMPENSATION:
Candidates receive P.O.S.T. pay commensurate with the level of P.O.S.T. certificate the candidate possesses.
Additional compensation up to 70 cents ($0.70) per hour may be available for candidates selected to work in positions requiring the following bilingual skills:

• Spanish/English: Ability to speak, read, write and understand fluent Spanish and English.
• Vietnamese/English: Ability to speak, write and understand fluent Vietnamese and English.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The Office of the District Attorney Human Resources screens all applications to identify the qualified candidates. After screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. After all the test procedures have been completed, the District Attorney's Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates.
The recruitment process will consist of the following assessment, which will require a few weeks to complete.
Structured Oral Interview (Weighed 100%): Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
All candidates considered for a position with the Office of the District Attorney will be required to successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including Live Scan fingerprinting and medical and psychological testing, to the satisfaction of the Office of the District Attorney.ADA/TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS: 
The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas, tests or other assessments in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. Candidates are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed for any questions or to request an accommodation during the testing/selection process.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any or all of the selection process components, please notify the recruiter immediately so appropriate accommodations may be made prior to the date of the selection component.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS:
Apply online by clicking the "Apply" link above. Only online applications with completed supplemental questions, if applicable, will be accepted and evaluated unless otherwise specified.
Your application should highlight all of the experience, education and training you possess, matching this with the specific qualifications and competencies listed on the job announcement. All required information submitted will be evaluated in order to identify the most qualified candidates. Application and supplemental information must be current, clear, succinct and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
You are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The information you provide may be used as a rating device, so please be detailed in your response. Failure to do so may result in a lower rating or "disqualification." Remember, this is a competitive recruitment and only the most qualified, will be referred further in the competition.
Clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and your ability to follow instructions will also be considered in the evaluation process.
Note: Responses of "See Resume" or copy and paste of work experience are not a qualifying response and will not be evaluated or rated. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and any supplemental questions. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question. 
For detailed information on how to apply, click here.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION: 
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is on your application and only use one email account. ***User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.*** 
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "da.ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
BACKGROUND VERIFICATION/SANCTION SCREENING:
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check consisting of employment history, professional references, conviction history, criminal check and educational verification (i.e., degree, license, and/or official transcript). * Please note, information gathered in the course of a background investigation is deemed confidential and will not be disclosed to the applicant unless legally mandated by statue to do so.
Foreign degrees require an evaluation for U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (NACES). Education information provided is subject to verification. Individuals hired by the County of Orange through this recruitment may be required to provide an official copy of diploma, college transcripts or official evaluation of foreign degree for U.S. equivalency within two weeks following the employment start date.
Applicants will be required to pass the background check to the satisfaction of the hiring Agency/Department. All applicants will also be required to answer a conviction questionnaire as part of the recruitment process. A clean driving record may be required while employed in this classification (see minimum qualifications and classification description for required license).
BENEFITS: 
The County offers a competitive benefits package which includes a choice of several health plans, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, annual leave (paid-time off accrual) and paid holidays. Additionally, the County provides a retirement plan, which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available. The County also offers $3,000 annual Educational and Professional Reimbursement.
For detailed information on benefits click here.
For detailed information on OCERS retirement click here.
For more information regarding the option of participating in the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan, please click here.
For specific information regarding Medical and Dental benefits for Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs' (AOCDS) members, please call (714) 285-9900.
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.