Job Description

Department Information

Agency Statement

Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate.

We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.

How To Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to:

Amy Mendigorin at Amy.Mendigorin@coloradodefenders.us no later than January 19, 2026 11:59 p.m. (Mountain Time). Your credentials should address how your skills and experience meet the qualifications for the position; and, your cover letter should highlight your interest in this position and working for the Office of the State Public Defender.

(Please note: Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.)

Benefits Of Working For Ospd

• 6 Health Plans- Cigna & Kaiser options
• Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans
• Dental Insurance
• State Paid Life Insurance
• State Paid Short-Term Disability
• FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
• HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 11 paid holidays
• Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
• Colorado PERA

For more information on benefits please visit . For additional information on PERA visit .

Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at:

Description Of Job

Chief Investigator is responsible for ensuring the investigative operations and services provided are completed in an effective and efficient manner, to secure the best possible representation for OSPD clients. Positions oversee the investigative function within the office, which includes direct supervision of investigative staff. Positions require performance reviews and initiation and carrying out personnel actions. Positions require interpersonal and communications skills (e.g. providing direction and feedback, constructively dealing with conflict) and apply an advanced level of problem-solving ability. Working in collaboration with other members of the management team, positions are responsible for overall planning and direction of the work and staff; overseeing administrative and operational processes; training and supervising staff; resolving personnel matters; managing caseloads/workloads; resolving high-level client and other operational matters; and, communicating and implementing directives established at the higher management level. In addition, position performs investigative work, typically in an advanced capacity.

Examples Of Duties

• Provides direct supervision over investigative staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting employee performance evaluations and reviews; ensuring employees are trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; and, making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• In conjunction with the Office Head and other members of the management team, coordinates case assignments and daily activities; modifies and authorizes work procedures; implements policy and process changes developed at a higher management level; ensures work is completed to effectively manage time, travel and resources; and, resolves personnel and other matters.
• Assists the Office Head in administrative duties such as leading meetings; serving as a resource or technical expert to other staff including recognizing and answering ethical questions and identifying conflict determinations; filling system wide, State Office needs; and, assisting in related regional office matters.
• Develops and delivers training related to investigative techniques and methods within the assigned regional office and agency-wide as needed. Serves as a mentor being readily and regularly accessible to others. Monitors training and conference attendance, coordinating with the State Office training unit to ensure investigators complete required training.
• Position in this class are able to conduct a wide range of investigations, including the most complex cases requiring advanced knowledge and experience in investigative methods and techniques, policies and procedures and court processes. Serve as collaborative members of the defense team consulting with attorneys on theories of defense including applicable case law and potential ethical issues to establish a strategy for the investigation and interviews.
• Performs duties to support the defense and investigations including, but not limited to, maintaining regular and timely communications with attorneys to keep apprised as to the status of the investigation; providing trial and hearing support through preparing clients, exhibits and witnesses for trial or sentencing; researching treatment placement options and coordinating with probation services as needed; performing post-trial tasks as needed; maintaining thorough documentation of all work; and, maintaining and utilizing tools and equipment for conducting investigations.
• Applies appropriate skills necessary in testifying accurately and truthfully on behalf of the defense. Ensures investigative staff understands and apply appropriate skills in testifying.
• Processes and submits applicable forms and paperwork in accordance with mandated cost procedures and State Office policy and procedures; and, ensures staff compliance with same.
• Frequent travel within and occasionally outside the State of Colorado, including occasional overnight travel.
• Assists other regional offices in conducting investigations, as assigned.
• Attends meetings and trainings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Must possess knowledge of:

oPrinciples and processes in providing quality client and personal services;

oCourt Procedures and terminology

oPrinciples and rules of professional conduct

oPrinciples of attorney-client privilege

oMastery of the English language including writing skills, grammar, and punctuation

oBasic math skills

Education And Experience

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Six (6) years of defense investigation or directly related experience;
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, criminology, legal studies, political science, international relations, social sciences, public relations, or communications.
• Demonstrated experience, skills and training in supervising others.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum six years of defense investigation experience and/or supervisory experience will be hired in at the Chief Investigator I level while gaining additional experience.

Four years of equivalent training or relevant experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform the duties at this level may substitute for education.

Supplemental Information

Conditions Of Employment (position Requirements At Entry)

• No felony convictions (“conviction” includes any plea or finding of guilt, a plea of nolo contendere, as well as disposition of a deferred sentence or deferred judgment);
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and access to a working vehicle.

The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process.

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact Ashley Caudle at ADARequest@coloradodefenders.us .

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Trial period, Night shift,

Similar Jobs