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If you’ve Googled “Criminal Investigator job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over—dry, lifeless bullet points that sound like they were copied from a government filing. They list “duties” and “qualifications,” but they don’t help you attract the kind of sharp, detail-oriented professionals who can actually solve cases and strengthen your investigative team.
The truth? A great job description doesn’t just list tasks—it makes skilled investigators see themselves in the role. It communicates the mission, the stakes, the people they’ll work with, and why their expertise matters.
Before we dive in, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It explains exactly why generic job ads fail and how a human-first approach will help you stand out in a competitive hiring market.
In this article, we’re going to take that approach and apply it specifically to the Criminal Investigator role—so you can write a post that’s not only accurate, but also compelling enough to attract top-tier candidates who are committed, thorough, and mission-driven.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What A Criminal Investigator Actually Does
A Criminal Investigator is more than someone who collects evidence and writes reports. They’re problem-solvers, fact-finders, and detail-obsessed professionals who follow leads, uncover truths, and help bring justice to victims and communities.
In plain English: they investigate suspected criminal activity by gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, collaborating with law enforcement, and building cases that can stand up in court.
This isn’t just a desk job—or just a field job. Criminal Investigators split their time between active scene work, detailed case documentation, and coordination with prosecutors, detectives, and other agencies. It’s a role that demands equal parts critical thinking, persistence, and integrity.
The best candidates for this role aren’t just technically skilled—they have the patience to follow long investigative trails, the adaptability to handle unpredictable cases, and the communication skills to work with both victims and fellow professionals.
Two Great Criminal Investigator Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Criminal Investigator
📌 Job Title: Criminal Investigator — Special Investigations Division (Harbor City District Attorney’s Office)
📍 Location: Harbor City, WA
💼 Type: Full-Time | In-Person (field + office)
💰 Salary Range: $72,000–$90,000/year (DOE)
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri; occasional nights/weekends for case work
🎥 A quick word from our Chief Investigator: (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
The Harbor City District Attorney’s Office (HCDAO) prosecutes felony and high-impact misdemeanor cases for a metro area of ~700,000 residents. Our Special Investigations Division handles complex matters—violent crime, public corruption, organized retail theft, financial fraud, and sensitive victim cases—working shoulder-to-shoulder with prosecutors to build cases that stand up in court.
Our Culture
We’re a mission-driven, tight-knit unit. Accuracy matters, integrity is non-negotiable, and teamwork wins cases. You’ll have straight access to prosecutors, modern tools, and ongoing training.
What You’ll Do
- Lead end-to-end investigations on assigned cases
- Process crime scenes; collect/preserve physical and digital evidence
- Interview witnesses, victims, and suspects; write sworn statements
- Analyze financial, phone, and geolocation records; draft affidavits/warrants
- Coordinate with local/state/federal partners; testify credibly in court
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years in criminal investigations (law enforcement or DA/AG office)
- Mastery of evidence handling, chain of custody, and report writing
- Courtroom experience (testimony, warrant drafting)
- High ethical standards; sound judgment under pressure
- Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice/Criminology (preferred); valid driver’s license
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
Your work directly impacts public safety. You’ll own meaningful cases, collaborate daily with seasoned prosecutors, and see your investigations through to verdict.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + employer HSA contribution
- Pension/retirement plan with agency contributions
- 15 PTO days + 12 holidays + sick time; comp time for after-hours work
- Annual training budget (e.g., Reid/PEACE interviewing, financial crimes, DFIR)
- Equipment & uniform stipend; take-home laptop and secure phone
- Tuition assistance for approved certifications (e.g., CFE, CFCE)
Our Hiring Process
We evaluate skill over résumé headlines. Through WorkScreen.io, you’ll complete brief, role-relevant exercises (evidence handling, case summary). We review every application and keep you updated at each step.
📥 Apply Now: (Insert WorkScreen link)
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Will Train Criminal Investigator
📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Criminal Investigator — Corporate Compliance & Investigations (Orion Insight Group)
📍 Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid: 3 days on-site, 2 remote)
💼 Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary Range: $50,000–$62,000/year (DOE)
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri; occasional flexibility for interviews/site visits
🎥 Meet your future manager (2-min intro): (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
Orion Insight Group is a boutique investigations firm specializing in corporate misconduct, internal fraud, regulatory compliance, and third-party due diligence. We partner with mid-market and enterprise clients across tech, healthcare, and financial services to uncover facts, mitigate risk, and protect reputations.
Our Culture
Curious, ethical, and collaborative. We train aggressively, share playbooks openly, and celebrate airtight documentation. If you love learning and following the facts, you’ll fit right in.
What You’ll Do (with Full Training)
- Support senior investigators on corporate and compliance cases
- Collect open-source intel (OSINT), review logs/records, and draft memos
- Sit in on interviews; take notes and build timelines/chronologies
- Maintain case files; help prepare client-ready reports and exhibits
- Learn legal/ethical standards for evidence handling and confidentiality
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree (any field); CJ/Accounting/InfoSec a plus—not required
- Sharp writing, organization, and discretion with sensitive info
- Analytical mindset; comfort with spreadsheets and basic data tools
- Growth attitude; takes feedback and improves fast
- Valid driver’s license; willing to travel regionally (≤10%)
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
Break into investigations with guided mentorship, real client exposure, and a clear growth path to Case Lead. You’ll build true, portable skills in interviewing, documentation, and reporting.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + 401(k) with match
- 15 days PTO + 10 holidays + flexible winter break
- Annual learning stipend ($1,500) + certification sponsorship (e.g., CFE)
- Commuter/phone stipend; modern tools (laptop, research platforms)
- Wellness reimbursement; quarterly team offsites
Our Hiring Process
We hire for potential. Via WorkScreen.io, you’ll complete short exercises (e.g., summarize a mock interview, flag inconsistencies in a dataset). We review all applications and reply within two weeks.
📥 Apply Now: (Insert WorkScreen link)
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Criminal Investigator Job Posts Work
Just like in our master guide, here’s why the two templates above are structured to actually attract the right candidates—rather than just fill space on a careers page.
1️⃣ Clear, Specific Titles
- Experienced Post: “Criminal Investigator — Special Investigations Division (Harbor City District Attorney’s Office)” instantly signals seniority, specialization, and employer.
- Entry-Level Post: “Entry-Level Criminal Investigator — Corporate Compliance & Investigations (Orion Insight Group)” makes it clear that training is provided and specifies the type of investigations.
Why it works: Specific titles attract the right talent and filter out people who aren’t a match before they even click.
2️⃣ Video Element for Connection
- Including a short Loom/YouTube message from a manager or chief investigator builds immediate trust and humanizes the role.
Why it works: Candidates get a face and voice behind the posting, making the opportunity feel personal rather than bureaucratic.
3️⃣ Context-Rich “Who We Are” Sections
- Harbor City DA’s Office intro references caseload type (violent crime, fraud, public corruption) and the scope of their jurisdiction.
- Orion Insight Group paints a clear picture of their client industries and investigation focus.
Why it works: Skilled candidates are motivated by the mission, the cases, and the environment—details most generic posts omit.
4️⃣ Culture Statements That Show, Not Tell
- “Accuracy matters, integrity is non-negotiable, and teamwork wins cases” → instantly sets expectations for behavior and mindset.
- “We train aggressively, share playbooks openly, and celebrate airtight documentation” → gives a feel for daily operations.
Why it works: Candidates self-assess fit and feel either drawn in or self-select out.
5️⃣ Responsibilities Written for Impact
- Experienced: “Lead end-to-end investigations” instead of just “Investigate crimes.”
- Entry-Level: “Collect open-source intel (OSINT), review logs/records, and draft memos” makes tasks concrete and learnable.
Why it works: Action-driven language makes the role feel purposeful, not administrative.
6️⃣ Requirements That Attract, Not Deter
- Experienced: Highlights must-have skills (courtroom experience, warrant drafting) for precision targeting.
- Entry-Level: Emphasizes aptitude and willingness to learn over credentials.
Why it works: You’re not alienating good-fit candidates by being unnecessarily rigid.
7️⃣ Separate “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” and “Perks & Benefits”
- “Why This Role…” appeals to the candidate’s purpose, growth, and direct impact.
- “Perks & Benefits” lists tangible compensation, time off, and resources.
Why it works: Candidates see both emotional and practical reasons to join—two different motivators.
8️⃣ Modern, Respectful Hiring Process
- Clear timeline (“respond within two weeks”), skill-based screening via io, and updates at each step.
Why it works: Sets you apart from employers who ghost applicants and rely solely on résumés.
Example of a Bad Criminal Investigator Job Description (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Post Example
📌 Job Title: Criminal Investigator
📍 Location: Springfield, USA
💼 Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
The Springfield Investigations Department is seeking a Criminal Investigator to perform investigative duties. The candidate will be responsible for reviewing cases, conducting investigations, and preparing reports.
Responsibilities
- Conduct investigations
- Prepare reports
- Interview witnesses
- Collect evidence
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field
- 3 years of investigative experience
- Strong communication skills
How to Apply
Submit your CV and cover letter to hr@springfieldinvestigations.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
1️⃣ Generic Job Title
- Just “Criminal Investigator” with no indication of division, specialization, or employer identity. It could belong to any organization.
2️⃣ Bland, Vague Summary
- “Perform investigative duties” tells a candidate nothing about the scope, mission, or impact of the work.
3️⃣ Responsibilities Are Uninspired
- “Conduct investigations” is too broad—every criminal investigator does that. There’s no context for case types, complexity, or collaboration.
4️⃣ No Culture or Mission
- Fails to convey the organization’s values, priorities, or why someone should choose this team over others.
5️⃣ No Salary or Benefits Information
- Candidates have no idea if the role aligns with their financial expectations, which can waste time on both sides.
6️⃣ Cold, Outdated Application Process
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” signals to applicants that they may never hear back, which discourages strong candidates.
7️⃣ Zero Personality in the Call-to-Action
- Ending with just an email address feels transactional, not inviting.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Criminal Investigator Job Post Stand Out
These are small but powerful additions that can instantly make your job post feel more trustworthy, candidate-friendly, and competitive—while also setting you apart from every generic listing out there.
1️⃣ Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
Show candidates you take their personal information seriously. This is especially important for investigative roles where confidentiality is valued.
Example:
“We take the security and privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never request payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any stage of the hiring process.”
2️⃣ Mention Leave Days and Flexibility
Time off is a big factor in candidate decision-making, especially in high-stress roles like investigations.
Example:
“Enjoy 15 days of paid time off, 12 paid holidays, plus flexible comp time for after-hours or weekend case work.”
3️⃣ Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Even experienced investigators want to know they’ll keep learning.
Example:
“We invest in your professional growth with an annual training budget, covering advanced certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE).”
4️⃣ Add a Video from the Hiring Manager or Chief Investigator
A 1–2 minute Loom or YouTube video introducing the team, explaining case types, and sharing why the role matters can dramatically increase applicant engagement.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5️⃣ Showcase Employee Testimonials or Case Highlights
Brief quotes from current investigators or a non-confidential success story can help candidates picture themselves on your team.
Example:
“Joining the Special Investigations Division has been the highlight of my career. Every day feels like I’m making a tangible difference.” – Alex R., Senior Investigator
6️⃣ Use a Respectful Application Process
Be clear about timelines and keep candidates informed. Even stating “We reply to every application” builds trust and goodwill.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
It’s tempting to let AI tools write your job descriptions for you. In fact, many hiring platforms now offer “one-click” job description generators. But here’s the problem—if you rely on AI without giving it the right input, you’ll end up with something that’s:
- Generic and lifeless
- Packed with vague, overused phrases
- Indistinguishable from hundreds of other postings online
For a role as specialized as Criminal Investigator, that’s a missed opportunity. You’re not just hiring anyone—you’re hiring a professional who needs to trust your organization’s integrity, mission, and standards before they apply.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
Typing “Write a job description for a Criminal Investigator” into an AI tool and copy-pasting the result. This will produce the same boilerplate language candidates have read 50 times before.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
Use AI as a polishing assistant, not a substitute for your own knowledge of the role.
- Start with your raw details:
- What your agency/company does
- The kinds of cases this investigator will work on
- Your culture and values
- The exact skills and experience you need (or are willing to train for)
- Perks, benefits, and growth opportunities
- Your hiring process and timelines
- What your agency/company does
- Then, prompt AI like this:
“Help me write a job post for our company, [Your Organization Name]. We’re hiring a [Criminal Investigator] to work on [case types]. Our culture is [describe your culture] and we want to attract candidates who are [ideal traits]. We offer [benefits] and follow this hiring process: [describe process]. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Use a human, conversational tone.” - Finally, review and edit the AI output so it still sounds like your organization—and reflects the reality of the role.
Bottom line: AI can save you time, but your authenticity is what will attract the right candidate. Use AI to refine your message, not define it.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast. Maybe you’ve already read through this guide and understand how to write a great job description, but you still want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and adapt in minutes.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational / Culture-First Template
📌 Job Title: Criminal Investigator — Special Investigations Unit ([Company Name])
📍 Location: [City, State/Region]
💼 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] | [On-Site/Hybrid/Remote]
💰 Salary Range: [$XX,000–$YY,000] per year (DOE)
🕒 Schedule: [e.g., Mon–Fri; occasional evenings/weekends for case work]
🎥 A quick word from your hiring manager: [Loom/YouTube link — 1–2 min intro]
Who We Are
[Company Name] investigates and prosecutes high-impact cases for a community of approximately [X] residents/clients. Our Special Investigations Unit handles complex matters—[violent crime / financial fraud / public corruption / organized crime]—working closely with prosecutors/clients to build cases that stand up in court.
Our Culture
Detail-obsessed, ethical, collaborative. Accuracy is non-negotiable, integrity is everything, and great investigations are a team effort. You’ll have access to modern tools and ongoing training.
What You’ll Do
- Lead end-to-end investigations on assigned cases
- Process scenes; collect and preserve physical/digital evidence (chain of custody)
- Interview witnesses, victims, and suspects; write sworn statements
- Analyze records (financial, phone, geolocation); draft affidavits/warrants
- Coordinate with partner agencies; testify credibly in court
What We’re Looking For
- [3+ years] in criminal investigations (law enforcement, DA/AG office, or similar)
- Expertise in evidence handling, report writing, and courtroom procedure
- High ethical standards; sound judgment under pressure
- Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice/Criminology (preferred); valid driver’s license
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
Your work directly impacts public safety. You’ll own meaningful cases, collaborate with experienced prosecutors/partners, and see investigations through to resolution.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer contributions
- [#] days PTO + [#] paid holidays + comp time for after-hours work
- Annual training budget (e.g., interviewing, financial crimes, DFIR)
- Equipment stipend; secured laptop/phone
- Certification support (e.g., CFE, CFCE) and tuition assistance
Our Hiring Process
We value skill over résumé headlines. Through WorkScreen.io, you’ll complete brief, role-relevant exercises (evidence handling, case summary). We review every application and keep you updated at each step.
📥 Apply Now: [Insert WorkScreen link]
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements”
📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Criminal Investigator — Corporate/Compliance Investigations ([Company Name])
📍 Location: [City, State/Region] ([On-Site/Hybrid/Remote])
💼 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [$XX,000–$YY,000] per year (DOE)
🕒 Schedule: [e.g., Mon–Fri; occasional flexibility for interviews/site visits]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is a [boutique/enterprise] investigations team focused on [corporate misconduct / internal fraud / regulatory compliance / third-party due diligence]. We’re hiring an entry-level investigator to support casework—full training provided.
Responsibilities
- Assist senior investigators in evidence collection and analysis
- Conduct OSINT and records review; draft case memos and timelines
- Support interviews with witnesses and stakeholders; take accurate notes
- Maintain case files; prepare client-ready reports and exhibits
- Learn legal/ethical standards for confidentiality and evidence handling
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (any field; CJ/Accounting/InfoSec a plus—not required)
- Strong writing, organization, and discretion with sensitive info
- Analytical mindset; comfort with spreadsheets/basic data tools
- Valid driver’s license; occasional regional travel up to [#]%
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision coverage
- 401(k)/retirement plan with employer match
- [#] days PTO + [#] holidays + [e.g., winter break/flex time]
- Annual learning stipend of [$X,XXX] + certification sponsorship (e.g., CFE)
- Commuter/phone stipend; modern research tools and secure laptop
- Wellness reimbursement; [quarterly/annual] team offsites
Our Hiring Process
We hire for potential. Via WorkScreen.io, you’ll complete short, role-relevant exercises (e.g., summarize a mock interview, flag inconsistencies in a dataset). We review all applications and reply within [timeframe, e.g., two weeks].
📥 Apply Now: [Insert WorkScreen link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Writing a strong job description is only half the battle. Once your post is live, the real challenge begins—sifting through applications to find the candidates who can actually do the job.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
✅ Quickly Identify Your Most Promising Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Test Real Skills, Not Just Résumés
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Filter Out Low-Effort Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ Save Hours on Screening
Spend less time reading through résumés and more time speaking with the best-qualified people.
Ready to make your hiring process as strong as your job post?
Create your Criminal Investigator job description in WorkScreen, share the link anywhere, and let the platform handle fair, skill-based evaluations for you.
and start hiring smarter, faster, and more confidently.
FAQs - Data Architect Job Description
A Data Architect designs the blueprint for how data is stored, integrated, secured, and accessed across an organization. They set the high-level strategy, models, and standards.
A Data Engineer builds and maintains the systems that follow that blueprint—creating pipelines, cleaning data, and ensuring it flows reliably.
Think of the architect as the city planner and the engineer as the builder who constructs the roads and buildings.
A Data Analyst focuses on interpreting data, creating reports, and uncovering insights to guide business decisions.
A Data Architect focuses on designing the infrastructure that allows analysts—and other data consumers—to access accurate, reliable, and well-organized data in the first place.
Key skills include:
- Expertise in data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical)
- Mastery of SQL and experience with major cloud data warehouses
- Strong grasp of data governance and security compliance
- Familiarity with ETL/ELT frameworks and orchestration tools
- Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Strategic thinking—balancing current needs with future scalability
In the U.S., the average base salary for a Data Architect is typically $120,000–$150,000 per year, with senior or specialized roles often exceeding $160,000. Compensation varies by location, industry, company size, and experience level.
