INVESTIGATOR AIDE, PUBLIC DEFENDER

Code: 33451C State Competitive Range: A13 (FY 2027) Work week 35: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $46,727.06 - $67,527.96/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of a higher level Investigator, Public Defender or other supervisor, as a paraprofessional investigator and productive worker, assists in the investigation of factual material pertaining to the indigency of applicants and the basis of their defense; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• As a paraprofessional investigator and productive worker:
• At the headquarters office and/or various regional offices of the Office of the Public Defender, makes necessary field reports and obtains factual information to be used in indigency determinations and the preparation of legal defense.
• May assist investigators in preparation and maintenance of reports/records covering all phases and activities of each case or investigation.
• Interviews and assists persons who are charged with indictable offenses and certain juveniles who request the services of the Office of the Public Defender.
• Locates, interviews, and subpoenas witnesses at any hour of the day.
• Answers inquiries in person and by correspondence.
• Attends training courses, schools, and seminars concerned with the operation of the Public Defender System in New Jersey.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in work which involves dealing directly with the public.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if teh operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Ability to achieve a suitable proficiency in the educational courses offered as part of the required training. Ability to learn the theory and principles governing the work programs of the Office of the Public Defender. Ability to organize assigned field and other work in accord with established procedures after a period of training. Ability to assist superior officers in the investigation, planning, and execution of defense pretrial and trial strategy after a period of training. Ability to work under adverse conditions and during all hours. Ability to understand the uses of evidentiary rules, laws, and special scientific equipment and to become knowledgeable in the analysis of products thereof. Ability to prepare and maintain reports of field or office work. Ability to give concise/factual testimony in a court of law. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. Bilingual in Spanish and English. SPECIAL SKILL Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. SC3514N/AA13-Bilingual Spanish/EnglishSC3514N/AA13- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 07/18/1998