Criminal Investigator - Environmental Crime Unit

Initial Posting Date:

10/12/2026

Application Deadline:

11/08/2026

Agency:

Department of Justice

Salary Range:

$8,159 - $11,489

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

*Criminal Investigator - Environmental Crime Unit

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Justice is recruiting for a highly experienced Criminal Investigator to work in the Criminal Justice Division in either our Salem or Portland office. The assignment will be in the Environmental Crimes and Cultural Resources Enforcement Unit (ECREU).  The agent may also be assigned to any other unit (Internet Crimes Against Children, District Attorney Assist, Elder Crimes, Organized Crime, etc.) within the Criminal Justice Division based on the needs of the agency.

The Environmental Crimes and Cultural Resources Enforcement Unit (ECREU). ECREU engages in a broad range of environmental work (air and water pollution, hazardous waste, fish and wildlife offenses, pesticides) as well as assists in protecting cultural resources (damaged, looted or destroyed archaeological sites, artifacts, and other objects of cultural significance). This work is primarily criminal in nature and can involve a special agent handling specific cases in a particular county or an agent providing specialized assistance to district attorneys statewide upon request.

Other units the agent may be assigned to include the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), District Attorney Assist, Elder Crimes, and Financial Crimes.  The mission of the ICAC Task Force is to identify, apprehend, and prosecute sexual predators who exploit children through the use of computers and the Internet, and to sponsor community education efforts regarding the prevention of internet crimes against children.  Criminal investigators in the District Attorney Assist section carry out this mission by providing investigative assistance to Oregon prosecutors on major serious crimes, inclusive of financial crimes, noted for their complex facts and difficult legal issues.  The Elders Crimes Unit investigates crimes targeting our vulnerable elder population.

The ideal candidate for this position are those who have experience investigating complex criminal investigations, with a nexus to Environmental Crimes. A knowledge base and experience in utilizing advanced electronic surveillance tools and techniques (e.g. pole cameras, tracking devices, communication interception, cell-site mapping) is preferred, but not required.  If hired, you will investigate these various crimes for and work with DOJ Asst. Attorney Generals; plan, coordinate and direct complex and interagency investigations with State, Local and Federal agencies; and assist law enforcement agencies and prosecutors with investigations.

This is a sworn police officer position represented by the Criminal Investigators Association (CIA). The candidate hired will become a member of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) under the designation of police officer.  A comprehensive medical, vision, and dental package, along with paid time off, will accompany competitive and equitable pay, make work-life balance attainable, and show you the door to professional development and job satisfaction. For more information about our benefits, you can learn here.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Independently, or with responsibility for directing the work of experienced Special Agents or other personnel as required, plan, coordinate, direct and conduct complete investigations involving any matters under the investigative jurisdiction of the Department of Justice.

• Prepare and review search warrants and affidavits to ensure that all items of a pertinent nature are encompassed within terms of the warrant.

• Plan and organize the processing of crime scenes.

• Participate in covert investigative operations involving law enforcement agencies from federal, state, and local jurisdictions.

• Preserve the integrity of physical evidence by safeguarding the chain of custody and utilizing evidence handling techniques known to be effective by law enforcement.  For example, properly mark, tag, and seal evidence, and limit access to those with an administrative or investigative need in order to further the investigation and prepare the case for grand jury and trial. 

• Conduct thorough and in-depth interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects.

• Serve as a search team leader; search persons, vehicles, structures and/or area using prescribed search techniques.

• Obtain and serve arrest warrants, grand jury and Attorney General subpoenas. Make arrests.

• Continuously review and evaluate case evidence to determine value and completeness in preparation for grand jury or prosecution.

• Prepare and finalize comprehensive and factual reports that outline findings in a clear and concise format and address questions prompted by the facts in the case.

• Prepare properly documented legal exhibits integral to the criminal transactions and that are admissible in court and easy to understand by non-experts.

• Transport prisoners and provide protection for selected witnesses in criminal proceedings wherein the witness's personal safety has been threatened.

• Coordinate with medical and scientific personnel when investigative assistance is required.  For example, pathology, ballistics, laboratory analysis, etc. 

• Establish and maintain essential partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as out of state law enforcement agencies, to ensure the effective exchange of criminal intelligence.

• Use restraining devices and personal defense tactics.

• Operate photographic and surveillance equipment.

• Utilize technical knowledge of wireless communication infrastructure, covert and other technical devices.

• Act as statewide expert on investigative strategy and techniques relating to wireless surveillance and tracking, covert monitoring, and electronic evidence collection. 

Required Attributes and Special Requirements

• Four years of recent (within the last ten years) full-time criminal investigative experience. College-level coursework in a related field or criminal investigation training in criminal law may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of the required experience; AND

• Candidate must either possess an active Oregon (DPSST) Advanced Police certification (or higher); OR

• Have another state or federal equivalent certification and/or be able to obtain an Advanced Police certification within a year of hire; AND

• Maintain an appropriate Oregon State driver license to drive a vehicle in normal and emergency situations; AND

• Maintain a qualifying score with duty firearm(s) as well as certification in First Aid and CPR; AND

• Must pass a computerized criminal history and driver and motor vehicle services check, as well as clear a comprehensive background investigation and employment check (Criminal Justice Division).   Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

• Must pass a DPSST required psychological exam.

• Must pass a DPSST physical exam; this may be required for out‑of‑state candidates.
  

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Investigator experience in Environmental Crimes.

• Extensive knowledge of the principles and methods of effective field investigations, covert investigation, surveillance, and Oregon Revised Statues.

• Must be able to obtain an active Oregon DPSST Advanced Police certification (as required within a year of hire), which includes firearms qualifying score.

• Experienced with managing and motivating information contacts.

• Experienced with methods of collecting physical evidence.

• Experience with working independently, prioritizing own work and meeting time sensitive deadlines, at times with little notice and frequent interruptions.

• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying laws and policies, in addition to exercising confidentiality with sensitive case information.

• Ability to prepare and present findings, establish proof of facts and evidence before grand juries, courts, and other adjudicative bodies.

• Ability to provide accuracy and attention to detail with stating facts clearly, concisely, objectively, and with correct English grammar both orally and in writing; when preparing written reports, memoranda and statements.

• Must be skilled and able to communicate effectively with people from various educational, cultural, and socioeconomic, to gain their confidence and cooperation.

• Experience must include proficiency with word processing software and internet databases usage.

• Knowledge and skills with operating a variety of photographic equipment used in crime scene photography and surveillance photography.

• Ability and willingness to travel frequently away from home and (as required) for weeks to months at a time.

Illustrated through in-depth employment and reference checks and application material.

 
Application Process

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

• Click "Apply" and complete the online application and all supplemental questions.

• Attach your resume.

• Attach your cover letter.

• Attach your writing sample. (The sample should detail an investigative process of an investigation you conducted)

ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Drag and drop both resume, cover letter, and writing sample into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that one or both documents didn't attach to your application, if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions, or need assistance with the application process, please contact [email protected]. Any materials emailed will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.

CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using your state-issued login and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet located on your home page. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates. Prior to clicking "Apply", update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including your current job). ​

For additional information regarding working for the Department of Justice and application assistance, click HERE.

Oregon Department of Justice 
1162 Court St NE 
Salem, OR 97301 
[email protected]

Phone: (503) 947-4328 
Fax: (503) 373-0367