Investigative Assistant

Summary

The District Attorney's Office is part of the executive branch of government, supporting and enforcing the laws made by the legislative branch and interpreted by the judicial branch. District Attorney Michael Ramsey and his staff are committed to providing professional service to further the protection of all Butte County residents and visitors. For more information about the Butte County District Attorney's Office, please visit www.buttecounty.net/districtattorney.

SUNSET POSITION : An allocated position that is limited in duration to a particular period of time, usually because the funding source for the position is not ongoing. This position is set to end on 6/30/2025. For terms and conditions concerning the appointment of a Sunset employee, see the 2019 Adopted Personnel Rules.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of administrative, clerical, and technical duties related to the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenders and providing support to the assigned office; performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Work is performed under the close supervision of an assigned Lieutenant or Sergeant. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This entry-level classification supports the investigative and administrative services within the County.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that followsis not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of statistical and operational logs, records, and reports; maintains computerized databases related to the assigned investigative activities; updates automated and manual computer records and tracking systems.

• Researches criminal justice information, locates and interviews witnesses.

• Performs field service of civil and criminal legal process such as subpoenas, summons, and complaints; makes positive identification of person served, and time and location of services; assists in serving search warrants.

• Assists attorneys with trial preparation; assists deputies in case preparation.

• Responds to crime and search warrant scenes, assists with collection of evidence.

• Conducts low-level investigations.

• Receives and sends information to and from other agencies and jurisdictions; coordinates activities.

• Creates and maintains criminal and civil case files; researches files and computer databases.

• Type's information on standard forms and inputs data into computer system.

• Checks local and state warrants and collects and distributes related paperwork.

• Collects statistical data and compiles data for reports; updates and assures the accuracy of statistical database.

• Promotes District Attorney's and Sheriff programs as assigned; projects positive support of the department and county organizations at all times.

• Monitors telephone and radio system; determines the nature of the calls, logs, and routes calls to coordinate/dispatch in response to the public, District Attorney, Sheriff and other County requests.

• Coordinates and records the maintenance and repairs of a department's fleet vehicles; schedules cleanings and other services with outside vendors or with County Public Works Department; monitors and maintains accurate maintenance records of fleet vehicles and equipment and assures legal compliance.

• Researches vendors for procurement options; compiles and evaluates bids; makes recommendations for orders.

• Coordinates the purchases of Department service related vehicles, supplies and/or equipment that may include, but is not limited to, office supplies, vehicles, uniforms, ammunition and equipment; type purchase requisitions, track, receive and reconcile orders/deliveries, and approve payments.

• Resolves problems and creates solutions.

• Utilizes a computer software system to input, access, retrieve, and analyze data.

• Performs a variety of general administrative duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic functions of a law enforcement agency including federal, state, and county laws, and department written directives.

• Basic principles of recordkeeping, case files and records management.

• Basic research methods and techniques.

• Basic principles, practices, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement ?and related radio and telephone communications.??

• Legal and law enforcement terminology, and court processes and procedures.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Learn, understand, interpret, and apply basic laws, rules and regulations related to functions of the District Attorney's Office.

• Learn steps required in conducting routine support and/or preliminary investigations.

• Maintain records and files related to the assigned duties.

• Identify and utilize community resources and services.

• Work independently and as a team member.

• Write and complete accurate reports and observations.

• Operate a variety of motor vehicles.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Maintain composure and work effectively under stressful conditions.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, and

One (1) year of public service or general office and computer experience.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas is frequently required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

• Mobility to travel and attend mandatory trainings and meetings.

• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.

• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Employees work indoors and outdoors, and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions.

• The principal duties ofthis class are performed in an environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.

• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes a motor vehicle, personal computer, radio, calculator, fax machine, standard office equipment and specialized software.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work and travel after hours, weekends, holidays and on-call as needed.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.